The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Staff Sergeant Joseph Louis Barrow (ASN: 32193789), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 30 August 1943 to 10 October 1944. As a member of a Special Services Division Mission which toured through Army camps in the United States and the European, North African-Mediterranean, and Italian Theaters of operation, Staff Sergeant Barrow has entertained two million soldiers by frequent boxing exhibitions which entailed considerable risk to his boxing future as the champion heavyweight of the world, but he willingly volunteered such action rather than disappoint the soldiers who desired to see him in the ring. Whenever possible he visited the camp and theater hospital and his encouragement to sick and wounded soldiers had a definite recovery value and morale lift. His services merited and received acclaim from ranking commanders in the various theaters.