James Harvey Brown

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James Harvey Brown, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. AMMEN (DD-527), in action against enemy Japanese forces during a long period of hazardous radar picket duty in the vicinity of Okinawa from 20 April to 29 May 1945. In a situation unique in Naval warfare, Commander Brown aggressively fought his ship during twenty-seven engagements with attacking enemy aircraft and, skillfully carrying out defensive maneuvers, escaped with minor damage to his ship despite three plane crashes close aboard. With his vessel acting as a fighter director ship during much of this time, he contributed materially to the destruction of seven additional hostile aircraft by planes of our combat air patrol. By his inspiring leadership, Commander Brown kept his command ready for enemy attack day and night and, despite the tremendous mental strain on himself and his men, ably accomplished his assigned mission of providing early warning of enemy air attack to the main body of our Fleet. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.