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[G. O. 78]
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attacked. Each time Private First Class Squires ignored withering enemy auto-
matic fire and grenades which struck all around him and fired hundreds of rounds
of rifle, Browning automatic, and captured German Spandau machine gun am-
munition at the enemy, inflicting numerous casualties and materially aiding in
repulsing the attacks. Following these fights he moved 50 yards to the south
end of the outpost and engaged 21 German soldiers in individual machine gun
duels at point-blank range, forcing all 21 enemy to surrender and capturing 13
more Spandau guns. Learning the function of this weapon by questioning a
German officer prisoner, he placed the captured guns in position and instructed
other members of his platoon in their operation. The next night, when the Ger-
mans attacked the outpost again, he killed three and wounded more Germans
with captured potato masher grenades and fire from his Spandau gun. Private
First Class Squires was killed in a subsequent action.
IV__MEDAL OF HONOR.--By direction of the President, under the provi-
sions of the act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (Bull. 43, WD, 1918), a Medal
of Honor was awarded by the War Department in the name of Congress to the
following-named enlisted man:
Private Carlton W. Barrett (Army serial No. 12005025), Headquarters Com-
pany, • • • Infantry, United States Army. For gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944 in the vicinity
of St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France. On the morning of D-day Private Barrett, land-
ing in the face of extremely heavy enemy fire, was forced to wade ashore through
neck-deep water. Disregarding the personal danger he returned to the surf again
and again to assist his floundering comrades and save them from drowning. Re-
fusing to remain pinned down by the intense barrage of small-arms and mortar
fire poured at the landing points, Private Barrett, working with fierce determina-
tion, saved many lives by carrying casualties to an evacuation boat lying offshore.
In addition to his assigned mission as guide he carried dispatches the length of
the fire-swept beach; he assisted the wounded; he calmed the shocked; he arose
as leader in the stress of the occasion. Hi coolness and his dauntless, daring
courage while constantly risking his life during a period of many hours had an
inestimable effect on his comrades and is in keeping with the highest traditions
of the Army of the United States.
V__ SILVER STAR.--By direction of the President, under the provisions of
the act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (Bull. 43, WD 1918) and the act of
Congress approved 15 December 1942 (Bull. 61, WD 1942), a Silver Star was
awarded by the War Department to the following-named individual:
Richard M. Day, accredited war correspondent. For gallantry in action while
accompanying our combat forces at Wakde Island on 28 May 1944. Mr. Day was
a passenger in one of the landing craft in the first wave when intense enemy
small-arms and 20-mm fire was encountered. The coxswain of the boat was
killed and without hesitation Mr. Day took control of the landing craft although
under intense fire from the enemy-held beach. After relinquishing the wheel
to the engine man he assisted in lowering the hand-operated ramp when the
craft arrived at the beach. In this landing Mr. Day's prompt and courageous
action was of great assistance to our forces.
VI__AIR MEDAL.--By direction of the President, under the provisions of
Executive Order No. 9158, 11 May 1942 (Bull. 25, WD, 1942), as amended by
Executive Order No. 9242-A, 11 September 1942 (Bull 49, WD, 1942), an Air
AGO 31B
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