Fletcher L. Brown Jr.’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to

Fletcher L. Brown, Jr.

Major, U.S. Marine Corps

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-TWO (VMSB-232), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in action against enemy Japanese forces in Solomons Islands Area on 28 and 30 August 1942, and on 6 September 1942. On 28 August Major Brown led a section of scout bombers in a courageous attack which resulted in the destruction of three hostile destroyers north of Romos Island. On the night of 30 August, despite poor visibility, he located an enemy naval force attempting to land troops and supplies at Tasimboko. Pressing home vigorous attacks in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire, he scored several near misses, then dove his plane to a perilously low altitude and strafed the Japanese vessels until his ammunition was exhausted. His bold determination and fearless aggressiveness compelled the enemy to retire before an appreciable number of troops or amount of equipment could be disembarked. On 6 September, as leader of one division of a striking group, Major Brown raided hostile shore installations on Gizo Island, but failed to return from this mission. He gallantly gave his life for his country.