The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Staff Sergeant James R. Brown (MCSN: 504459), United States Marine Corps, for heroism in rescuing an injured pilot from the cockpit of a burning aircraft at Grey Butte Field, California, on 29 June 1945, while serving with a Marine aircraft service detachment. Under conditions of great personal danger from the exploding gasoline tanks of the plane, and with complete disregard for his own safety, though seriously injured himself in the crash, Staff Sergeant Brown voluntarily and courageously leaped upon the wing of the burning aircraft and aided in removing the unconscious pilot from the cockpit, and in carrying him to safety. His heroic conduct, performed in the face of great danger to himself was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.