Bret H. Brallier

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Bret H. Brallier, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, for conspicuous gallantry in action as Executive Officer of the USCGC CAMPBELL (WMEC-909) during and following the sinking of an enemy submarine on 22 February 1943. When his ship surprised the hostile vessel on the surface and collided with it during an attempt to ram, Commander Brallier, by his expert conning throughout a vigorous engagement, contributed materially to the sinking of the submarine by gunfire and depth charges and to the capture of several members of its crew. Afterward he rendered invaluable assistance to his commanding officer in the successful control of damage aboard the cutter and her safe towage into port. His courageous leadership and conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping the highest traditions of the U. S. Naval Service.