The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Gary Estle Brown (MCSN: 0-88179), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, in action against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During the afternoon of 9 February 1966, Company E was subjected to and pinned down by intense automatic weapons and small arms fire from guerrillas in a fortified village. Having laid down a base of fire, First Lieutenant Brown’s platoon was ordered to assault the village. While exposed to heavy fire, First Lieutenant Brown boldly led his men in the assault, shouting words of encouragement and directing the fires of his men. That aggressive assault killed ten Viet Cong. Demonstrating exceptional thoroughness, he remained in the village ferreting out the hidden guerrillas. Later in the day, his platoon was assigned as rear covering forces as the Company crossed a river returning to friendly lines. While crossing the river the Company was suddenly subjected to heavy fire. With utter disregard for his own safety, First Lieutenant Brown moved his unit with such efficiency that the Company was able to cross the river without a single casualty. By his superior professional skill, courage and composure under fire and selfless dedication to duty, First Lieutenant Brown upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Gary Estle Brown (MCSN: 0-88179), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, in action against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 March 1966, during Operation TEXAS, First Lieutenant Brown’s platoon was designated as the assault unit against one of the most heavily-fortified hostile villages encountered in Vietnam to that date. When the platoon had approached to within fifty meters of the objective, the enemy unleashed a heavy volume of fire on the Marines, wounding several in the initial burst of fire. Reacting instantly, First Lieutenant Brown wisely moved his platoon to the relative safety of a rice paddy dike. Fearlessly braving the incoming fire, he moved from position to position to direct his men’s fire on the enemy. As another platoon was moving into position adjacent to First Lieutenant Brown’s unit, both its Platoon Commander and Platoon Sergeant were seriously wounded and disabled. Displaying exceptional leadership and initiative, First Lieutenant Brown effectively controlled both platoons in the midst of the hostile fire, consolidating their hastily established defensive positions. Quickly assessing the situation, he realized the necessity for air and artillery support, together with the urgency of ensuring that all casualties were clear of the strike area. With complete disregard for his own safety, he courageously moved forward of friendly lines several times to carry wounded men to protected areas. During one daring move, he was shot twice in the arm. Although in intense pain and weakened from loss of blood, First Lieutenant Brown heroically remained in command of the two platoons until supporting arms could be effectively utilized and the tide of the battle thereby shifted in the Marines’ favor. Only after ensuring that all other casualties were cared for and that the situation was well under control did he allow himself to be evacuated for treatment of his wounds. By his exceptional courage, presence of mind in a dire emergency and unfaltering dedication to duty throughout, First Lieutenant Brown served to inspire all who were involved in the engagement and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.