John Andrew Barnes III

Branch

U.S. Army

Era

Vietnam War

Home state

Massachusetts

Action

Dak, Republic of Vietnam

The citation

Official citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Private First Class Barnes distinguished himself by exceptional heroism while engaged in combat against hostile forces. Private First Class Barnes was serving as a grenadier when his unit was attacked by a North Vietnamese force, estimated to be a battalion. Upon seeing the crew of a machine gun team killed, Private First Class Barnes, without hesitation, dashed through the bullet swept area, manned the machine gun, and killed 9 enemy soldiers as they assaulted his position. While pausing just long enough to retrieve more ammunition, Private First Class Barnes observed an enemy grenade thrown into the midst of some severely wounded personnel close to his position. Realizing that the grenade could further injure or kill the majority of the wounded personnel, he sacrificed his life by throwing himself directly onto the hand grenade as it exploded. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, he averted a probable loss of life and injury to the wounded members of his unit. Private First Class Barnes' extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Sources

• U.S. Army Medal of Honor citation index