The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant George L. Barber, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while serving as Waist Gunner of a B-17 airplane on a number of bombing missions over Germany and German occupied countries, from 20 June 1944 to 4 November 1944. Throughout this period of operations Sergeant Barber performed his duties in an exceptionally proficient manner. He has flown twenty-seven missions to targets in Germany in the face of fighter opposition and anti-aircraft fire. On 12 September 1944 the formation in which Sergeant Barber was flying was subjected to concentrated attacks by hostile aircraft. Rallying to the defense of his airplane he warded off many enemy aircraft from his gun position. On 28 June 1944 Sergeant Barber’s aircraft sustained flak hits which caused the loss of one engine and inflicted other damage. He immediately went to the aid of the wounded tail gunner and skillfully rendered first aid. On all these occasions Sergeant Barber has served with distinction. His actions contributed to the success of the operations in which he participated. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Sergeant Barber reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.