05/25/2026
Today as we honor those who gave their lives for our county and didn't make it home, take a moment to thank a veteren that did make it home safe.
One of our 2026 Honorees was one of those that sacrificed himself for the sake of others: Staff Sergeant Fred Brown.
Below is what was read about Mr. Brown at this years festival.
Honoring Staff Sergeant Fred Edward Brown
Hollow Earth Fest 2026 | America-250 Celebration
We are here today at the Hollow Earth Festival to celebrate the explorers, the dreamers, and the builders of our community. But exploration isn’t always about searching for the unknown or peering into the depths of the earth. Sometimes, the most important exploration is the work of a lifetime spent serving one’s own neighbors, friends, and country. Today, it is my distinct honor to recognize a man who defined what it means to be a 'Hamiltonian'; Staff Sergeant Fred Edward Brown.
Fred’s story is one of service that crossed oceans and returned to the very soil we stand on. Born and raised right here in Hamilton in 1941, Fred was a son of this city who grew up on these streets. Long before he was a soldier, he was a standout athlete on the gridiron, proudly playing football for Garfield High School. He took the discipline, grit, and teamwork he learned on the fields of Hamilton and carried them with him to the front lines of the Vietnam War.
As a Platoon Sergeant with the 25th Infantry Division, he understood the weight of responsibility. When we look back at his legacy, we see a man who didn't just perform a duty; he lived a life of quiet, steady strength. He wasn't looking for the spotlight; he was looking for the work that needed to be done—whether that was protecting his squad in the jungles of Vietnam or representing the best of his hometown.
The Bible tells us in John 15:13: 'No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.' The gravity of his actions is best captured by the official citation itself.
According to General Orders No. 40, dated July 22, 1970:
'The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Fred Edward Brown, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 15 March 1969 while serving as a platoon sergeant with Company B, 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam.
On this date, when the company came under intense fire from a well-concealed enemy force, several men were wounded and pinned down in the center of the contact area. Disregarding the hostile fire, Sergeant Brown raced to one of the friendly casualties and single-handedly carried him to safety. Realizing that artillery and helicopter gunships could not be utilized unless the wounded were evacuated, Sergeant Brown again braved the deadly enemy fire to carry a second wounded man to a safe position. As Sergeant Brown returned to evacuate a third casualty, he was seriously wounded. In spite of his wounds he continued carrying his comrade until an enemy gr***de landed nearby. Unhesitatingly, Sergeant Brown fell to the ground between the wounded man and the gr***de just in time to shield his fellow soldier from the explosion. When other men of Company B reached his position, Sergeant Brown had succumbed to his wounds. Sergeant Brown’s extraordinary courage and selfless concern for the welfare of his comrades were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.'
He gave everything so that others might come home.
This festival is inspired by the idea that there is more beneath the surface than meets the eye. Fred Brown was a testament to that. On the surface, he was a dedicated friend, a talented athlete, and a humble veteran. But beneath that was a depth of character, a solid bedrock of life experiences, and a profound commitment to his fellow man.
In our research into local lore and history, we often look for 'visionaries' like John Cleves Symmes or James McBride. But visionaries aren’t just people with big theories; they are people like Fred, who understood that the strength of a community is found in those who consistently place the needs of their neighbors above their own.
Last November, on November 8, 2025, our community gathered at Bailey’s Square for a special flagpole dedication in Fred’s honor. It was a moment of collective pride, but also a call to action.
While Fred was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army's second-highest military decoration, Hamilton believes his actions on that day in March merit the highest honor our nation can bestow. We continue to stand with his family and veterans' groups in the push to have his Distinguished Service Cross upgraded to the Congressional Medal of Honor. We do this because Fred didn't just meet the standards of a soldier; he transcended them.
Today, as we stand in Symmes Park, surrounded by the history he helped preserve and the community he served, we present this honor to Fred Brown. We thank him for his service, his sacrifice, and his enduring legacy. Fred, you are a true pillar of our community and a hero for all generations.
