Memorial service to be held for local veteran

TROY, N.Y.>> A memorial service will be held for a local veteran, U. S. Navy Helmsman Quartermaster Francis Brown, on the 50th anniversary of his death.

On June 8, 1967, the United States Navy Technical Research Ship USS Liberty was attacked without warning in the Mediterranean Sea. Serving as quartermaster, Petty Officer Brown exposed himself to the rocket and machine gun fire to assume the duties of his ship’s helmsman. With his composure, Brown is credited with maintaining order and saving the lives of many fellow shipmates. However, Brown himself received fatal injuries while remaining at his post upholding the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Brown was one of 33 crew members were killed that day. Another 171 were injured.

A lifelong Troy resident, Brown was posthumously awarded several medals for his heroic actions, including The Navy Cross, Purple Heart, the Navy Presidential Unit Citation and The National Defense Service Medal, as well as The Combat Action Ribbon.

A ceremony to honor this hometown hero 50 years after his death will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 8 at Prospect Park in Troy. The service will be held near the park’s flagpole, at the monument that was erected for Brown. It will feature the U.S. Navy Color Guard, a 21 gun salute, and bagpipe music, in honor of Brown’s service to his country.

Rensselaer County Legislator Mark Fleming will speak at the event, along with other dignitaries and a survivor of the USS Liberty attack who is expected to attend.

All are invited to join Brown’s family members at this memorial service recognizing his ultimate sacrifice.

“He was my hero,” said local resident Mike Brown of his brave and beloved brother.

Francis Brown will also be honored as part of the upcoming Troy Military Banners project, to debut later this month.