The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal James V. Brown (MCSN: 545073), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Demolition Corporal in a Rifle Platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 14 May 1945. Taking command of the platoon after all his superior officers had become casualties during an attack on strongly defended enemy positions, Corporal Brown courageously exposed himself to the heavy hostile fire while moving from man to man of the disorganized platoon, giving instructions and encouraging them to continue the advance. Through his heroic example, he rallied his men in a new attack and succeeded in seizing and occupying the objective. Then, when the Japanese launched two successive counterattacks, Corporal Brown displayed outstanding leadership in repulsing the hostile assaults. His gallant conduct in this action was a constant inspiration to his men, and his unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.