The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Silver Star to Major General Olinto Mark Barsanti (ASN: 0-34037/0-389038), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major General Barsanti distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 28 April 1968 to 1 May 1968 as Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division during the conduct of a cordon operation in Thon Phouc Yen. The operation began 28 April when four rifle companies of General Barsanti’s command responded to intelligence information and, by his personal direction, encircled the Phouc Yen Hamlet where a North Vietnamese Army battalion was entrenched. Throughout the four days of bitter fighting which ensued, General Barsanti spent most of his time on the ground, moving from position to position under hostile fire, giving subordinate commanders detailed guidance and advice, and bolstering the morale of the fatigued and battle weary troops. With utter disregard for his safety, he accompanied two companies during their drive deep into the enemy’s position, inspiring the infantrymen by his presence to press the attack. As the desperate insurgents launched repeated attempts to break through the constricting cordon, General Barsanti continually moved to the critical points of contact at crucial times to insure the enemy’s containment and to adjust troop deployment as the situation warranted. Undeterred by the pain of a leg wound suffered in an earlier battle, he maintained control of the operation from the line, enabling the combined 101st Airborne Division and 1st Vietnamese Army Division forces to achieve one of the most staggering victories dealt to the enemy in a single action during the war. As a direct result of General Barsanti’s heroic leadership and personal gallantry, the Phouc Yen cordon operation resulted in almost total elimination of the enemy forces engaged. His valorous action, shrewd tactical advice and inspirational example on the battlefield were major contributing factors to the success of this operation. Major General Barsanti’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
April 30, 1968
Headquarters, Provisional Corps Vietnam, General Orders No. 73 (June 23, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major General Olinto Mark Barsanti (ASN: 0-34037/0-389038), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major General Barsanti distinguished himself while he was in his Command and Control aircraft on one of his numerous visits to the units in the field. The sky was heavily overcast with rain and extremely low cloud ceiling. The terrain was mountainous with dense triple canopy jungle. The enemy was known to be in the immediate vicinity of Fire Support Base Bastogne as was evidenced by frequent mortar attacks on the fire base. As General Barsanti’s helicopter ascended from the landing zone at Bastogne, it was necessary to maintain a low latitude because of marginal weather conditions. Within seconds after takeoff and approximately 1500 meters east of the fire base, enemy automatic weapons fire tore into the helicopter. One round crashed through the floor striking a jump support brace shattering the metal and throwing shrapnel throughout the helicopter. Numerous pieced of metal pierced General Barsanti’s leg causing painful wounds and bleeding. General Barsanti immediately directed his door gunners to rake the enemy position with a heavy volume of fire so as to fix them in position. At the same time he called for artillery and adjusted it onto target. Without regard for his safety, in full cognizance of the vulnerability of his low flying aircraft he continued to give fire commands. Within seconds after the rounds pierced the helicopter, Artillery fire which was raining in on the target with extreme accuracy had silenced the enemy position and ostensibly killed its defenders. During the time General Barsanti directed fire on the enemy, he refused medical attention offered by others in the helicopter. Only after he was positive the enemy was fully engaged and all available fire power was directed on the Viet Cong positions did he allow his helicopter to proceed to a hospital some 20 minutes flying time away. Throughout his flight to the hospital, General Barsanti continued to direct the actions to eliminate the enemy position. General Barsanti’s swift actions and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
9th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
May 28, 1951
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 607 (August 2, 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Olinto Mark Barsanti (ASN: 0-34037), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division in the vicinity of Inje, Korea. On 28 May 1951, Colonel Barsanti, on duty at the regimental command post, received word that the commanding officer of Company G had been wounded and evacuated during a fierce encounter with the enemy that was still raging. Immediately, he proceeded to the area of the battle and took command of the battered troops. After estimating the situation, Colonel Barsanti launched and personally led an assault against the strongly fortified enemy emplacements. Despite the heavy and accurate enemy fire pouring down on them, he kept advancing, all the while encouraging his men to go forward. His complete disregard for his own safety so inspired the troops, that they successfully routed the enemy and secured their objective. The undaunted courage, inspiring leadership and steadfast devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Barsanti in this action reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) [then Major)Regiment:
