The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Harry M. Brown (MCSN: 896947), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while voluntarily serving as a Demolition Man with Company C, Fifth Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 17 March 1945. Repeatedly exposing himself to hostile small-arms fire in his determined efforts to destroy by-passed pockets of Japanese resistance, Private First Class Brown performed his essential duties with dauntless courage and consistent skill despite the increasingly desperate opposition encountered as his unit steadily approached the front line area. Alert and ready to counter any sudden enemy move, he closely observed the advance of his squad leader toward a heavily fortified cave position and, when the exposed Marine fell under the slashing fury of exploding shrapnel and small-arms fusillades, immediately rushed forward into the lane of hostile fire in a heroic attempt to rescue the wounded man but was himself struck down and mortally wounded by a savage burst from enemy guns while aiding his fellow Marine. An indomitable fighter and loyal comrade, Private First Class Brown, by his fearless initiative, cool decision and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme peril, rendered valiant service throughout the bitter conflict and his self-sacrificing concern for another was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.