First Lieutenant Neil H. Brown

Co. B, 1st Bn, 327th Infantry

101st Airborne Division

Awarded: Silver Star

For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: First Lieutenant Brown distinguished himself while serving as platoon leader during airmobile assault operations in the A Shau Valley. Encountering a North Vietnamese Regiment firing automatic weapons, mortars, and recoilless rifles, the lead platoon of his company sustained heavy casualties, including the loss of its platoon leader. Quickly organizing the elements of the second and third platoon under his command, Lieutenant Brown led the combined force in a successful assault against the enemy positions, forcing the hostile force to abandon a tactically superior position. The following morning, Lieutenant Brown was leading his men in a sweep operation against enemy bunkers when his company came under intense mortar fire. Although wounded by fragments from an enemy rocket, Lieutenant Brown directed counter-mortar fire, succeeding in silencing the enemy weapons. After this engagement the lieutenant was evacuated to medical facilities. Upon learning the loss of the remaining platoon leader of his company, Lieutenant Brown returned to the contact area and rejoined his company.

Lieutenant Brown remained with his company, providing valuable leadership under fire until the termination of the operation on 14 August 1969. Lieutenant Brown’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.