The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Samuel Robbins Brown, Jr. (NSN: 0-873543), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a cruiser based scouting plane in the Battle of Midway, 6 June 1942. As pilot of a cruiser based scouting plane, he was launched on the morning of 6 June 1942, to search, singly for an enemy force reportedly consisting of two aircraft carrier s and supporting destroyers. By skillful piloting and navigation he located the enemy force over one hundred fifty miles from his task force, reported its composition and location and remained in close contact with the enemy vessels until recalled five and a half hours later. He was in contact with the enemy vessels for nearly two hours, during which period his plane was subjected to continual anti-aircraft fire. By his radio reports he was able to direct the carrier-based bombers to their targets and kept up a running account of the ensuing actions which resulted in the sinking of one enemy heavy cruiser and one enemy destroyer. His courage, skill, and tenacity of purpose on the occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.