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 Private First Class [then Private] James R. Brooks (ASN: 15077786), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 11 July 1943, in Sicily. After the C-47 in which he was riding had been shot down over the Sicilian coast, Private First Class Brooks, whose right arm had been fractured by a fifty caliber bullet, unselfishly risked his life in an effort to save that of a mortally wounded officer. Under heavy fire from fifty caliber machine guns emplaced on the beach, Private First Class Brooks dragged the dying officer from the plane and valiantly struggled against the current and surf until he reached the shore approximately 150 yards away. Only after being assured that the officer was being cared for did Private First Class Brooks permit himself to be evacuated. Private First Class Brooks’ courageous effort was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Airborne Forces.