The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander James Harvey Brown (NSN: 0-75024), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. AMMEN (DD-527), operating in the Southwest Pacific area during the successful campaigns against the enemy in British and Dutch New Guinea, the Moluccas, and the occupation of Leyte in the Philippine Islands. He participated in numerous hazardous operations including several enemy crippling raids and supported all landing operations by inflicting heavy damage on the enemy air attacks. While covering the occupation of Leyte, with ships under frequent air attack, his gun crews hit and flames an enemy plane which crashed into and damaged his ship, but by prompt cool and resourceful direction he minimized the effect of the damage so that his ship was able to continue in the execution of all assigned tasks. His performance of service was outstanding, an inspiration to those under his command, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
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U.S.S. Ammen (DD-527)Action Date:
April 20 – May 29, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander James Harvey Brown (NSN: 0-75024), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. AMMEN (DD-527), in action against enemy Japanese forces during a long period of hazardous radar picket duty in the vicinity of Okinawa from 20 April to 29 May 1945. In a situation unique in Naval warfare, Commander Brown aggressively fought his ship during twenty-seven engagements with attacking enemy aircraft and, skillfully carrying out defensive maneuvers, escaped with minor damage to his ship despite three plane crashes close aboard. With his vessel acting as a fighter director ship during much of this time, he contributed materially to the destruction of seven additional hostile aircraft by planes of our combat air patrol. By his inspiring leadership, Commander Brown kept his command ready for enemy attack day and night and, despite the tremendous mental strain on himself and his men, ably accomplished his assigned mission of providing early warning of enemy air attack to the main body of our Fleet. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
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U.S.S. Ammen (DD-527)Action Date:
October 29 – November 17, 1944
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01660 (April 23, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander James Harvey Brown (NSN: 0-75024), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the screening ship U.S.S. AMMEN (DD-527), in her action during air attacks by enemy planes, in Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands, from 29 October 1944 to 17 November 1944. Commander Brown capably maneuvered his ship to maintain accurate and advantageous position, delivering destructive gunfire against six enemy planes and contributing to the shooting down of three. Although his ship was struck by a plane, he maintained his station and effected immediate repairs, so that the fighting efficiency of his ship was not seriously impaired. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.