Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Coxswain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Samuel Chase (APA-26)

    Action Date:

    September 9, 1943

    Commander Naval Forces North African Waters: Serial 4328 (December 18, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Coxswain William Joseph Brown (NSN: 5520031), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while attached to the U.S.S. SAMUEL CHASE (APA-26)during the amphibious invasion of Italy. On 9 September 1943, Coxswain Brown, as Coxswain of an assault boat, escorted a group of amphibious trucks through mined waters and in the face of enemy fire from shore defenses to the assigned beaches in the Gulf of Salerno. He accomplished this task with great skill and courage in view of the fact that it necessitated navigation under difficult conditions of visibility to traverse the distance of about 12 miles from the transport anchorages to the assault beach areas without casualty to any of the group. He continued to operate his boat with extreme perseverance and disregard for his own safety in the unloading of assault troops and supplies, thereby contributing materially to the expeditious landing of assault forces and the ultimate success of the invasion. The exceptional bravery, determination, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Coxswain Brown were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.