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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Frederick J. Brown (NSN: 0-429750), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of an unarmed and unescorted jet photo reconnaissance plane of Composite Squadron SIXTY-ONE (VC-61), Photo Unit ITEM, aboard the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), on a special and highly classified mission against the enemy, on 23 July 1952. Lieutenant Brown piloted his photo plane deep into enemy territory in order to photograph large areas of military and industrial importance. These runs were made in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and at reduced weather conditions, so that oblique photography was conducted at an altitude of only eight hundred feet. During these photographic runs, several enemy aircraft were sighted in the immediate area. His superb airmanship, fortitude and outstanding courage, resulted in the successful accomplishment of a dangerous mission. His conduct and steadfast devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Composite Squadron 61 (VC-61)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    October 30, 1952
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 171 (January 31, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Frederick J. Brown (NSN: 0-429750), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the pilot of an unarmed and unescorted jet photo reconnaissance plane of Composite Squadron SIXTY-ONE (VC-61), Photo Unit ITEM, and serving with Commander Air Group 101, during a special and highly classified mission against the enemy on 30 October 1952. Lieutenant Brown piloted his photo plane deep into enemy territory in order to photograph large areas of industrial and military importance. These photographic runs were made at a time when enemy jet aircraft were sighted in the immediate area and his unarmed jet aircraft was vulnerable to attack at the reduced speed required to carry out his mission. Insuring complete coverage of the highly military and industrial areas, he duplicated all runs and continued on to photograph over two hundred flight line missiles in addition. This additional photography included airfields, railroads, large cities, industrial areas and shipping lanes of importance. The daring initiative and superb airmanship displayed by Lieutenant Brown, contributed materially to the success of the mission. His outstanding courage and steadfast devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.