(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 Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Thomas J. Barrett (ASN: 0-479449), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with as Chaplain with the 5307th Composite Group (Merrill’s Marauders), in operations in Burma in 1944. Upon learning that elements of the 5307th Composite Unit were without a chaplain, Chaplain Barrett volunteered to join them in their hazardous assignment in Burma, ministering to the men under fire until he contracted malaria and was evacuated. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Barrett, 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.