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) Waldo W. Brooks (ASN: 0-1308591), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 22 April 1945. Curing a battalion attack against the enemy stronghold of Mt. Cacoled, First Lieutenant Brooks commanded a platoon which, having secured an enemy Observation Post on the summit, attacked on the extreme right flank. As soon as contact with the adjacent units had been made, First Lieutenant Brooks assaulted the enemy, despite sustained rifle and machine gun fire from the enemy in caves and emplacements. The platoon suffered three casualties and was delayed by intense machine gun fire. With utter disregard for his own safety, First Lieutenant Brooks, alone, advanced to his front and knocked out a machine gun and its crew with hand grenades and rifle fire. This gallant action permitted the continuation of the platoon on its mission. First Lieutenant Brooks then returned through snipe fire to the wounded men, removed them to a place of security, and once gain took up the assault. The courage, initiative, and fortitude displayed by First Lieutenant were inspiring to his men and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.