The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit (Army Award) to Colonel Wilburt S. Brown (MCSN: 0-3960), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in China during the period 4 October 1945 to 10 November 1945.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsAction Date:
October to December 1927 and January 19, 1928
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Wilburt S. Brown (MCSN: 0-3960), United States Marine Corps, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. On 19 January 1928, while at the head of the point of the advance guard of a force of Marines, Lieutenant Brown was challenged by a bandit sentry on the outskirts of Buena Vista, Nicaragua. Lieutenant Brown shot the sentry and with two squads of his advance guard utterly routed a bandit force of not less than thirty rifles, who were prepared to ambush our column at Buena Vista. This was accomplished with no casualties to our forces. While in command of the combined Marine Corps and Guardia Nacional garrison at Telpaneca, Nicaragua, from October to December 1927, Lieutenant Brown, by a well organized native information service, obtained seven contacts with bandit groups in his area, resulting in many bandit casualties, and no casualties to our forces. Lieutenant Brown was personally in command and under enemy fire in each of these seven contacts.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Wilburt S. Brown (MCSN: 0-3960), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while commanding a Marine artillery regiment on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands during the period 1 April to 22 June 1945. Colonel Brown displayed exceptional skill, clearly demonstrating the efficient training he had given his regiment prior to the landing. When the Army forces in the southern part of the island required additional fire support, he displayed his battalions expeditiously rendering early and effective fire support. When his parent division was committed in the southern zone he coordinated all supporting fires including naval gunfire and air strikes with consummate skill. For a period of eighty-three days his regiment maintained constant fire support for the assault elements under the most adverse weather conditions despite exceedingly difficult terrain and intense enemy counter-battery fires. His effective and inspiring leadership was responsible in a large measure for the surmounting of all difficulties and his determination and professional skill were highly instrumental in assuring the success of the operation. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Brown is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
June 2 & 3, 1951
Commanding General, 1st Marine Division: Serial 2271 (January 21, 1954)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Wilburt S. Brown (MCSN: 0-3960), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 and 3 June 1951. When one of his assault battalions was subjected to an accurate enemy mortar and artillery barrage which inflicted heavy casualties, including four company commanders and ten other officers, Colonel Brown proceeded to the area in the face of the murderous fire and skillfully reorganized the battalion, enabling it to continue the attack. Moving to an exposed position in full view of the enemy and under continuous hostile mortar and artillery fire, he directed his men in seizing all assigned objectives and in inflicting a serious defeat upon a tenacious enemy. By his inspiring leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and courageous initiative, Colonel Brown upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.