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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Thomas R. Braun (MCSN: 0-12237), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Aerial Observer of Headquarters and Service Battery, Seventh 155-mm. Gun Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 9 May to 17 June 1945. Completing numerous flights over enemy held territory during this period, Second Lieutenant Braun flew in an unarmed and unarmored plane over enemy lines observing hostile activities and adjusting artillery fire on them. On several occasions when terrestrial observation was extremely restricted and our own troops were receiving heavy fire from well concealed enemy positions, he voluntarily proceeded to perilously low altitudes to locate and bring fire on the enemy. By his skill and courage in the face of enemy anti-aircraft and small arms fire, he contributed materially to the advance of our forces in this area and his unselfish devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    September 22 – December 2, 1950
    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 2601 (March 31, 1951)

    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 First Lieutenant Thomas R. Braun (MCSN: 0-12237), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flights, as a pilot attached to the FIRST Marine Air Wing, from 22 September to 2 December 1950. First Lieutenant Braun successfully completed his thirty-sixth through seventieth combat missions over Korea, where enemy fire was either received or expected. These missions were flown in a slow, unarmed, observation aircraft; and were instrumental in locating enemy strong points, and spotting for our artillery. His actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    August 5 – September 20, 1950
    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 1627 (December 19, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Thomas R. Braun (MCSN: 0-12237), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flights over enemy territory from 5 August to 20 September 1950. First Lieutenant Braun successfully completed his first through thirty-fifth combat missions against the enemy over Korea where enemy fire was either received or expected. His actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    11th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    November 6, 1950
    Commanding General, 1st Marine Division: Serial 11310 (May 15, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Thomas R. Braun (MCSN: 0-12237), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Aerial Observer of Headquarters Battery, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 November 1950. Assigned the mission of locating enemy artillery pieces that had been placing damaging fire on friendly forces advancing toward Koto-ri, First Lieutenant Braun remained vigilant and courageous as his unarmed observation plane made several low passes over the suspected area. Discovering the positions of the well-camouflaged guns, he contacted close support aircraft and directed them to the area while the enemy sent up heavy fire from the ground. When the planes arrived, he carried out two dangerously low passes to drop his smoke grenades and mark the target for the attacking planes and then supervised a brilliantly executed strike by radio until five of the artillery pieces had been destroyed. With the enemy deserting the remaining three guns, he promptly directed several strafing runs to account for heavy casualties among the retreating troops and to neutralize the strong point. By his exceptional professional ability, dauntless perseverance and staunch devotion to duty during the hazardous mission, First Lieutenant Braun contributed materially to the successful advance of friendly forces with minimum casualties. His heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.