WILLIAM B. BARBER, Hospital Corpsman Third Class, United States Naval Reserve: For extraordinary heroism on 25 November 1968 while serving as a corpsman with Company “I”, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with combat operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During the afternoon hours, Petty Officer (then Hospitalman) Barber was accompanying a platoon engaged in patrol activities in Quang Tri Province. While crossing an abandoned landing zone, the unit was attacked by a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army force employing command-detonated mines, rocket-propelled grenades, and automatic weapons which wounded four Marines and forced the others to seek cover in a nearby wooded area. Observing that the four casualties were lying dangerously exposed to hostile fire, Petty Officer Barber disregarded his own safety to reach one of the fallen men. After administering first aid, Petty Officer Barber moved the man to a safer position and, undaunted by the extremely heavy volume of enemy fire, boldly maneuvered across the area on two more occasions to provide medical care and assist the second and third casualties to covered positions. He then braved the intense fire for a fourth time, placing himself between the last of the wounded Marines and the enemy fire during the fifteen minutes required to administer first aid. With the supporting fire of helicopters on station and the concentrated fire of his platoon, Petty Officer Barber was able to remove the wounded Marine to the relative safety of the wooded area. He then skillfully rendered medical aid and comforted all four casualties, directing their movement to a medical evacuation helicopter for embarkation and extraction. By his superb professional skill, outstanding valor, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Petty Officer Barber inspired all who observed him and was instrumental in saving four lives. His daring initiative was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Barber joined the Legion of Valor in 2005 and resides in Texas. He is a LIFE MEMBER of the Legion of Valor.