Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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World War II - U.S. Army

Carlton William Barrett

Details
  • Rank: Private (Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant)
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    18th Infantry,
    1st Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: June 6, 1944
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: in the vicinity of St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France
Citation

For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in the vicinity of St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France. On the morning of D-day, Pvt. Barrett, landing in the face of extremely heavy enemy fire, was forced to wade ashore through neck-deep water. Disregarding the personal danger, he returned to the surf again and again to assist his floundering comrades and save them from drowning. Refusing to remain pinned down by the intense barrage of small-arms and mortar fire poured at the landing points, Pvt. Barrett, working with fierce determination, saved many lives by carrying casualties to an evacuation boat lying offshore. In addition to his assigned mission as guide, he carried dispatches the length of the fire-swept beach; he assisted the wounded; he calmed the shocked; he arose as a leader in the stress of the occasion. His coolness and his dauntless daring courage while constantly risking his life during a period of many hours had an inestimable effect on his comrades and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Medal of Honor Recipient Carlton W. Barrett
Medal of Honor Recipient Carlton W. Barrett
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Albany, Albany County, New York
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: November 17, 1944

    Paris, France, by General J.C.H. Lee

  • Born: November 24, 1919, Fulton, Oswego County, NY, United States
  • Died: March 3, 1986, Yountville, CA, United States
  • Buried: Napa Valley Memorial Gardens (MH) (4-E), Napa, CA, United States
  • Location of Medal: 1st Infantry Division Museum at Cantigny, Wheaton, IL
 
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