The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Elwood J. Brey (ASN: 0-1312374), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 4 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. During an attack on strongly defended enemy positions, First Lieutenant Brey fought valiantly at the head of his company, leading them through numerous enemy strong points and with a Tommy-Gun, destroyed many of the enemy himself. Always forward, he aggressively directed devastating mortar and machine gun fire on the enemy, heedless of any personal danger. When tanks were used in the attack, First Lieutenant Brey rode upon the leading tank, fighting and directing his men, quitting only after he was mortally wounded while manning a machine gun. The action of this gallant officer has always been an inspiration to those he led and his spirit has been instilled in those men in a manner which will endure. 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.