Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 45 (VA-45)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lake Champlain (CVA-39)

    Action Date:

    June 19, 1953

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Donald Edward Brewer (NSN: 0-394429), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of an attack plane of Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE (VA-45), attached to the U.S.S. Lake Champlain (CVA-39), while flying a close air support mission against Communist-held positions on the central Korean front on 19 June 1953. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brewer pressed home his bombing attack against enemy front line troops, despite the fact that his plane was seriously damaged by 37-mm. anti-aircraft fire. Although hit at the beginning of his attack, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brewer continued his dive, dissipating life-saving altitude, until he was assured of a good hit. He was personally credited with the destruction of 150 yards of trenches containing enemy troops firing at friendly forces. Upon the completion of his attack, he bailed out of his now-disabled aircraft. However, too much altitude had been lost and his parachute did not have time to open. His disregard for personal safety and extraordinary heroism in action contributed materially to the mission of the United Nations in Korea, at the cost of his life. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.