The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*BROWN, MELVIN L.
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Army, Company D, 8th Engineer Combat Battalion. Place and date: Near
Kasan, Korea, 4 September 1950. Entered service at: Erie, Pa. Birth:
Mahaffey, Pa. G.O. No.: 11, 16 February 1951.
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 1 by 1 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.
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