The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Charles A. Brown, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Pilot over Southeast Asia on 19 December 1972. On that date, Captain Brown participated in a high-priority bombing mission against a vital military target in a heavily-defended area of North Vietnam. Despite the extreme hazards presented by surface-to-air missiles and hostile interceptors, Captain Brown displayed extraordinary courage and a remarkable ability to perform under severe stress. His willingness to place mission requirements above his personal safety was vital in the successful release of his ordnance on the designated target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Brown reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.