The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a gold star in lieu of the second

BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

CORPORAL EDWARD J. BROWN

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

"For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Squad Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division. On the morning of 17 June 1969, Corporal Brown's. platoon was sent to reinforce other elements of Company M which were pinned down by intense enemy fire seven miles north of the Dong Ha Combat Base. Reaching the area of contact, Corporal Brown fearlessly led his men against the hostile force, advancing on line across an open field toward the enemy positions. Boldly leading an attack on a hostile machine gun position, Corporal Brown was responsible for his squad capturing the weapon and killing nine North Vietnamese soldiers. As a result of his heroic and timely actions, the other enemy soldiers withdrew from the area and the Marines were able to evacuate their casualties. Corporal Brown's courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

For the President

H. W. BUSE, JR.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL. U.S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MAR1NE FORCE, PACIFIC