The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Henry Churchill Bragaw (ASN: 0-366581), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company K, 3d Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 January 1945 in Italy. Captain Bragaw’s Infantry company was ordered to establish a bridgehead across a river in Italy. The company was intended to approach the river on pathways cleared through heavy mine fields, but dense fog and blinding darkness soon hid the markings of the safeways. Putting his men in column with intervals between them, he led the way through the field. During this passage, eight men were severely wounded by mines and each time the commander went back among his men, bolstering their courage by his own actions and words. Reaching the river he led his men across under violent artillery, mortar and small arms fire, and attacked the formidable enemy positions on the steep opposite bank. Through band of enemy wire he led his company into the foe’s outer defenses. While heavy fire pinned his troops to the ground, he exposed himself to make a personal reconnaissance, seeking to improve his positions. In so doing he was killed by enemy fire. Captain Bragaw’s 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 and the United States Army.