The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Harold Robert Brookman, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in both the planning and execution phases of the invasion of the Island of Sicily in 1943. Commander Brookman, as Material Officer on the Staff of Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters, was untiring in his work, and contributed materially to the planning of the operation with his expert knowledge of the characteristics of the various types of craft to be employed, and was to a great extent responsible for the very high degree of material readiness of these craft at the required time. The unselfish devotion to duty, executive ability, and professional accomplishment displayed by Commander Brookman was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Brookman is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Harold Robert Brookman, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Material Officer on the staff of an amphibious force commander during the landings on the coast of French Morocco in November 1942. Commander Brookman energetically and effectively directed numerous activities in connection with the preparation of ships and landing craft for large scale amphibious operations. At a time when the development of new equipment and methods led forth many difficult problems, he consistently exercised the greatest ingenuity and sound judgment. He assisted in the formulation of plans for assembling, transporting, maintaining and salvaging the craft and equipage necessary for an assault on a hostile shore and, later, during combat operations, assisted materially in their successful execution. By his resourcefulness, perseverance and great professional skill he contributed greatly to the success of the landings. The extraordinary ability and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Commander Brookman reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. (Commander Brookman is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Harold Robert Brookman, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Material Officer on the staff of a Naval Task Force Commander prior to and during the amphibious invasion of Italy in September 1943. Commander Brookman demonstrated exceptional ability, zeal and untiring energy in directing the material upkeep and repair and in insuring the readiness for combat operations of all ships, patrol craft and landing craft units, which contributed the Major Attack Force. He exerted vigorous efforts in expanding and perfecting the services performed by base and tender facilities to provide for proper material maintenance and the prompt completion of alterations to increase the combat efficiency of the naval units participating. During the assault and subsequent operations, his expert and timely handling of fueling arrangements, emergency repairs and battle damage contributed materially to the successful execution of the assault and support of the invasion forces. The extraordinary skill, resourcefulness, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Commander Brookman reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Brookman is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)