The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Thomas Markham Brown (NSN: 0-59401), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Gunnery Officer aboard the Fleet Oiler U.S.S. NEOSHO (AO-23), when that ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft in the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942, and as acting Executive Officer during the trying days when she was in a sinking condition. His conspicuous courage and resourcefulness during the engagement was directly responsible for the destruction of three enemy planes and the damaging of at least four others. In the days subsequent to the attack, when preparations were being made to abandon ship, he assumed and performed the duties of Executive Officer in a thorough and efficient manner. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.