The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Royal A. Brown, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as an Aircraft Commander in an all-volunteer joint U.S. Army and Air Force raiding force in the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed heliborne assault mission to rescue United States military personnel held as prisoners of war at Son Tay prison in North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. On that date, Colonel Brown led the search and rescue element of the helicopter force which attempted to rescue Prisoners of War in a bold night raid deep into the heartland of North Vietnam. Although exposed to enemy ground fire and surface-to-air missile firings and threatened by enemy aircraft, he provided rescue coverage for the entire force. With complete disregard for his own safety, he maintained position while the ground party conducted its search for prisoners. Upon departing the objective, he successfully evaded all the enemy’s sophisticated defenses. Still over enemy controlled territory, he responded to a call from a downed fighter pilot and successfully rescued him. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Brown has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Royal A. Brown, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Tchepone, Laos, on 13 March 1971. On that date, Colonel Brown, as the Aircraft Commander of an HH-53 Rescue Helicopter, twice attempted the rescue of a wounded United States Navy pilot from certain death or capture by hostile armed forces. With full knowledge of the extent of hostile fire in the area, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Colonel Brown was twice driven from his objective by withering ground fire which crippled his helicopter and wounded two crew members, making continued rescue attempts impossible. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Brown has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.