AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Thomas William Brown for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while attached to and serving with Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN, embarked in USS ENTERPRISE (CVA (N) 65). On 13 March 1968, Lieutenant Commander Brown was the division leader of four strike aircraft assigned as the second strike element on a major Air Wing strike against an important and heavily defended highway and railroad bridge complex at Haiphong, North Vietnam. After expertly maneuvering his division to avoid a surface-to-air missile that passed within 1,000 feet, and limited by extremely marginal weather conditions, Lieutenant Commander Brown led his strike element in a bold and devastating attack amid a barrage of anti-aircraft fire. His strike element destroyed the northern approach to the main railroad bypass bridge and rendered another pontoon bridge completely unserviceable. Lieutenant Commander Brown's indomitable courage, aggressive leadership and superior airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.