Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 5 (VF-5)

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Herbert Stanton Brown, Jr. (NSN: 0-81571), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the line of his profession as leader of the Eight Division, Fighting Squadron FIVE (VF-5), during the Guadalcanal-Tulagi action on 7 August 1942. Upon sighting an enemy force of approximately twenty-seven twin-engine bombers, he led his four plane division of his squadron’s fighting planes into an attack upon them and, although viciously attacked by enemy “zero” type fighter planes, courageously continued in the engagement until he was severely wounded and his plane badly damaged. His action was a greatly contributing factor in causing the enemy to suffer the loss of at least five of their bombing planes and he undoubtedly played a major role in the failure of the enemy attack. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.