Charles Brown

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Charles Brown (RA12925615), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 4th Battalion, 3d Infantry, Americal Division. Specialist Four Brown distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 February 1969 as a squad leader during a search and clear operation near the village of Minh Khanh in Quang Ngai Province. His company came under intense hand grenade, small arms and automatic weapons fire, causing several casualties. Specialist Brown immediately left his position of relative safety to assist the fallen men. Braving a hail of bullets, he administered first aid and rescued the wounded from under the communists’ fusillade. As he was helping one of his stricken comrades, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Specialist Four Brown’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.