Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

x, Royal Australian Air Force

Awarded on:

October 6th, 1942

"Shortly after midnight on August 2, 1942, Sergeant Barton was present when a four-engine bomber of the U.S. Army Air Force, attemting to land after completing an operational mission, crashed into a building at the edge of its airdrome, spread gasoline over a wide area, and burst into flames. Eight members of the crew were known to be in the airplane, and several persons in the building. All were in seriously injured condition and were struggling to escape from the burning wreckage. Tracer, incendiary, and ball ammunition, scattered by the impact, began to explode from the heat of the flames. With complete disregard for his safety and at great risk of his life, Sergeant Barton repeatedly fought his way into the flaming area and aided in extricating the injured personell."