AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  CH-46

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Herman C. Brown for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Provisional Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Nine, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 August 1968, Major Brown launched from Quang Tri Airfield as Division Leader of a flight of CH-46 helicopters assigned to transport infantry personnel into the Demilitarized Zone north of Con Thien. After disembarking his passengers, he alertly monitored an emergency medical evacuation request and unhesitatingly volunteered to go to the assistance of the wounded Marines. Arriving over the designated area, he was advised that the landing zone was receiving intense small arms, mortar and artillery fire and that an approach should be executed from the south at a low altitude. Realizing that a fixed wing aircraft had been shot down in the vicinity only minutes earlier, he fearlessly maneuvered his CH-46 into the hazardous area on three occasions, but was unable to obtain landing information from the ground unit. Receiving the vital information on his fourth approach, Major Brown landed the aircraft and, ignoring the enemy fire, steadfastly maintained his position while the wounded Marines were embarked. Suddenly, a hostile mortar round impacted approximately fifteen meters from the helicopter, damaging the rear pylon section, and the ground controller advised immediate lift-off. Completely disregarding his own safety, he calmly remained in the landing zone until all of the casualties were aboard and only then did he depart the hazardous area for a hospital ship. Major Brown's courage, superior aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.