Lawrence R. Brown

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Lawrence R. Brown (2089250), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an 81-mm. Mortar Forward Observer with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 September 1966, in the vicinity of An Noa, Lance Corporal Brown’s Company was engaged in a fierce battle with Viet Cong forces. While attempting to maneuver into a flanking position, one squad became pinned down by heavy enemy fire in an open field, approximately 75 meters from the Company’s positions. Exhibiting exceptional courage and bold initiative, Lance Corporal Brown immediately went to the aid of the wounded members of the squad. With complete disregard for his own safety, carrying two bamboo poles and a poncho, he worked his way across the open area under devastating enemy fire in order to reach the wounded Marines. While enemy machine guns delivered an intense volume of fire around him, and with the help of a fellow Marine, he moved the first wounded man onto the improvised stretcher and carried him to the friendly positions. Once again, Lance Corporal Brown, carrying the improvised stretcher, crossed the open area to successfully carry another wounded Marine to safety. On his way back from his third trip with the wounded Marines’ weapons, Lance Corporal Brown collapsed from exhaustion as he reached the Company’s positions. His bold initiative and compassion for his wounded companions inspired all who observed him. By his extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Brown upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.