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 Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Robin A. Browne (ASN: W-3159595), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 23 January 1969 while serving with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while he was serving as commander of a helicopter gunship, the Aero Rifle Platoon for which he was providing cover became heavily engaged with an enemy force that was well entrenched on high ground. Upon observing that the friendly unit had become pinned down after an attempted assault upon the hostile fortifications, Warrant Officer Browne initiated a rocket assault upon the enemy. In spite of initially heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire, he quickly suppressed the fire with his devastating rocket strikes and enabled the friendly force to overrun the hostile positions. Later, as the area was being cleared, he observed two enemy soldiers attempting to evade detection. Although they directed intense fire upon his aircraft, he hovered low over the area so that his gunner could keep them pinned down until they were captured by friendly ground troops. Warrant Officer Browne’s courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Robin A. Browne (ASN: W-3159595), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 2 April 1969 while serving as a Helicopter Pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while conducting a routine reconnaissance mission, he located a small enemy base camp and alertly spotted an enemy soldier hiding nearby. After placing fire on the hostile position, Warrant Officer Browne called in friendly ground troops. Upon their arrival he began directing them to several artillery rounds that he had observed near a bunker. Suddenly his aircraft came under intense hostile automatic weapons fire, wounding him and causing damage to the helicopter. As soon as he had informed the command and control helicopter of his situation, he began flying toward a friendly base. Before he reached the base, his engine lost power. Though he was unable to operate the pedals with his wounded leg, he skillfully directed his observer in maneuvering the aircraft and landed safely. Warrant Officer Browne’s outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.