The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] John P. Brown (ASN: 0-420462), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 3 March 1945, in the vicinity of Hartungshof, Germany. When an enemy fortified position held up the advance of Captain Brown’s company, he unhesitatingly moved forward to the leading squad under intense enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire. After ordering his men to take cover, he called for and directed from his exposed position supporting tank destroyer fire 1,000 yards away, on an objective only fifteen yards from him. He remained at his post until the enemy-held point was reduced, thus enabling his company to continue its mission. The leadership exhibited by Captain Brown is in accord with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.