Samuel J. Brown

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Samuel J. Brown (0-431846), Major (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 26 June 1944, during an air mission over Vienna. On this date Major Brown demonstrated great courage, skill, and heroism when, with only the protection of a wing man, he attacked a formation of 50 enemy fighters that were preparing to attack a formation of 15th Air Force heavy bombers near Vienna. During the heavy aerial combat that followed, Major Brown destroyed four of the German planes and damaged two, causing the remainder to disperse. Major Brown’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 15th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.