The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Assistant Cook Verlon L. Brown (MCSN: 480063), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while participating in Amphibious Landings as a Driver of an Amphibian Tractor of the Second Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Fifth Amphibian Corps, Fleet Marine Force, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Gilbert and Mariana Islands, from 20 November 1943 to 30 July 1944. Volunteering to drive tractors when casualties caused and acute shortage of drivers, Assistant Cook Brown completed two successful trips from his ship to a beachhead during one action, carrying critically needed medical supplies despite intense enemy fire which scored a direct damaging hit on his tractor. His initiative and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.