The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Sergeant John W. Brown, Jr. (MCSN: 1441506), United States Marine Corps, for heroism in Endwell, New York, on 17 June 1960. Sergeant Brown, who was a U.S. Marine Corps Recruiter, assigned to the Recruiting Sub-Station, Binghamton, New York, had just returned to his home about 1700 on 17 June 1960. During this day, the Binghamton Area was subjected to a severe flash flood which caused extensive damage. Sergeant Brown was surveying the flooded area approximately seventy-five yards from where he was located. The water was up to a depth of seven feet and the current was extremely swift. The water was filled with floating dangerous debris. Sergeant Brown, disregarding his own personal safety, immediately took off his jacket and shoes and moved into the water. By skillful and daring swimming he maneuvered with the current to the house were a six year old boy was endangered. He then fought the current, with the boy on his back, to the safety of higher ground. Sergeant Brown swam back across the flooded area with a line. He rigged the line to permit a boat to be swung across the current. Sergeant Brown, and two other men, then transported two women and a baby from the roof of a house in the stricken area. Sergeant Brown by his daring heroism was instrumental in preventing the possible drowning of four persons. His heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.