The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James Elmer Brown, Jr. (MCSN: 0-32904), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of company C, Sixth Engineer Battalion, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands 13 May 1945. Risking his life in the face of hostile observation and fire, First Lieutenant Brown voluntarily swam across the Asata River unarmed and under cover of friendly machine guns in order to obtain information necessary to replace a bridge destroyed by the enemy. Carrying two cloth measuring tapes tied together to determine the necessary bridge span, he crossed the 180-foot span of water and, after landing on the other bank if the river and obtaining pertinent information, reconnoitered further into enemy territory where he located a second demolished bridge on the same road. Returning to friendly lines after his hazardous reconnaissance in an area well forward of all infantry elements and fully exposed to enemy fire, he transmitted the vital information which caused the decision to abandon the original plan as impractical and adopt a more effective course for supplying the division. His bold initiative, coolness under fire and courageous conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.