The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Bernard S. Drowne (ASN: 32675090), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 305th Engineer Battalion, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 22 September 1944 in France. While voluntarily reconnoitering enemy-held territory for the purpose of gaining important intelligence for his engineer unit, Corporal Drowne returned nearby enemy rifle fire so skillfully that he killed or wounded several of the enemy. He then returned over barbed wire entanglements and exposed terrain with the vital information. The daring and devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Drowne were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.