The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting they Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Staff Sergeant Harvey Gordon Brande (ASN: RA-19507308), United States Army, for heroism in connection with ground operations against a hostile force while swerving with Detachment A-111, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Brande distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 April 1967 while serving as Special Forces squad leader of a Vietnamese task force on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. While moving through thick jungle, the platoon was heavily attacked by a Viet Cong force firing automatic weapons. Sergeant Brande saw that the insurgents were inflicting numerous casualties from their positions on high ground and deployed his men to assault the hill. Completely ignoring his own safety, he led a fierce charge into the face of withering fire. He directed a deadly volume of rifle fire into the Viet Cong positions as he ran forward of his men. With bullets striking all around him, he led his men into the hostile positions, completely disorganizing the Viet Cong and forcing them to flee. His fearless leadership inspired his men to great heights in the face of grave danger. Staff Sergeant Brande’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Sergeant First Class Harvey Gordon Brande (ASN: RA-19507308), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States while detained as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia during the period 7 February 1968 to 16 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of Southeast Asia demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, this American continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.