Senate 56

SENATE RESOLUTION 56

(By Senators Helton, Hamilton, and Rucker)

[Introduced March 2, 2026]

Honoring decorated Vietnam War veteran Sergeant First Class Bill Brown, of Beckley, West Virginia, for his distinguished military service.

Whereas, Bill Brown enlisted in the United States Army in 1956, and served his country both stateside and abroad, including assignments in Germany, Okinawa, Thailand, and Southeast Asia; and

Whereas, Sergeant First Class Brown completed three tours of duty in the Vietnam War, including service in command positions that required exceptional leadership, courage, and responsibility under combat conditions; and

Whereas, During his third tour of duty in Southeast Asia, Sergeant First Class Brown served with the 984th Engineering Company in a command role, contributing significantly to military operations in hostile environments; and

Whereas, On March 15, 1971, while serving in Cambodia with the 20th Engineering Brigade and the Engineering Company Land Clearing Unit, with only four days before he would return home, Sergeant First Class Brown was wounded in the line of duty when a mortar explosion severely injured his leg.   These injuries proved to be so severe resulting in a bilateral leg amputation, a life-altering injury sustained in service to his country; and

Whereas, For his extraordinary heroism, meritorious service, and sacrifice, Sergeant First Class Brown was awarded 16 medals, including the Silver Star, the United States Army’s third-highest military award for valor in combat; the Bronze Star with three Oak Leaf Clusters; two Purple Hearts with Oak Leaf Clusters; the Air Medal; and the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters; and

Whereas, Sergeant First Class Brown received the highest honor an army engineer could receive from the government of South Vietnam, an award bestowed upon only 12 Americans, recognizing exceptional valor and service in defense of freedom; and

Whereas, Following his honorable discharge from the United States Army, Sergeant First Class Brown has remained a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism for the citizens of Beckley, Raleigh County, and the State of West Virginia; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby honors decorated Vietnam War veteran Sergeant First Class Bill Brown, of Beckley, West Virginia, for his distinguished military service; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate extends its deepest gratitude and appreciation to retired United States Army Sergeant First Class Brown for his dedication and commitment to the defense of the United States and West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to retired United States Army Sergeant First Class Bill Brown.