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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 First Class Fred Brink (ASN: 39105325), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 20 September 1944 about one-quarter of a mile from ****, Holland. Private First Class Brink was an Assistant Squad Leader in the assault platoon of Company B, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, during the attack on the town of ****. His platoon was temporarily held up by an enemy strong-point firmly entrenched in the middle of the sector. In order to draw fire and get the enemy to disclose the position of his automatic weapons, Private First Class Brink, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, deliberately walked about in clear view of the enemy. When the enemy opened fire with automatic weapons, he indicated their location. Private First Class Brink led his small group of vie men against the strong-point, although outnumbered ten-to-one, and killed or captured the enemy. By this gallant action, Private First Class Brink eliminated an obstacle blocking progress of his platoon and enabled it to continue to the successful conclusion of its mission. 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    505th Parachute Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    82d Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    June 7, 1944
    Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 3 (January 6, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Corporal Fred Brink (ASN: 39105325), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 7 June 1944, near ****, France. Corporal Brink was one of a group of men whose mission was the seizing and holding of an important bridge west of **** on the Merderet River. Corporal Brink, armed with a bazooka, was assigned the mission of stopping any tanks that might make an attempt to cross the bridge and overrun the battalion’s defenses. Shortly after getting into position, three enemy tanks followed by two companies of infantry, attempted a crossing of the bridge. In order to stop the onslaught, Corporal Brink, displaying great courage and devotion to duty, and with no regard for personal safety, leaped into the center of the road and at very close range fired point blank at the leading tank which was firing machine gun and cannon fire at him. He destroyed the first tank and opened fire on the second one, thereby blocking the road and leaving the enemy infantry so placed that the riflemen behind Corporal Brink were able to dispose of them. Throughout the action, Corporal Brink was exposed to the fire of friendly troops as well as that of the enemy. This gallant and courageous deed was in keeping with the high traditions of the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.