The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Shipfitter James Jack Brewer (NSN: 2670937), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. As a leading Petty Officer in the Construction and Repair Department, he displayed exceptional qualities of leadership, courage, and self-sacrifice. Without regard for personal safety, he repeatedly entered compartments to locate the source of fire and smoke until he became completely exhausted and was ordered by the Executive Officer to desist. His action was a source of inspiration to his shipmates, and his persistent and skillful performance of duty under most hazardous conditions served to minimize the damage to the ship. His conduct on this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Chief Shipfitter James Jack Brewer (NSN: 2670937), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action aboard the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the engagement with Japanese naval units near Santa Cruz on 26 October 1942. Chief Shipfitter Brewer, while the ship was still under heavy aerial attack and with complete disregard for his personal safety, fought his way through steel rubble and smoke filled compartments, in which there existed the constant danger of gasoline explosion, in order to locate and isolate ruptured damage control and fire main risers in order to provide water pressure at gasoline pumps essential to the refueling of airplanes still in operation. His conspicuously courageous action in performing a service of great value to his ship was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.