38th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
December 1944
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 119 (October 12, 1944)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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) [then Major) Olinto Mark Barsanti (ASN: 0-34037/0-389038), United States Army, for gallantry and disregard for personal safety and loyalty to command in December 1944. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major (Infantry)Regiment:
38th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
June 16, 1944
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 86 (1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Olinto Mark Barsanti (ASN: 0-34037/0-389038), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 16 June 1944, in France. On that date, the battalion commanded by Major Barsanti was severely counter-attacked by the enemy in the vicinity of Le Souaire, France. Setting up a hasty defense system, Major Barsanti successfully stopped the counter attack and when ordered to set up a defense position, pushed as close to enemy lines as possible. During the organization of this position, Major Barsanti moved from installation to installation in the face of enemy small arms and mortar fire with total disregard for his own personal safety. The information thus secured was of great value in coordinating the entire front, and the defense setup was never penetrated by the enemy. The leadership and heroism displayed by this officer in the face of enemy fire reflects highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 50 (September 26, 1968)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 Olinto Mark Barsanti (ASN: 0-34037/0-389038), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, during the period from July 1967 through July 1968. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Barsanti and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (General Staff Corps)Division:
X CorpsAction Date:
October 19 & 20, 1950
Headquarters, X Corps: General Orders No. 28 (November 14, 1950)The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (General Staff Corps) Olinto Mark Barsanti (ASN: 0-34037/0-389038), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the General Staff Corps, X Corps. Lieutenant Colonel Barsanti distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea. During the period 19 October 1950 through 20 October 1950, Colonel Barsanti was directed to contact two Republic of Korea Infantry Divisions operating at a distance of eighty miles from the Command Post, X Corps, to arrange for the coordination of their operations with those of other United States Forces. The route to these divisions lay over a dangerous mountainous route intermittently occupied by organized enemy forces and guerrillas. Movement of individual vehicles by daylight was hazardous and movement by night was considered unfeasible. Lieutenant Colonel Barsanti, in order to complete his mission, moved continuously to contact the leading elements of both the Sixth and Eighth Republic of Korea Divisions. In order to reach both divisions, Lieutenant Colonel Barsanti had to move both day and night, a total of 190 miles over mountain roads in the rain for a period of thirty-six hours in an individual jeep. During this movement, he was stopped twice by enemy automatic and individual small arms fire at short ranges and was under small arms fire six times. After contacting the Sixth and Eighth Republic of Korea Divisions in the vicinity of Pyongjiwon, Lieutenant Colonel Barsanti, on his own initiative and with complete disregard for his safety, accompanied the leading elements of the Sixth and Eight Republic of Korea Divisions for an additional twenty-five miles in order to obtain valuable information important to the success of the X Corps’ mission of forming a junction with other United Nations units. Again, Lieutenant Colonel Barsanti traveled over muddy, narrow mountainous roads, through enemy-infested areas, until the leading elements were stopped southwest and northwest of Songchon, North Korea, and although subjected again to enemy automatic and small arms fire, he obtained the information required. This action on the part of Lieutenant Colonel Barsanti reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Action Date:
August 23 – November 2, 1950
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Olinto Mark Barsanti (ASN: 0-34037/0-389038), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in Korea during the period from 23 August 1950 to 2 November 1950. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Barsanti and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
March 31, 1968
