Biography
Year at ISU: 1941
Citation: "Cairo, Egypt August 19, 1942 CHARLES O. BROWN, JR. 1st Lieut., AAF is herewith cited for gallantry in action with the enemy. On June 15, 1942 he, while acting in the capacity of airplane commander of a four engine heavy bomber so skillfully handled his aircraft that the combat formation of which he was a part was able to inflict such heavy damage upon an Italian Fleet, operating in the Mediterranean that it withdrew, allowing an important British convoy to safely reach Malta. While returning to base he so capably maintained his position in formation and directed the activities of his combat crew that the formation was able to disperse intercepting enemy fighters after inflicting two casualties upon them. /s/ Lewis Brereton Major General, USA Commanding"
Charles Osborne Brown, Jr. was born to Charles Osborne and Lettie L. Chase on November 2, 1918. He grew up in Scott Bluff, Nebraska. While at Iowa State College he was a member of Beta Theta Pi, Tau Sigma Chapter.
Charles entered service on April 26, 1941 at Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated at Brooks Field, Texas, as Second Lieutenant on December 12, 1941, and made Second Lieutenant on May 20, 1942 just before leaving with the Halverson Detachment, United State Middle East Air Force.
Charles died on July 14, 1942 over Bengasi, Libya. His awards and citations include: The American Defense Service Medal, The European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars for the Egypt-Libya and Air Offensive Europe Campaigns, the World War II Victory Ribbon, and the Aviation Badge. He post-humously received the Silver Star medal and the Purple Heart.