The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William N. Brown (ASN: 13016682), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 5 July 1944. Sergeant Brown’s tank, working with another tank, was operating 300 yards within the enemy lines in rugged terrain. The other tank was knocked out by enemy action and Sergeant Brown stood by with his tank to protect the disabled vehicle. Due to the fact that his radio transmitter had become inoperative, he was forced to signal to the Platoon Leader that the tanks were in trouble. The Platoon Leader transmitted to Sergeant Brown to move his tank back a little and when he did so, it was an indication that he could receive but not transmit. At that particular moment, the driver of Sergeant Brown’s tank became ill and was overcome from exertion and gas fumes, thus putting Sergeant Brown’s tank as well in a precarious position as movement inside a light tank is very limited. Sergeant Brown had already taken in one crew member of the disabled tank in the bow gunner’s seat which made it impossible for the bow gunner to operate the dual controls. It was necessary for Sergeant Brown to get out of the turret and onto the ground. Sergeant Brown, without regard for his personal safety, got out of the turret and onto the ground and used hand signals to maneuver his tank and direct it back to safety under heavy enemy fire. He was wounded in this action, but continued his job of getting his tank to safety. Through this courageous act, he was able to save the crew of the disabled tank as well as his own. Sergeant Brown’s gallantry in action reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.