The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Michael A. Brown (MCSN: 2453984), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 11 March 1969, During Operation PURPLE MARTIN, Lance Corporal Brown’s platoon was moving toward its objective, Hill 477 northwest of Fire Support Base NEVILLE, when the Marines came under intense grenade, small arms, and automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed hostile force. In the initial fire burst, the Marines became pinned down and sustained several casualties, two of whom fell in areas dangerously exposed to enemy fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Brown unhesitatingly left his covered position and fearlessly rushed across thirty-five meters of fire-swept terrain to reach one of the Marines who was lying within ten meters of the hostile soldiers. After assisting the first man to relative safety, he again exposed himself to enemy fire as he moved to the side of the second injured man, applied first aid, and then carried him to cover. Having summoned a Corpsman, Lance Corporal Brown assisted in carrying the second casualty to a position where he could be treated and medically evacuated. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of two seriously wounded Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Brown upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.