THE WALL OF FACES

I was the last family member or friend to see Chuck before he left for Vietnam. We had some great and crazy kid times in the 50's and 60's. The men in his Marine unit in Nam called him "Charlie" Brown. I asked why and the response was the cartoon character.

Private First Class John Charles Brown was known to his friends & family as Chuck. He was an inquisitive boy who loved animals and in his pre teens corresponded with A&M professors & who, as it was found out, thought he was on an equal educational level with them! He enlisted in the Marines spring of 1968. He arrived in Vietnam September of that year, turned 19 in October & was killed in Quang Tri province in the Hai Lang National Forest in November. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor & the Purple Heart.
He volunteered to fight for his country, he volunteered to be a marine & he volunteered to be a point man. He is not forgotten, he is in our hearts forever.

Aunt Susan, Aunt Pat, Uncle John & Families

"for heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company A, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine Division. On 27 November 1968, Private First Class Brown was Point Man for a reconnaissance patrol operating in the Hai Lang National Forest when he alertly detected enemy movement from several locations. Quickly warning his companions of the situation, he skillfully evaded the hostile force and led his team to a position which could serve as a landing zone for an emergency helicopter extraction. As the aircraft approached the Marines' position, Privet First Class Brown again observed enemy activity nearby and, completely disregarding his own safety, rushed across the exposed landing site in order to signal the aircraft that it was unsafe to land. While supporting gunships attacked the hostile force, the helicopter returned to the landing zone, and as Private First Class Brown was leading his comrades to the waiting aircraft, he was mortally wounded by a heavy volume of enemy automatic weapons fire. Private First Class Brown's courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty inspired all who observed him and were in the highest keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Navel Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country." The Cobat "V" is authorized.

Private First Class John Charles Brown was known to his friends & family as Chuck. He was an inquisitive boy who loved animals and in his pre teens corresponded with A&M professors & who, as it was found out, thought he was on an equal educational level with themselves! He enlisted in the Marines in spring of 1968. He arrived in Vietnam September of that year, turned 19 in October & was killed in Quang Tri province in the Hai Lang National Forest in November. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor & the Purple Heart.
He volunteered to fight for his country, he volunteered to be a marine & he volunteered to be a point man. He is not forgotten, he is in our hearts forever.
Aunt Susan & Family

Semper Fi, Marine.