Lieutenant Colonel Royal A. brown Jr. distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Tchepone, Laos, on 13 March 1971. On that date, Colonel Brown, as the Aircraft Commander of an HH-53 Rescue Helicopter, twice attempted the rescue of a wounded United States Navy pilot from certain death or capture by hostile armed forces. With full knowledge of the extent of hostile fire in the area, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Colonel Brown was twice driven from his objective by withering ground fire which crippled his helicopter and wounded two crew members, making continued rescue attempts impossible. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Brown has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.