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), [then First Lieutenant] John W. Brokaw, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 184th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action on Okinawa Shima on 11 April 1945. Company F, which he commanded, was ordered to attack group of hills. As the attack started, the enemy immediately covered the area with intense artillery, mortar, and small arms fire. When all other officers were either killed or wounded, Captain Brokaw took personal charge of the 3d Platoon and led it in an attack against the key emplacement on the objective. He then returned to his other platoons, reorganized them under enemy fire, and led them in an assault which secured the objective. Twice again he led forward platoons which had been pinned down by determined enemy opposition. The determination of their leader to push on was instilled into the men who followed him in an assault of such fury that the enemy broke and ran. The successful completion of the attack was due to the personal courage and iron will of Captain Brokaw.