AWARDED DFC: 4
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-4E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Thomas F. Brown III, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of jet aircraft while attached to Attack Carrier Air Wing Fifteen, embarked in USS Coral Sea (CVA 43). On 16 November 1967, Lieutenant Commander Brown was the Division Leader of a flight of A4E aircraft which comprised the second element of a major air wing assault on the Haiphong shipyards near the center of this strategic port city of North Vietnam. As his element approached the outer defense perimeter of the target area, it was fiercely opposed by an intense surface-to-air missile barrage and deadly anti-aircraft fire. In the face of fierce opposition and despite being forced to extremely low altitudes by missiles, he expertly maneuvered his division to the optimum tactical position and skillfully maneuvered a devastating and highly accurate attack, placing all bombs on his assigned target. Egressing through intense and savage ground fire, he daringly maneuvered his division with uncommon precision and skill, enabling all aircraft to retire without loss or damage. Lieutenant Commander Brown's superb airmanship, brilliant planning and daring courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Thomas F. Brown III, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a pilot of jet aircraft while commanding Carrier Air Wing ONE NINE embarked in USS ORISKANY (CV A-34) On 27 August 1972, Commander Brown was the strike leader in an air wing assault against two heavily defended targets in Southeast Asia. Upon reaching the enemy coastline his forces came under fire from three surface-to-air missiles. With the utmost professionalism he maneuvered his entire striking group, forcing the missiles to break guidance and detonate harmlessly away from the aircraft. Upon reaching the target area his own element was the target of three missiles. Accurately assessing the situation, he once again outmaneuvered the threats, and then led his division through a devastating dive bombing attack on this active missile emplacement, completely destroying it. Commander Brown's superb airmanship, courage and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.