Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Chief Shipfitter

    Division:

    U.S.S. Suwannee (CVE-27)

    Action Date:

    October 25 & 26, 1944

    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02505 (March 8, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Shipfitter William S. Brooks, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during operations off Japanese-held Leyte Island against nearby Japanese surface task forces on 25 and 26 October 1944, while serving aboard the U.S.S. SUWANNEE (CVE-27) On 25 October 1944 enemy fighter-bombers attacked his ship, causing sever damage and extensive casualties and starting a fire on the hangar deck near some gassed planes. He donned rescue-breathing gear, made his way through flames and smoke to open the valves of the water curtain and forward sprinkler system thus subduing the fire. Although he was knocked unconscious and injured in the abdomen by the blast he crawled to the valves and again opened them. Disregarding his painful injury he fought the hangar deck fire until it was subdued. Without his actions the fire would have exploded the gassed planes on the hangar deck, in all probability making the fire uncontrollable and costing his nation the services of his ship. His quick thinking and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.