The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Richard Leon Brown (ASN: 0-1169875), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 131st Field Artillery Battalion, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 20 – 21 January 1944, in the vicinity of ******, Italy. Second Lieutenant Brown was Forward Observer during the assault across the ***** River. The attack was launched under terrific enemy artillery, nebelwerfer, mortar, and small arms fire across a deep, fast-flowing river and over ground further protected by mine fields, booby traps, and barbed wire. Cover was negligible in the last seven hundred yards of the river approaches and the intense fire cause some units to become disorganized. Second Lieutenant Brown materially assisted in maintaining order and reorganizing units of Infantry during the critical period. While fighting his way to the objective, Second Lieutenant Brown was wounded in the leg by enemy artillery fire, in the eyes and face by an enemy mine, and was bayoneted in the chest. Disregarding his wounds, he maintained communication with his battery and was able to direct artillery fire at ever call until his communications were destroyed. Only then did he withdraw his party from enemy territory. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Brown, 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.