Ralph W. D. Brown

 * These awards are based on the information kindly updated by family members from College Station, Texas and detail sourced from applicable (WWII) War Department Directives, DoD Directives and U.S. Army Awards Manuals:

Distinguished Service Cross, Awarded for extraordinary heroism not justifying the Medal of Honor; the act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his comrades.
   For his services on the first day of the war, he was cited:

Award of Distinguished Service Cross
RALPH W. D. BROWN (O-20862) (Captain) Chaplain

   For extraordinary heroism in action at Clark Field, Fort Stotsenburg, Pampanga, Philippine Islands, on December 8, 1941. While an intensive and sustained aerial bombardment and strafing attack were inflicting heavy casualties on personnel at his station, Chaplain Brown, under severe fire and without consideration of his own safety, drove in his personal automobile through the area being attacked, collecting wounded, administrating first aid and transporting casualties to the Ft. Stotsenburg Hospital. In spite of enemy attacks recurring at short intervals, this officer made no fewer than six such trips, each with a full load of such casualties, in imminent danger from enemy bombardment and machine gunning. His actions beyond the reasonable demand of his duty, saved many of the wounded from death or further mutilation.
   Chaplain Brown's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
      By Command of General MacArthur;
      R. K. Southerland
      Maj. Gen., GSC., Chief of Staff
   Dated Jan 31, 1942
   Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 18 (1942)

Legion of Merit, Awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service and achievement while performing duties in a key position of responsibility.
Bronze Star Medal with Oak-Leaf Cluster, Awarded to individuals who, while serving in the United States Armed Forces in a combat theater, distinguished themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or by meritorious service not involving flight. An Oak-Leaf Cluster denotes his second award.
   For his services while aboard a Japanese POW Transport Ship enroute from the Philippines to Japan, January 9 to 12, 1945, he was cited:

CITATION FOR BRONZE STAR MEDAL
(POSTHUMOUS)

Chaplain (Major) Ralph W. D. Brown, rendered meritorious service, from 9 to 12 January, 1945, while a prisoner of war aboard a Japanese Ship enroute from the Philippines to Japan when the ship was attacked by planes with consequent death and injury to his fellow prisoners. He ministered final rites to the dying, and first aid to the wounded. After confinement in the hold for three days amidst the carnage wrought by the attack, he took a leading part in cleaning the wreckage and bodies of the dead, and with characteristic assurance, maintained hope among the survivors.

Purple Heart Medal with Oak-Leaf Cluster, America's oldest military decoration, is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded, killed, or who has died of wounds received from an enemy force. An Oak-Leaf Cluster denotes his second award.
Prisoner of War Medal (Added per DoD Manual 1348.33 Vol 2, Nov 2010, pages 60-63) Authorized for issue to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, was taken prisoner and held captive after April 5, 1917.
American Defense Service Medal Awarded for military service between September 8, 1939 and December 7, 1941 under orders to active duty for a period of 12 months or longer.
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Awarded for military service with the Asiatic-Pacific Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946.
World War II Victory Medal Awarded for military service between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946, both dates inclusive.
Philippine Liberation Medal Awarded by the Philippine Commonwealth for service in the liberation of the Philippine Islands from October 17, 1944 to September 3, 1945.
Presidential Unit Citation with Two Clusters, Awarded to Army Units that display the same degree of heroism in combat as would warrant the Distinguished Service Cross for an individual.

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