The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Earl Brewer, Jr. (NSN: 0-346919), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while participating in an aerial attack on a major unit of the Japanese Fleet in the East China Sea on 7 April 1945. As a Photographic Pilot, he made numerous photographic runs at low altitude through intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire from an enemy battleship, cruiser and numerous destroyers, and later recorded the destruction of the battleship and the cruiser. On the completion of these duties he pressed to close range the strafing of a destroyer, and by aiding in the following of its anti-aircraft fire, contributed to a successful torpedo attack. His skill in taking excellent photographs for exact damage assessment and his courage in the face of enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.