Navy Corpsman Earns Combat "V" for Heroism

By Bill W. Love, Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi Public Affairs

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- A hospital corpsman from Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi was presented the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with Combat Distinguishing Device) March 1, for his service in Afghanistan.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (FMF) Steven P. Brown received the award from Capt. Gina M. Jaeger, Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi commanding officer.

"I am honored and humbled to present this noteworthy award," said Jaeger about Brown's heroic achievement.

"HM3 Brown found himself in an extreme situation and he performed above and beyond. He responded in a way that is expected of one placed in that position, and I am very proud of him."

While taking part in combat operations with Embedded Transition Team, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, 1st Marine Division Forward, May 21, 2010, in southern Musa Qala, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Brown responded to an improvised explosive device strike on a civilian family.

With the threat of secondary devices and small arms fire, Brown initiated care for two women and three children, all critically or mortally wounded. He single-handedly lifted the still-burning vehicle hulk to allow a fellow team member to pull a trapped child out from beneath.

Over the course of the next two hours, Brown gave his entire water supply to his patients despite his own dehydration, and he sustained three of the five patients with rudimentary medical supplies until he personally delivered them to higher medical care.

According to the citation that accompanied Brown's award, "His unflinching resolve in the face of grave personal danger demonstrated his supreme devotion."