Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pharmacist's Mate 2nd Class

Unit:

1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to James Dudley Barker, Pharmacist's Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with a Rifle Company of the First Battalion, Second Marines, Second Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Barker was seriously wounded while he was disembarking from an amphibious tractor on the strongly fortified Japanese beachhead. He refused medical attention and cared for his own wound. Undaunted by a constant hail of enemy machinegun and mortar fire, he administered first aid to wounded comrades on the beach in spite of his own intense pain. Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Barker was urged to seek protection in a nearby dugout with other casualties, but he remained at his post until he was mortally wounded by an enemy sniper. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Barker undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.


Posthumously awarded.