Robert R. Brown

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert R. Brown (0-41760), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 4 and 5 May 1945. Although severely shocked by the blast of an enemy artillery shell when his platoon was met by heavy hostile artillery, machine-gun and mortar fire which caused many casualties during an attack on a strongly-defended Japanese town, Second Lieutenant Brown remained with his men and, rallying them, led them through intense hostile fire to occupy the objective, thereby reinforcing the hard-pressed and thinly-held lines of his company. Twice during the following day, he crept forward of friendly lines through heavy Japanese fire and, on each occasion, destroyed a hostile pillbox, killing nine of the enemy. By his courageous efforts, Second Lieutenant Brown eliminated a threat to the advance of his company and contributed materially to the rapid advance of our forces. His coolness under fire and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Commander, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 79496 (September 15, 1945)