The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Darven L. Brown (MCSN: 493411), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Fire Team Leader, serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Mariana Islands, 29 June 1944. When two companies of his battalion were held up by fire from an enemy machine gun which was supported by well-entrenched Japanese riflemen, Private First Class Brown assumed the task of reducing this hostile position and, initiating a frontal assault across open terrain with five men and a tank in support, succeeded in annihilating the enemy and in capturing the machine gun. Standing by three of his comrades who had been wounded in the action, he protected them until the front lines overran his position and then rejoined his unit and continued the advance. By his cool courage under fire, inspiring leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First class Brown contributed materially to the success of this operation and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services.