Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) George Bittman Barth (ASN: 0-11241), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division. On 7 August 1944 at ****, France, when a special force led by Colonel Barth arrived at ****, he was heavily attacked by enemy Infantry and Artillery. He personally directed a rapid attack driving the enemy Infantry back, and disregarding the threat to his flank, he personally remained at a position under fire, directing his column in a rapid advance past the threatening enemy forces completing their encirclement and resulting in the capture of several hundred prisoners. Later, in order to advance on **** when his column was stopped by enemy Infantry and Anti-tank weapons Colonel Barth personally went forward and observed the reduction of a road block, under fire from enemy Anti-tank guns and small arms. This gallant action was a fine example to his soldiers and is in keeping with the highest military traditions. Also, on August 7, Colonel Barth was ordered to cross the **** River south of the city and to outflank the defense of the city from the south. All crossings over the river were destroyed. Colonel Barth placed himself at the head of the Battalion designated to make the crossing and realizing that speed was essential he collected all available small boats and personally, in the face of possible enemy resistance, crossed with the first squad so that he could personally reconnoiter and direct the rapid movement of the Battalion in executing the flank envelopment. His rapid movement and personal leadership brushed aside enemy defenses and the city was quickly occupied and secured.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    Division Artillery

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 3, 1950

    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 146 (February 20, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Brigadier General George Bittman Barth (ASN: 0-11241), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding General, Division Artillery, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 September 1950, northwest of Chirwon, Korea, General Barth was inspecting Battery B, 64th Field Artillery Battalion area when a strong infiltrating hostile force suddenly assailed the position. Although under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire, he calmly moved from man to man, directing their fire and encouraging hem to maximum effort. When the Battery displaced to new positions, he remained in the exposed area to supervise the orderly evacuation of all casualties, equipment and personnel. General Barth’s courageous leadership was an inspiration to his men and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    Division Artillery

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 11 & 12, 1950

    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 246 (October 26, 1950)

    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 Brigadier General George Bittman Barth (ASN: 0-11241), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding General, Division Artillery, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 11 and 12 August 1950, when elements of the Division were subjected to repeated fanatic attacks by numerically superior hostile forces in the vicinity of Chinju, Korea, General Barth made frequent trips to the forward positions of the infantry units over roads exposed to heavy concentrations of hostile fire to obtain accurate information on the disposition of enemy forces and coordinate supporting artillery fire. On 12 August 1950, General Barth organized isolated units into a task force and led them in an attack to clear the main supply route and rescue a beleaguered battalion. While at a forward command post, General Barth coordinated artillery fire to repulse a hostile force which threatened envelopment of the command post; when the area had been secured, he arranged for air evacuation of the wounded. General Barth’s conspicuous courage, inspired leadership and notable tactical skill served as an inspiration to his men and contributed materially to the successful operations of the Division during a most critical period. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    July 1950 – June 1951

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 50 (July 16, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General George Bittman Barth (ASN: 0-11241), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from July 1950 to June 1951. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Barth and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    December 1, 1952 – November 12, 1957

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2 (January 9, 1958)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General George Bittman Barth (ASN: 0-11241), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility from 1 December 1952 to 12 November 1957. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Barth and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    357th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    90th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Colonel (Infantry) George Bittman Barth (ASN: 0-11241), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Barth and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    357th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    90th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) George Bittman Barth (ASN: 0-11241), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Barth and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    357th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    90th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 27 – 28, 1944

    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 85 (November 6, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) George Bittman Barth (ASN: 0-11241), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 27 – 28 October 1944. Following the landings at Normandy, Colonel Barth led his regiment on breakthrough operations across France with the THIRD Army until 28 October 1944, when he was seriously wounded in action near Metz, France, and had to be evacuated. Colonel Barth’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.