The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Clifford A. Barto (ASN: US-55037265), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 21 September 1951 in the vicinity of Pia-ri, Korea. On that date, Corporal Barto was a wire team chief in charge of installing and maintaining wire communications between the battalion forward command post and several rifle companies which were engaged in an offensive action against a numerically superior enemy force. During this action, Corporal Barto accompanied the assaulting elements and was informed that part of the wire line to the forward command post had been destroyed by the enemy mortar fire. In the face of intense hostile fire, Corporal Barto, with complete disregard for his personal safety, went to check and repair the broken line. While all the troops were seeking cover, he tenaciously walked the line and upon finding the break repaired it, thus restoring vital communications. In the attempt to return to his position, he was wounded by enemy mortar fragments. The courageous action demonstrated by Corporal Barto was highly responsible for the successful completion of the unit’s mission. The gallantry in action displayed by Corporal Barto on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.