The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Howard L. Brown, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 18 December 1944 to 26 February 1945. Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Brown completed twenty-one flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Howard L. Brown, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. On 27 February 1945, while serving as Gunner of a Navy Liberator engaged in an unescorted armed combat patrol, he contributed to the destruction in the air of one TOPSY type Japanese transport and one VAL type dive bomber and, in addition, to the damage of two other TOPSY’s and one VAL. His actions evidenced extraordinary coolness, courage and professional skill and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.