Richard J. Brooks

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard J. Brooks (4546263), Chief Machinist’s Mate, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on board the U.S.S. LIBERTY (AGTR-5), in action in the Mediterranean Sea on 8 June 1967. In spite of dreadful circumstances in the machinery spaces, Chief Machinist’s Mate Brooks, being in charge of the engineering watch during the action, kept the “heart of the ship” in working order, and thus held the LIBERTY’s survival in the realm of possibility. The actions of Chief Machinist’s Mate Brooks on this occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.