The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant Ignatius E. Barran (ASN: 6996085), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the 28th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, in action over Rabaul, New Britain, on 7 August 1942. Sergeant Barran was side gunner on a B-17E type aircraft on a bombardment mission over enemy territory at Rabaul. The formation was attacked by twenty Zeros, and in a fierce engagement which lasted for twenty-five minutes, seven enemy planes were shot down. Sergeant Barran was alert at his position and fired his guns with such unerring accuracy as to almost entirely disrupt the fighter attack, enabling the formation to proceed over the target. The bombing attack was highly successful and a great deal of damage was done to enemy material and ground installations. The results of this mission contributed greatly to the success of the Allied offensive in the Southwest Pacific Area.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Ignatius Edward Barran (ASN: 6996085), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Gunner on a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 28th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Barran, 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.