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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Stanford A. Brown, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Illuminator Operator over Southeast Asia on 5 February 1972. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 12 hostile supply vehicles and the ignition of 14 secondary fires and explosions. Putting aside his concern for personal safety in the face of 576 rounds of hostile anti-aircraft fire, he succeeded in destroying large amounts of supplies and munitions destined for use against friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Brown reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Action Date:

    January 26, 1972
    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Stanford A. Brown, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Illuminator Operator over Laos on 26 January 1972. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 29 hostile supply vehicles and the creation of 13 secondary fires and explosions. From the prone position on the open cargo ramp, he skillfully advised the pilot of evasive maneuvers to evade impending danger from anti-aircraft fire, thereby making these outstanding mission results possible. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Brown reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.