Navy Federal Credit Union

Charles Brown was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on December 19, 1972 and was held until his release on March 29, 1973. He retired in 2004 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    December 19, 1972 – March 29, 1973

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Charles A. Brown, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 19 December 1972 to 29 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    December 19, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Charles A. Brown, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Pilot over Southeast Asia on 19 December 1972. On that date, Captain Brown participated in a high-priority bombing mission against a vital military target in a heavily-defended area of North Vietnam. Despite the extreme hazards presented by surface-to-air missiles and hostile interceptors, Captain Brown displayed extraordinary courage and a remarkable ability to perform under severe stress. His willingness to place mission requirements above his personal safety was vital in the successful release of his ordnance on the designated target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Brown reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Charles A. Brown, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Brown and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    December 19, 1972 – March 29, 1973

    Captain Charles A. Brown, Jr., United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 19, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.