Headquarters, Provisional Corps Vietnam, General Orders No. 35 (May 20, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Major General Olinto Mark Barsanti (ASN: 0-34037/0-389038), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity on 31 March 1968 while serving as Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division during the conduct of a search and destroy operation in the Hue area, Quang Dien District, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. The weather was hot and clear with an unlimited visibility and a high ceiling. The terrain consisted of rice paddies interspersed with dense woodlines and numerous streams. The enemy force consisted of a North Vietnamese Army unit of unknown size; well dug in with excellent camouflage and overhead cover. Company B, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, was preparing to sweep the western bank of the Song Bo River from which they had received intense enemy fire the previous day. The morale of the unit was very low as they had taken several casualties and had not recovered four persons missing in that action. Major General Barsanti distinguished himself by landing in B Company’s position, without regard to the precarious situation or the imminent danger of enemy contact. Seeing the Division Commander in person greatly boosted the morale of the battle weary troopers. Major General Barsanti then began to discuss the tactical considerations regarding the forthcoming recovery sweep with the Company Commander who had recently assumed command of the unit. Major General Barsanti had not concluded his briefing when suddenly the Company Command Post came under an intense mortar attack from an unknown size enemy force. Major General Barsanti calmed the situation just by his presence and pointed out the possible enemy target to the young commander. Major General Barsanti remained on the ground with the Company Commander until he had concluded the briefing thereby enabling the inexperienced commander to successfully accomplish his mission. After the attack had lulled, then and only then, would Major General Barsanti leave the area. Once airborne, he directed his Command and Control aircraft to fly at an extremely low altitude and ordered suppressive fire to be placed on the suspected enemy positions. A fearless and brave leader who sets the example for the men he commands, Major General Barsanti’s valorous actions and personal bravery at the risk of his own life reflect great credit upon himself, the officers and men of the 101st Airborne Division.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Action Date:
June 27 – July 12, 1950
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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Olinto Mark Barsanti (ASN: 0-34037/0-389038), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1, of the Advance Command Post of General Headquarters, during the period 27 June to 12 July 1950. Lieutenant Colonel Barsanti was responsible for setting up the entire administrative organization of the headquarters for the Advance Command Post and United States Army in Korea including Korean Military Advisory Group. Unassisted, except for indigenous personnel, he was successful in establishing all necessary systems and facilities for administration, receipt of replacements, care of prisoners of war, mess, billeting, and transportation; as well as strength and casualty reporting systems. In addition to performing all G-1 administration duties, he spent long and arduous hours canvassing the entire area from the Han River to Suwon in an effort to assist reorganization of the forces of the Republic of South Korea. By his tireless efforts and devotion to duty he contributed in outstanding degree to the mission of the United Nations in Korea.
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Legion of Merit
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 Major General Olinto Mark Barsanti (ASN: 0-34037/0-389038), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, Headquarters, FIFTH United States Army, Fort Sheridan, Illinois, during the period August 1968 to June 1971. In this position of great responsibility, he displayed the highest degree of leadership, executive skill and managerial ability in molding together and directing an Army Headquarters staff to plan, coordinate and execute the missions and policies of the FIFTH United States Army. General Barsanti developed in the staff a genuine spirit of teamwork, camaraderie, and mutual support which enabled it to meet its many diversified and unrelated missions. General Barsanti’s exceptional qualities of leadership, knowledge, and foresight were particularly in evidence during civil disturbances incident to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968, the major spring floods in 1969, and the postal strike in 1970. On each of these occasions his exceptional competence and efficient military manner reflected most creditably on the military establishment and the Federal Government. Although General Barsanti’s achievements were accomplished during a period of austere budgets, the fact that FIFTH United States Army was able to redistribute fund resources associated with fluctuating logistical requirements and yet maintain a proper balance within priorities and minimize supply constraints attests to the soundness and competence of his applied knowledge and leadership. Additionally, General Barsanti’s adept participation in handling sensitive legal issues, involving the local community, has proved invaluable in assuring that complex issues were resolved to the best interests of the Army while maintaining harmonious relations with the civilian community. The service of General Barsanti during his tenure as Chief of Staff, FIFTH United States Army has been characterized by the highest qualities of leadership, integrity and professionalism. His devoted service to his country and the United States Army reflects the highest credit on him, the FIFTH United States Army and the United States Army.