Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Korean War - U.S. Army

Melvin L Brown

Details
  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company D, 8th Combat Engineer Battalion,
    1st Cavalry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: September 4, 1950
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Kasan, Korea
Citation
Pfc. Brown, Company D, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. While his platoon was securing Hill 755 (the Walled City), the enemy, using heavy automatic weapons and small arms, counterattacked. Taking a position on a 50-foot-high wall he delivered heavy rifle fire on the enemy. His ammunition was soon expended and although wounded, he remained at his post and threw his few grenades into the attackers, causing many casualties. When his supply of grenades was exhausted his comrades from nearby foxholes tossed others to him and he left his position, braving a hail of fire, to retrieve and throw them at the enemy. The attackers continued to assault his position and Pfc. Brown, weaponless, drew his entrenching tool from his pack and calmly waited until they one by one peered over the wall, delivering each a crushing blow upon the head. Knocking 10 or 12 enemy from the wall, his daring action so inspired his platoon that they repelled the attack and held their position. Pfc. Brown's extraordinary heroism, gallantry, and intrepidity reflect the highest credit upon himself and was in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service. Reportedly missing in action and officially killed in action, September 5, 1950.
Medal of Honor Recipient Melvin L. Brown
Medal of Honor Recipient Melvin L. Brown
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: January 9, 1951
    The White House, presented by Pres. Harry S. Truman to his Father
  • Born: February 22, 1931, Mahaffey, Clearfield County, PA, United States
  • Died: September 5, 1950, Korea
  • Buried: Mahaffey Cemetery, Mahaffey, PA, United States
 

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