The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Willis W. Brown (ASN: 0-1320010), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 22 November 1944 in France. On that date, the machine gun platoon led by Lieutenant Brown was in support of a rifle company given the mission of attacking toward a town in which friendly troops had been encircled by the enemy. As the attack neared the town they encountered extremely heavy mortar and artillery fire, during which time Lieutenant Brown received shrapnel wounds in the back, arm and leg. Disregarding his wounds, he continued to lead his platoon, personally placing the elements in position under continuous shelling. Knowing of the scarcity of medical supplies, he refused medical aid until all other casualties had been treated. The outstanding leadership, aggressiveness, and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Brown were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Willis W. Brown (ASN: 0-1320010), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 11 April 1945 in Germany. On that date, during an attack on Erfurt, Germany, Company C, 1st Battalion, 318th Infantry, commanded by Captain Brown was temporarily delayed by intense enemy fire from a wooded area near the city. Realizing that casualties would result if the men remained in this exposed position, Captain Brown rose to his feet, utterly disregarding the intense enemy fire, and, shouting to his men to follow, led them in a gallant assault which overran and captured the enemy defenses. Captain Brown’s aggressive leadership, courage, and sincere 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.