The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Third Class Bruce Edward Brown (NSN: B-811996), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Combined Action Platoon 1-3-7, III Marine Amphibious Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 12 May 1969, Petty Officer Brown was accompanying a six-man patrol in Quang Ngai Province. Suddenly the friendly unit came under intense fire from approximately thirty Viet Cong, employing mortars, satchel charges, small arms, and automatic weapons. In the initial moments of the fire fight, one Marine, one Popular Forces soldier, and Petty Officer Brown were wounded. Despite his serous and painful injury, Petty Officer Brown fearlessly exposed himself to hostile fire as he steadfastly moved to assist the other two casualties. While valiantly maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain, he was wounded a second time and was rendered unconscious. Petty Officer Brown subsequently succumbed to his injuries. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his fellowmen and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Brown upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.