The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) John Francis Brailsford (ASN: 0-332244), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 15 January 1945. Captain Brailsford led an assault against a strong enemy force deployed in fish ponds and rice paddies along the road near Camilling. The nature of the terrain required extremely close contact, and on numerous occasions the fire was at point blank range. Captain Brailsford led his troops in a spirited and aggressive manner, exposing himself many times to the observation and fire of the well-concealed enemy. The attack resulted in complete destruction of the Japanese. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Brailsford, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Soldier’s Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major (Infantry), [then Captain]Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
129th Infantry RegimentDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
January 31, 1945
Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 211 (July 28, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry), [then Captain] John F. Brailsford (ASN: 0-332244), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. During the action in the vicinity of Fort Stotsenburg on 31 January 1945, Captain Brailsford exhibited outstanding courage when he continually exposed himself to intense enemy fire in order to lead his company to the successful conclusion of an attack against an enemy-occupied ridge. He was always under fire with the advance elements, designating targets for automatic riflemen, selecting positions for his light machine guns, and skillfully directing mortar fire on the hostile positions. The aggressive and courageous manner in which the men of his company doggedly fought over difficult terrain to gain their objective was due mainly to the personal bravery, skill, coolness and leadership of Captain Brailsford. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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Soldier’s Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Regiment:
129th Infantry RegimentDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
March 19, 1944
Headquarters, XIV Corps, General Orders No. 85 (July 26, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Captain (Infantry) John Francis Brailsford (ASN: 0-332244), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 19 March 1944. Upon learning that three men had been seriously injured and were lying in a thickly-sown minefield beyond our front lines, Captain Brailsford immediately proceeded to their rescue accompanied by two aid men and guided by an officer who had lain the minefield. The mission was extremely hazardous because fallen trees and debris resulted from heavy artillery fire and had obliterated all minefield markers and the networks of trip wires. The forward location of the field also subjected the party to imminent danger of enemy attack. Upon reaching the injured men, Captain Brailsford helped in administering first aid. After two of the men had been evacuated, Captain Brailsford, with the assistance of an aid man, carried the third man to safety. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Captain Brailsford reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.