The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Mabry D. Barker (ASN: 39705634), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action over enemy territory while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the EIGHTH Air Force, 16 August 1944. Attacked by three enemy fighters, Sergeant Barker drove off two of them by accurate fun fire, but not before one of them placed a 20-mm. shell in the tail gun compartment. Several rounds of ammunition exploded, one shell passing completely through Sergeant Barker’s right thigh, knocking him back onto the catwalk. Despite profuse bleeding and severe pain, he dragged himself back into position and aggressively remained at his guns, destroying the third plane which was still pressing the attack. Not until the battle was over did Sergeant Barker inform his Pilot that he was wounded and submit to first aid. His fortitude and devotion to duty were contributing factors in the safe return of his plane and fellow crewmen. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Barker, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.