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 Leon Brown (ASN: 35549471), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, *** Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action near Venafro, Italy, on 22 December 1943. Private Brown, gunner for a machine gun squad, was supporting a rifle company in an attack on a hill which was defended by a strong force of enemy troops. During the ensuing action, a heavy counter-attack was launched by the enemy and the company moved from the hill to reorganize. Private Brown, seeing that the company had no fire support, carried a machine gun one piece at a time, to a position where fire could be brought on the enemy. After setting up the gun, Private Brown carried ammunition to his gun. His position was under small arms, mortar, and artillery fire but Private Brown remained in position firing to stop the enemy attack. Private Brown’s courage and devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.