The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel William F. Brown (MCSN: 0-120), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff, D-4, on the staff of the Commanding General, FOURTH Marine Division (Reinforced), during the planning phase and the assault on the Japanese held island of Saipan, Mariana Islands, from 15 April to 12 July 1944, due to his complete understanding of the continuously supplied vitally needed equipment, ammunition and other supplies throughout the operation. He frequently visited areas and units where he was subjected to hostile fire in order to insure the proper delivery of supplies to the combat units. His untiring efforts, resourcefulness, and constant supervision contributed immeasurably to the proper functioning of the Shore Party. By his outstanding professional knowledge, tact, and planning ability, Colonel Brown contributed in a large measure to the success of the campaign and 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”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel William F. Brown (MCSN: 0-120), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Officer-in-Charge of the Fourth Section of the Executive Staff, FOURTH Marine Division, during the attack required constant attention day and night to the arduous and multitudinous duties of supply and evacuation in a major amphibious operation. His duties required him to traverse all the rear areas of our zone of action. He performed his duties within to or three hundred yards of our front lines and under constant and continuous enemy sniper fire. His performance of this very important duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Brown is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel William F. Brown (MCSN: 0-120), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as an Assistant Chief of Staff (Supply and Evacuation) of a Marine Amphibious Corps Landing Force during the planning for, and seizure of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 12 November 1944 to 26 March 1945. During the planning phase, Colonel Brown working with tireless energy, consummate professional skill and superb knowledge of logistics, solved the many difficult logistic problems so successfully that the Corps reached the target area with sound, workable plans for supply and evacuation. Although Colonel Brown was wounded early in the battle, he remained at his post and continued to put up a high example of valor and self-abnegation. Untiring in his devotion to duty, he succeeded in assuring the re-supply of critical items, and the timely distribution of essential supplies and equipment to lower echelons. His outstanding success in providing prompt and sound solutions for current logistic problems throughout the battle was of great assistance to the Commanding General. His valorous conduct, sound decisions, efficient performance of duties under harassing battle conditions contributed materially to the success of our forces, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Brown is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)