USS Brewton FF-1086
Welcome Aboard Brochure
Page 9 of 11
LT JOHN C. BREWTON
John Brewton enlisted in the
Naval Reserve in 1966. He was accepted as an Officer Candidate, receiving his
commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in April of 1967. He had been an avid
skin diver in college, and this interest led him to volunteer for UDT and later
for SEAL Team training. In late 1969, following arduous training and a promotion,
Lieutenant junior grade Brewton was serving as Platoon Officer of a SEAL team, in
combat against Communist forces in South Vietnam. On 24 November 1969, LT(jg)
Brewton led his platoon in fierce action against a numerically superior force.
Despite suffering painful arm and back wounds, he directed the disposition of his
forces, and refused medical treatment for himself until all of his men had been
tended. After receiving an additional wound, he continued to direct helicopter
attacks against enemy positions from a forward vantage point.
After the action, LT(jg) Brewton was
evacuated to a Saigon field hospital for treatment. Despite a courageous fight for
life, he succumbed to his wounds on 11 January 1970.
As a result of the action which led to
his death, LT(jg) Brewton was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant and awarded
the Silver Star for "valiant leadership and courageous fighting spirit in the face
of grave enemy opposition and serious personal injuries." He also earned the
Bronze Star with one gold star and a Combat "V"; the Purple Heart with one gold
star; the Combat Action Ribbon; the Vietnam Service Ribbon with three bronze stars,
and the National Defense Service Medal. In addition, Lieutenant Brewton was
awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
John Brewton enlisted in the
Naval Reserve in 1966. He was accepted as an Officer Candidate, receiving his
commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in April of 1967. He had been an avid
skin diver in college, and this interest led him to volunteer for UDT and later
for SEAL Team training. In late 1969, following arduous training and a promotion,
Lieutenant junior grade Brewton was serving as Platoon Officer of a SEAL team, in
combat against Communist forces in South Vietnam. On 24 November 1969, LT(jg)
Brewton led his platoon in fierce action against a numerically superior force.
Despite suffering painful arm and back wounds, he directed the disposition of his
forces, and refused medical treatment for himself until all of his men had been
tended. After receiving an additional wound, he continued to direct helicopter
attacks against enemy positions from a forward vantage point.