Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospitalman Apprentice First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    June 17, 1945

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 032571 (July 19, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Apprentice First Class Leslie Martin Braren, Jr. (NSN: 8338195), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to a Marine Rifle Company of the 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, FIRST Marine Division, on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 17 June 1945. As a Medical Corpsman of a platoon in assault on a heavily-fortified enemy ridge, Hospital Apprentice First Class Braren displayed cool courage in administering first aid under heavy enemy mortar and rifle fire when called to aid a wounded Marine. Realizing that he would be exposed to the enemy fire, he unhesitatingly and with utter disregard for his own personal safety ran to the man. In order to administer first aid, it was necessary to expose himself, and he was seriously wounded while performing his heroic deed. His exemplary conduct and unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.