The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private John F. Brick, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 2 February 1944. Private Brick’s Infantry Battalion was halted by intense enemy automatic weapons fire. As Assistant Machine Gunners, he and another man were ordered to aid in mounting a heavy machinegun in an effort to neutralize the enemy fire, which was inflicting heavy casualties in the battalion sector. Mounting the gun in a position devoid of cover, but affording the most advantageous field of fire, they delivered fir on the enemy position and neutralized several machineguns, giving the rifle companies an opportunity to maneuver. They continued to fire accurately, although under constant enemy small arms and mortar fire, until a direct hit by a mortar shell destroyed their gun and seriously wounded them. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.