The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William F. Brown (ASN: 0-1323530), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 17 February 1945. During an assault on the Bureau of Finance Building in Manila, Lieutenant Brown boldly advanced under fire to knock out an enemy machine gun. Moving steadily along a wall he fired his carbine at the gunners and demolished the weapon with hand grenades. Later he led an attack on the Medical School Building, came upon another machine gun, immediately called for a rocket launcher, exposed himself to the Japanese and personally fired the launcher until the enemy gun was silenced. 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.