Harry M. Brown

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Harry M. Brown, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 47th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Wheeler Field and over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941. When a surprise attack was launched by a large number of Japanese airplanes on Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii, and the vicinity thereto, Second Lieutenant Brown immediately proceeded by automobile to the Haleiwa Landing Field, a distance of approximately ten miles, where the planes of his squadron were located. The trip was made under heavy enemy fire. Upon arrival at Haleiwa Landing Field, he took off with an airplane for the purpose of attacking the enemy forces, without first obtaining information as to the number or type of planes in the attacking forces. He engaged an enemy aircraft and carried on combat until the enemy made his escape in a cloud formation. Shortly after this encounter, he flew over Kaene Point where two of the hostile forces pursued a friendly aircraft in battle. Lieutenant Brown immediately attacked, shooting one of the enemy down and aiding in driving off the other. Lieutenant Brown’s expertness in battle during this engagement was instrumental in saving the life of the pilot in the friendly aircraft. Again, after being joined by another of the friendly forces, Lieutenant Brown attacked a hostile aircraft and continued to fire upon it until his ammunition ran out. The enemy aircraft was last seen by him heading out to sea in evident distress. Lieutenant Brown’s initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire, expert maneuvering of his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off the sudden and unexpected enemy air attack of 7 December 1941.

Authority: “Heroes of Pearl Harbor”, Donald K. & Helen L. Ross