“For outstanding heroism in action as a Fire Support Ship and as Radar Picket Ship during the Okinawa Campaign, from March 21 to June 30, 1945. A natural and frequent target for heavy Japanese aerial and submarine attack while operating off Okinawa, the U.S.S. BARTON defeated all efforts of the enemy to destroyer her. Constantly vigilant and ready for battle, she rendered invaluable service in providing fire support, as a part of the anti-submarine and antiaircraft screens, as a unit of the anti-suicide-boat and anti-small-boat patrols, and as radar picket ship, inflicting heavy damage on enemy material and personnel. With her own gunfire, she downed four hostile planes, assisted in the destruction of four others and sank one enemy midget submarine. A gallant, fighting ship, the BARTON, her officers and her men withstood the stress and perils of these hazardous missions to provide effective Naval gunfire support for our ground operations on Okinawa, achieving a distinctive combat record which attests the teamwork, courage and skill of her entire company and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Source: NARA Modern Military Records (NECTM). Textual Archives Services Division.
