Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Fred H. Brown (ASN: 34190254), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 10 April 1945, in Germany. During an advance upon the town of Schwerstadt, Germany, Sergeant Brown’s company was pinned down by a withering hail of small arms and machine gun fire emanating from concealed enemy positions. With utter disregard for his own safety, this gallant soldier left cover and fearlessly charged the first machine gun emplacement, firing from the hip as he ran. Although wounded, he continued his gallant charge until mortally wounded by a second hostile machine gun. Sergeant Brown’s heroic, self-sacrificing actions enabled his company to locate and destroy the two enemy machine gun positions. His dauntless courage and supreme devotion to duty will live on as an inspiration to the men with whom he fought. Staff Sergeant Brown’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 76th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Regiment:

    304th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    76th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 1, 1945

    Headquarters, 76th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 52 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Fred H. Brown (ASN: 34190254), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 304th Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 March 1945 near Olk, Germany, when his squad leader was killed and his company was pinned down by German fire. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.