The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Calvin Franklin Brown (MCSN: 1446627), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 January 1967, Staff Sergeant Brown’s platoon participated in a company size helicopter raid on a Viet Cong stronghold south of DaNang. Throughout the ensuing six hour operation, Staff Sergeant Brown displayed exceptional professional skill and aggressiveness in leading his platoon. As his platoon deployed and was moving toward its objective, it came under fire from a company size Viet Cong force firing from concealed positions. Immediately, four members of the platoon sustained wounds and were lying in an open area exposed to enemy fire. Unhesitatingly, Staff Sergeant Brown exposed himself to the intense enemy fire to direct his men into positions and protect the wounded while they received medical assistance. With complete disregard for his own safety, he moved from position to position, encouraging his men and directing their fire against the enemy until fire superiority was obtained and the wounded could be evacuated. Upon learning that the Platoon Commander had become a casualty, Staff Sergeant Brown unhesitatingly assumed command of the platoon. Skillfully and courageously, he led his men in an assault on the enemy, overrunning the Viet Cong positions. His daring actions were instrumental in the expeditious evacuation of the wounded Marines and contributed immeasurably to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his extraordinary courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty under extremely hazardous conditions, Staff Sergeant Brown upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.