Kenneth E. Brown

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Kenneth E. Brown (0-1304844), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company L, 3d Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Captain Brown distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Idong-Myon, Korea, on 1 and 2 June 1951. On that date, when leading elements of his attacking company were stopped by hostile fire, Captain Brown continued the advance. Using his pistol and throwing grenades, he personally eliminated an enemy machine-gun and two automatic rifles and killed three and captured one of the enemy. Under his aggressive leadership, his company resumed the advance and secured its objective. Within two hours the enemy launched determined counterattacks. Throughout the night, although twice wounded, he moved among his men, encouraging them to hold on. When ammunition became low, he gathered and distributed enemy weapons and ammunition. Personally participating in the fighting with any weapon available, and finally with clubbed rifle and his fists, Captain Brown continued to set an inspiring example to his men until he was killed by a burst of machine-gun fire. As a result of his unflinching courage and inspiring leadership, the position was maintained and a heavy toll of dead and wounded inflicted upon the enemy.