The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral [then Captain] John Herbert Brown, Jr. (NSN: 0-8613), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of Submarine Squadron FOUR during operations against enemy Japanese forces, from 6 July 1942 to 18 November 1943. By his outstanding knowledge of submarine warfare, Rear Admiral Brown made valuable contributions toward the training and indoctrination of submarines of the Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, making them more efficient fighting units, and contributing to the success of Squadron FOUR in sinking seventy-two ships totaling 394,752 tons and in damaging 54 ships totaling 374,449 tons during this period. To further his exact acquaintance with submarine combat problems he participated in the FIFTH Patrol of the U.S.S. NARWHAL (SS-167) in the Kurile Islands area from 26 June 1943 to 7 August 1943, during which patrol a successful bombardment of an enemy air base was conducted against intense and accurate return fire by the enemy. His professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Brown is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

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 Rear Admiral John Herbert Brown, Jr. (NSN: 0-8613), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Cruiser Division and a Task Force Commander operating in Northern Pacific Water during the period from May 1945 through the occupation of Northern Honshu and Hokkaido, Japan, on 9 September 1945. By his initiative, courage, and outstanding ability he kept his force of cruisers and destroyers operating safely and successfully in dangerous and incompletely charted waters, for extended periods of time, during extremely adverse weather and without cover from friendly aircraft. His force conducted four anti-shipping sweeps in enemy waters and seven bombardments of enemy territory, inflicting considerable damage on the enemy and his shipping. His cool and skillful direction of these actions and his gallant conduct throughout were a source of inspiration to his entire force and to other United States forces in the North Pacific area. His singularly outstanding service and highly meritorious performance of duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Brown is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)