The enemy was intent upon annihilating the small Marine force and, realizing that Corporal Barker was a threat to their position, directed the preponderance of their fire on his position. He was again wounded, this time in the right hand, which prevented him from operating his vitally needed machine gun.
The opposing force sought to eradicate the small Marine unit and, acknowledging that Corporal Barker was a danger to their situation, focused the majority of their firepower on his position. He was hit once more, this time in his right hand, rendering him unable to operate his vital machine gun.