The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class James L. Brown, United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life in the Republic of Vietnam, on 19 – 20 February 1966. In this period, while on a mission to seize an objective, Sergeant Brown’s squad of the 3d Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, received intense enemy fire from what was later determined to be a reinforced regimental headquarters. After a fierce and desperate effort to continue the mission, the 3d Platoon of company C was forced to discontinue the attack due to mounting casualties. During the night, Sergeant Brown calmed and rallied his squad. The following day, Company C again moved out to attempt to seize the previous day’s objective. Because of heavy foliage, contact was broken with friendly elements on his right and left flanks. Sergeant Brown’s squad again received small arms fire. As he rallied his men and continued to progress toward the objective, he received a severe wound nearly severing his right hand in addition to receiving shrapnel in his shoulder. Realizing that his squad had received 100 percent casualties, Sergeant Brown regrouped his men into a defensive position. Although seriously wounded, and refusing medical attention, he remained with his men; and only after receiving a direct order from the Executive Officer did he move to the rear. Simultaneously, the enemy counterattacked. Rapidly assessing the situation and disregarding his own personal safety, he escorted wounded personnel to the rear, subjecting himself to the intense volume of fire. Sergeant Brown was evacuated only after insuring the security of the landing zone and assisting his men aboard the medical evacuation helicopters. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Sergeant Brown has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.