The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Milton Frank Browne, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based dive bombing airplane in action against the enemy fleet in the vicinity of the East Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, he pressed home to a low altitude a determined and successful attack against an enemy fleet oiler. As a result of this attack, which he made in conjunction with other planes of his section, the oiler was left burning fiercely. While returning to his own forces in complete darkness, fuel exhaustion necessitated a water landing. This was so skillfully and successfully accomplished that both he and his aircrewman survived safely until their rescue four days later. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.