The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Elwood D. Brown, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 10 March 1970 while serving as Platoon Sergeant with Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Troop L suddenly encountered an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese soldiers. Observing his platoon leader being wounded by enemy fire, Sergeant Brown dismounted his vehicle and went to his aid. After moving him to a relatively safe position, Sergeant Brown returned to the contact area to assume command of his platoon and direct their fire upon the enemy positions. He brought devastating firepower upon the enemy with his machine gun and personally eliminated numerous enemy bunkers. He then led a ground assault upon the enemy positions. Due to his efforts, the enemy was completely routed. Staff Sergeant Brown’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.