The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Cecil H. Brown (ASN: 6927111), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division, in action in the area of Chartres, France, on 17 August 1944. In the attack on the key city of Chartres, the mortar platoon of Staff Sergeant Brown’s unit was given the mission of covering the advance of the assault elements. An effort was made to establish an observation post on the crest of a hill in a grain field, but the party was halted by small arms fire from enemy riflemen dug-in underneath the wheat shocks. Staff Sergeant Brown, who had been left behind to organize the mortar platoon, observed hostile fire and hastened to the aid of the beleaguered observation post. Without hesitation he advanced across the open wheat field in the face of small arms fire and effectively hurled his grenades at the German positions. Staff Sergeant Brown’s swift and courageous action against an entrenched enemy aided the establishment of a vital observation post, and facilitated the swift advance of a combat team in the attack on Chartres. His 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, the 7th Armored Division, and the United States Army.