CRANSTON, RI - U.S. Senator Jack Reed has presented Rhode Island Vietnam veteran Terrence Brown with medals he earned but never received for his service during the Vietnam War.  A veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Harvey received a Purple Heart Medal and other awards for his service in Vietnam. 

Born in Providence in 1949, Mr. Brown moved to Coventry where he lived until he enlisted in the service in October 1968 at the age of 19.  After completing basic training, he headed to Vietnam and served in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division as a Field Wireman, a position responsible for constructing, operating, and maintaining wire networks to link key outposts, control points, and headquarters.  Mr. Brown fought in the famous Battle of Hamburger Hill and over the course of his service took part in 6 “suicide missions,” from which neither he nor his comrades were expected to return.  

He completed his military service and was honorably discharged in 1970.

In addition to the prestigious Purple Heart, Mr. Brown was also presented with other military honors he earned but never received after completing his service, including: the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign with device (1960).

“As a young man, Terrence Brown served his country valiantly through some of the Vietnam War’s toughest battles, and I am honored to present him with these medals.  They remind us all of his service to our country, and are token of our gratitude for the sacrifices he made on behalf of  Rhode Island and our nation,” said Senator Reed.

The attention to orders for the ceremony noted: “Our nation and the State of Rhode Island gives our grateful thanks to Terrence A. Brown for his dedicated and loyal service to the United States Army.”

After completing his military service, Mr. Brown got married and raised two children and worked as the head of machine maintenance at Warwick Dye for twenty years before becoming an HVAC installer for CARJON AC & Heating, Inc. in Smithfield.  He retired in 2011 and now enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and indulging his lifelong passion for automobiles.