Henry A. Brown, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Henry A. Brown, Jr. (0-2003208), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 27 October 1952, First Lieutenant (then Second Lieutenant) Brown and his platoon were occupying a sector of Outpost Jackson Heights, in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, when a heavy enemy artillery concentration began. Lieutenant Brown unhesitatingly ran from his bunker to organize his platoon for the attack. The enemy followed its artillery and mortar barrage with a battalion attack coming from three sides of the outpost. Lieutenant Brown, while moving through his now depleted platoon, was seriously wounded and temporarily blinded. He ordered the platoon to reorganize in a small perimeter with the rest of the company. He then put his platoon sergeant in command, but refused to move to a place of comparative safety. He crawled about the ground feeling for grenades and passing them to those who could see to throw them. Later, when the company was ordered to return to friendly lines, Lieutenant Brown insisted on being in the rear guard. Unable to see, he was guided to the main line of resistance where he was evacuated. Lieutenant Brown’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.