The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Joseph Donald Brown (NSN: 0-337685), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based dive bomber in Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-SIX (VB-86), embarked in U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), in action against major units of the Japanese fleet in Kure Naval Base, Japan, on 19 March 1945. In spite of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire during the course of the attack, he courageously pressed home his attack and obtained probable bomb hits on a light aircraft carrier which was later observed smoking. During this attack he performed his duties in an outstanding manner and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.