The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal John Michael Barrett (MCSN: 323621), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Leader of a Rifle Squad in Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 10 June 1951. Painfully wounded by hostile grenade fire while leading his men in an attack against a strong enemy hill position, Corporal Barrett courageously refused medical attention and, pressing forward through the intense hostile fire, resolutely continued the attack. Although wounded a second time, he paused only long enough to receive first aid and again charged forward across the fire-swept ground, inspiring his men to follow him in the final assault of the position. While engaged in overrunning the emplacement and routing the entrenched enemy, he was struck by hostile small-arms fire and fell, mortally wounded. By his valiant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds, Corporal Barrett aided immeasurably in the successful seizure of this strategic terrain and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.