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 Roy R. Brakebill (ASN: 39397588), United States Army, for gallantry in action in northern France while serving with the 315th Engineer Combat Battalion, 90th Infantry Division. On 12 July 1944 when his company came under heavy enemy artillery fire and an ammunition truck was hit and set on fire causing numerous explosions, several casualties were sustained from the enemy fire and exploding shells. One casualty near the burning ammunition truck had an arm almost completely torn from his body by a shell fragment and was losing blood rapidly. The aid men were unable to cross the hedgerow and go to the assistance of the wounded man due to the heavy barrage and the exploding shells on the ammunition truck. Private Breakbill, disregarding his own personal safety, jumped the hedgerow and ran rapidly to the injured man, pulled him to a place of safety and stayed with them until the barrage ceased and he could be evacuated. His gallant action saved the life of his companion and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.