The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant James F. Brown, Jr. (MCSN: 434143), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Sergeant, serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 20 May 1945. When his platoon became pinned down by heavy Japanese machine-gun fire from the flank, Sergeant Brown boldly led fifteen men across two hundred yards of open terrain to attack and destroy the hostile emplacement. Upon reaching the reverse slope of an adjacent hill and repulsing a vicious enemy, counter-attacking under the cover of shattering mortar barrages, he valiantly proceeded alone to the crest of the ridge to hurl hand grenades at the enemy forces below and disrupt their attempts to reorganize for counter action. Inspired by his heroic actions, the remainder of his unit joined him at his hazardous post end, fighting with unquenchable spirit, repulsed numerous Japanese onslaughts until reinforcements arrived. Although killed shortly before his besieged forces were relieved, Sergeant Brown, by his daring initiative and unswerving devotion to duty, had materially contributed to his platoon’s success during the day, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.