The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Captain Bert Franklin Brown (NSN: 0-60319), United States Navy, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as Officer in Tactical Command of a Radar Picket Station Unit for a total of eight days during the period from 7 June to 23 June 1945, in the vicinity of Okinawa. Through his inspiring leadership, the ships under his command effectively fought off frequent determined attacks by enemy suicide planes. He conducted the actions with such skill and determination that nearly all the attacking planes were destroyed by ships’ guns or by assisting Combat Air Patrol. His vigilance, decisive action, and devotion to duty reduced the damage and casualties incurred by our forces to a minimum. His conduct and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain Bert Franklin Brown (NSN: 0-60319), United States Navy, for heroic achievement as a Task Unit Commander attached to Commander Task Group SEVENTY-EIGHT POINT THREE (TG-78.3), during the assault landing at Mariveles, Bataan and Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 15 and 16 February 1945. By supporting part of the minesweeping units for two days prior to the landing, Captain Brown contributed materially to the successful sweeping operations in the objective area. During the landing on Corregidor, despite fire from enemy shore batteries, he directed his destroyers to close the beach and deliver fire which neutralized enemy guns and permitted troops to land with minimum casualties. His courageous action under combat conditions was an inspiration to the officers and men under his command. His outstanding leadership throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Bert Franklin Brown (NSN: 0-60319), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Destroyer Squadron FORTY-NINE during the operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, from 1 April to 23 June 1945. Operating under most difficult and arduous conditions throughout this long period, Captain Brown ably directed the ships under his command in fighting off frequent enemy suicide plane attacks and in furnishing close gunfire support to our forces ashore despite the fire of hostile shore batteries. By his sound judgment and professional skill, he contributed materially to the outstanding success of his squadron in wreaking destruction on enemy shore installations, surface craft, aircraft and personnel. Captain Brown’s aggressive devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Brown is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Saufley (DD-465)Action Date:
September 15, 1943
Commander Destroyers Pacific: Serial 04113 (November 18, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Bert Franklin Brown (NSN: 0-60319), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States against an armed enemy as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAUFLEY (DD-465) during attack by depth charges and gunfire on a Japanese submarine off San Cristobal Island on 15 September 1943. By his ability and skill as Commanding Officer he conned the ship in successful attack runs resulting in sinking an enemy submarine. His conduct throughout this attack was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Brown is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Saufley (DD-465)Action Date:
August 15 – 18, 1943
Commander South Pacific: Serial 002124 (October 12, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Bert Franklin Brown (NSN: 0-60319), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAUFLEY (DD-465), engaged in the initial occupation and subsequent reinforcement of Vella Lavella Island, Solomon Islands, from 15 to 18 August 1943. Although subjected to repeated and determined attacks by enemy Japanese dive bombers and torpedo planes, Commander Brown steadfastly maintained constant effective protection for vessels of the convoy carrying troops, supplies and equipment to the American garrison on this strategic island. Employing brilliant tactics he was able to complete each hazardous assignment, bringing the escorted ships through safely without damage. His forceful and inspiring leadership contributed immeasurably to the success of our seizure and occupation of this vital war base and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.