The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Major Frank P. Barker, Jr. (MCSN: 0-9417), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during operations in Korea while serving as Logistics Officer for Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-THREE from 5 January to 26 March 1952, and as Commanding Officer of Marine Air Base Squadron THIRTY-THREE from 27 March 1952 to 9 June 1952. As Logistics Officer, major Barker was confronted with the complexity attendant to operations supported by this Group. It was largely due to his unsparing efforts and profound knowledge of his duties that the aircraft availability was maintained at such a high level. As Air Base Squadron Commander, Major Barker displayed at all times a thorough understanding of and arrived at logical sound solutions to the many problems inherent in the operation of an Air Base. Due to his exceptional degree of ingenuity in improvising for urgently needed construction, a comfortable and efficiently designed Group camp was erected which reflected directly in the morale of the troops and efficiency of the combat squadrons. He coordinated the working plans of all construction and of the extension and modification of the runway, hardstands and taxiways so as to cause the minimum of interference to the tactical operation of the Group. Major Barker’s extraordinary skill and unremitting devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 9185 (July 16, 1952) -
Distinguished Flying Cross
Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 1962 (February 22, 1952)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Frank P. Barker, Jr. (MCSN: 0-9417), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea on 14 November 1951. Major Barker, as leader of a flight of 12 AD’s took off on a pre-briefed railcut mission at the direction of the Joint Operations Center. Arriving at the target area between Wonsan and Hoehang-ni, Major Barker split his flight into three divisions and led a well planned and executed simultaneous attack, causing diversion of the intense automatic weapons fire being received, and scoring several direct railcuts with 1,000-pound bombs. While returning to his home base, Major Barker, on his own initiative, contacted Bromide Able, a Tactical Air Direction Center with the FIRST Marine Division, for possible use of his flight for close air support or an interdiction strike to utilize rockets and bombs not expended on the primary target. He was directed to contact Marlin Mosquito 4 for control. At the direction of this controller, Major Barker led the attack against enemy troop concentrations and storage areas in and near the village of Yangjin-ni, executing numerous bombing and strafing runs. Disregarding intense small arms and automatic weapons fire, he made repeated bombing runs and scored direct bomb hits on seven buildings, resulting in explosions and secondary fires. After his bombs were expended, he led his flight to the nearby village of Sapyong-ni and pressing home his attack at very low altitude, strafed this area, resulting in several fires and heavy casualties to enemy troops. Major Barker’s initiative, leadership, and efficient actions, and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.