Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Samuel
Jesse
Brown
October 3, 1917

–

August 23, 1990

Cemetery:

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Samuel Brown shot down a total of 15.5 enemy planes during the 4-month period from April 17 to July 26, 1944, to finish the war as a TRIPLE ACE.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    307th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 26, 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Forces-Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 40 (August 15, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Corps) Samuel Jesse Brown (ASN: 0-431846), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 26 June 1944, during an air mission over Vienna. On this date Major Brown demonstrated great courage, skill, and heroism when, with only the protection of a wing man, he attacked a formation of 50 enemy fighters that were preparing to attack a formation of 15th Air Force heavy bombers near Vienna. During the heavy aerial combat that followed, Major Brown destroyed four of the German planes and damaged two, causing the remainder to disperse. Major Brown’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 15th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    307th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 1866 (July 15, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Samuel Jesse Brown (ASN: 0-431846), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in 1944. 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 Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    307th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Samuel Jesse Brown (ASN: 0-431846), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    307th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Samuel Jesse Brown (ASN: 0-431846), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.