Donald Edward Brewer

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Donald Edward Brewer (394429), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of an attack plane of Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE (VA-45), embarked from the U.S.S. Lake Champlain (CVA-39), while flying a close air support mission against Communist-held positions on the central Korean front on 19 June 1953. Lieutenant (j.g.) Brewer pressed home his bombing attack against enemy front line troops, despite the fact that his plane was seriously damaged by 37-mm. anti-aircraft fire. Although hit at the beginning of his attack, Lieutenant (j.g.) Brewer continued his dive, dissipating life-saving altitude, until he was assured of a good hit. He was personally credited with the destruction of 150 yards of trenches containing enemy troops firing at friendly forces. Upon the completion of his attack, he bailed out of his now-disabled aircraft. However, too much altitude had been lost and his parachute did not have time to open. His disregard for personal safety and extraordinary heroism in action contributed materially to the mission of the United Nations in Korea, at the cost of his life. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.