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 Private First Class Edgar Frederick Barker (ASN: 38018244), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the *** Field Artillery Battalion (105-mm.), 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Anzio, Italy, on 18 February 1944. Private Barker was a member of an Infantry forward observer party occupying a house on an outpost line. Supporting Infantry troops were forced to withdraw under heavy enemy fire, leaving the observation post with no protection. After the building was hit twice by enemy’s hell fire and it became evident that the position was extremely hazardous, the officer in charge of the observer party ordered his men to withdraw. Private Barker, the telephone operator, voluntarily remained in the position and assisted the observer in adjusting artillery fire on a hostile force estimated to be an infantry battalion with supporting armor. As the enemy advanced on the observation post, artillery fire was directed progressively nearer the house, until the observer’s final order called for fire to land directly on the position occupied by himself and Private Barker. Private First Class Barker’s extraordinary heroism, 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 and the United States Army.