Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Action Date:

    September 15, 1944

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00435-45 (February 12, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Dota C. Brown (NSN: 0-262519), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, on 15 September 1944. Lieutenant Brown, serving with a joint assault signal company, was performing the duties of naval gunfire liaison officer with a Marine Infantry Battalion which was in reserve. When enemy mortars and artillery concealed along the high coral ridges dominating the beachhead had inflicted heavy losses on our troops on the crowded beaches, Lieutenant Brown’s forward observer, operating with an assault battalion, became a casualty. Although Lieutenant Brown’s station was with the command post of the reserve battalion, he rushed forward to an exposed position on the airport one hundred yards in front of the lines, from which he could observe the hostile ridges. After locating two enemy guns, despite sniper and mortar fire concentrated on him, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brown remained for an hour effectively directing naval gunfire. His complete disregard for his own safety and his brave perseverance resulted in the reduction of the enemy fire. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.