Wiley C. Brown

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Wiley C. Brown (858549), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 21 June 1945. Gallantly braving heavy automatic weapons fire and grenades, Corporal Brown courageously led his squad in an assault on a strongly fortified enemy-held ridge and, after reaching the objective on the ridge top, engaged the Japanese in furious hand-to-hand combat to force them from their position. Assuming command when his platoon leader was killed, he stayed behind to cover the movements of his platoon with accurate sub-machine gun fire when his group was ordered to withdraw. Later the same day, during a renewed attack on the ridge, he directed his men to the crest of the ridge and, despite desperate attacks by the Japanese to re-take their position, held out until reinforcements arrived. By his fortitude, leadership and devotion to duty, Corporal Brown upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 98716