Robert Alva Brown II

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Alva Brown, II (US54402608), Sergeant, 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 D, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Brown distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 September 1968 while serving as a squad leader during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Cu Chi. His patrol suddenly received intense automatic weapons and small arms fire from an enemy force occupying well concealed bunkers. Sergeant Brown moved without hesitation through the bullet-swept area, directing his troops’ fire and re-supplying them with ammunition. Locating the position which was directing the greatest volume of automatic weapons fire on his element, he maneuvered his men forward in an attempt to flank the hostile fortification. He then single-handedly assaulted the bunker with grenades and succeeded in destroying it. Exposing himself to the communists’ fusillade, Sergeant Brown continued to advance. As he attacked a second stronghold, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Sergeant 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.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5331 (November 17, 1968)