Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Sergeant Virgil L. Brown (ASN: 20927377), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 183d Field Artillery Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 28 July 1944, at Normandy, France. When a battery of his battalion was completely overrun by a strong enemy attack, forcing the cannoneers to abandon their guns, First Sergeant Brown immediately organized his men and personally placed them into firing position to engage the enemy with pistols and carbines. Observing an unexpected attack which threatened the rear of the battery, First Sergeant Brown, with complete disregard for his own safety, courageously led his men through incessant automatic weapons and small arms fire in a vicious counterattack. Surprised by a sudden burst of fire from a well-concealed machine gun, First Sergeant Brown, daringly charged the gun emplacement. Although seriously wounded by a burst of fire from the gun, he continued his heroic advance until he was again hit and mortally wounded. By his gallant leadership, valor and unflinching devotion to duty, First Sergeant Brown exemplified the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States reflecting great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Sergeant Virgil L. Brown (ASN: 20927377), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 183d Field Artillery Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 28 July 1944, at Normandy, France. When a battery of his battalion was completely overrun by a strong enemy attack, forcing the cannoneers to abandon their guns, First Sergeant Brown immediately organized his men and personally placed them into firing position to engage the enemy with pistols and carbines. Observing an unexpected attack which threatened the rear of the battery, First Sergeant Brown, with complete disregard for his own safety, courageously led his men through incessant automatic weapons and small arms fire in a vicious counterattack. Surprised by a sudden burst of fire from a well-concealed machine gun, First Sergeant Brown, daringly charged the gun emplacement. Although seriously wounded by a burst of fire from the gun, he continued his heroic advance until he was again hit and mortally wounded. By his gallant leadership, valor and unflinching devotion to duty, First Sergeant Brown exemplified the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States reflecting great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Sergeant Virgil L. Brown (ASN: 20927377), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 183d Field Artillery Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 28 July 1944, at Normandy, France. When a battery of his battalion was completely overrun by a strong enemy attack, forcing the cannoneers to abandon their guns, First Sergeant Brown immediately organized his men and personally placed them into firing position to engage the enemy with pistols and carbines. Observing an unexpected attack which threatened the rear of the battery, First Sergeant Brown, with complete disregard for his own safety, courageously led his men through incessant automatic weapons and small arms fire in a vicious counterattack. Surprised by a sudden burst of fire from a well-concealed machine gun, First Sergeant Brown, daringly charged the gun emplacement. Although seriously wounded by a burst of fire from the gun, he continued his heroic advance until he was again hit and mortally wounded. By his gallant leadership, valor and unflinching devotion to duty, First Sergeant Brown exemplified the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States reflecting great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Sergeant Virgil L. Brown (ASN: 20927377), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 183d Field Artillery Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 28 July 1944, at Normandy, France. When a battery of his battalion was completely overrun by a strong enemy attack, forcing the cannoneers to abandon their guns, First Sergeant Brown immediately organized his men and personally placed them into firing position to engage the enemy with pistols and carbines. Observing an unexpected attack which threatened the rear of the battery, First Sergeant Brown, with complete disregard for his own safety, courageously led his men through incessant automatic weapons and small arms fire in a vicious counterattack. Surprised by a sudden burst of fire from a well-concealed machine gun, First Sergeant Brown, daringly charged the gun emplacement. Although seriously wounded by a burst of fire from the gun, he continued his heroic advance until he was again hit and mortally wounded. By his gallant leadership, valor and unflinching devotion to duty, First Sergeant Brown exemplified the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States reflecting great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Inscription
1SGT, 183rd Field Artillery Battalion
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