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) Joseph D. Barry, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Chaplain with the 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, on or about 29 July 1943. When a company in his battalion suffered heavy casualties as a result of enemy fire near San Stefano, Sicily, Chaplain Barry disregarded intense fire to aid and comfort the wounded and to administer Last Rites to the dying. He directed evacuation of the wounded and refused to leave the area until all casualties were removed. Later he led searching parties into minefields to recover the bodies of men who had died. Chaplain Barry’s cool efficiency under fire and cheerful acceptance of danger and hardships were an inspiration to all who served with him and aroused the troops to greater efficiency. His conduct reflects high credit on the Chaplains Corps of the United States Army.