Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 184 (July 19, 1945)
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 Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Albert Ray Brownfield (ASN: 0-21905), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with the enemy while Commanding the 811th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 80th Infantry Division, in Austria on 12 May 1945. In Laakirchen, Austria, Lieutenant Colonel Brownfield distinguished himself by assisting in the movement of burning freight cars loaded with aerial bombs, small arms, and mortar ammunition to a safe place. This act of heroism undoubtedly saved the lives of civilians and Army personnel as well as valuable government property. His heroism and supreme devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.