Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    January 29, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Melvin Jack Brown, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and outstanding performance of duty during a fire at the Naval Air Station, Key West, Florida, on 29 January 1945. Lieutenant Brown was inside the hangar at the Naval Air Station, Key West, Florida, when a patrol bombing plane exploded inside the hangar and burst into flames. He immediately went to the burning plane, and after assuring himself that those men who had been working inside of the plane at the time of the explosions and who had left the plane after the explosion were being properly cared for, he entered the burning plane. Although fully aware that gasoline might still be aboard the plane, even though precautionary measures may have been taken, and that this gasoline or the gasoline fumes within the plane might explode at any second, he remained within the plane, fighting the fire until it was completely extinguished. After the fire had been extinguished, he proceeded into compartments where the fire had raged and, although seriously handicapped by the presence of strong gasoline and other fumes, he conducted a thorough search for any personnel who may have been trapped by the explosion. His prompt and heroic action was mainly responsible for controlling and extinguishing the fire and undoubtedly prevented a much greater destruction of government property than that which did occur. The initiative, judgment, courage and prompt and decisive action displayed by Lieutenant Brown on this occasion reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.