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 Byron K. Brooks (ASN: 33275389), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 12 April 1945 in Germany. On that date, the rifle company in which Sergeant Brooks served as a squad leader was digging in prior to an attack on Erfurt, Germany, when the enemy launched a smoke barrage followed by an infantry attack. The surprise and strength of the attack forced all of the platoon to withdraw temporarily with the exception of Sergeant Brooks who threw two grenades, killing four of the enemy, fired his rifle, wounding three more, and, on seeing the enemy falter, signaled his men to follow him in an assault during which he killed two more of the enemy and captured seven others. The gallant courage, aggressive leadership, and untiring devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Brooks were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.