Melvin Louis Brown (1931 - 1950)

Born 22 Feb 1931 in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, United States

Ancestors

Died 5 Sep 1950 at age 19 in Korea

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Biography

Melvin Brown is Notable.

Korean War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Medal of Honor Citation: "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. Private First Class 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 Private First Class 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. Private First Class 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." [1]

Sources

• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7242833/melvin-louis-brown : accessed 29 November 2021), memorial page for PFC Melvin Louis Brown (22 Feb 1931–5 Sep 1950), Find A Grave: Memorial #7242833, citing Mahaffey Cemetery, Mahaffey, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, USA ; Maintained by Find a Grave .