Norbert E. Brodowski

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Norbert E. Brodowski (0-1318644), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 4 June 1951, Company B was attacking a ridge near Songbong-ni, Korea, held by an enemy force with such intense fire power that the company was prevented from immediately reaching its objective. While the unit was pinned down, the enemy, having secured reinforcements and utilizing a heavy volume of fire, launched a counter-attack. The initial strength of the hostile assault caused several casualties and confused the unit, so that when Lieutenant Brodowski gave the order to move forward to take up appointed positions, the dazed men began to fall back. Lieutenant Brodowski, faced with a grave emergency, moved out, heedless of the enemy fire, to regroup the company and going from man to man, personally located them in advantageous firing positions, encouraging them to repel the enemy assault. As a result of Lieutenant Brodowski’s resolute actions the company steadfastly held its ground, and eventually completed the assigned mission. The gallant courage and forceful leadership exhibited by Lieutenant Brodowski reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.