Lieutenant General William E. Brown, Jr. (1928–2020) was a distinguished United States Air Force pilot and commander, with a career spanning 34 years and is Bergen County’s Veteran of the Month for December! He served as commander of Allied Air Forces Southern Europe and deputy commander of U.S. Air Forces in Southern Europe, amassing over 5,100 flying hours. A veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, he flew 225 combat missions, piloting F-86 Sabres and F-4 Phantoms.
Born in the Bronx, NY, Brown graduated from Dwight Morrow High School in 1945 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1949. Fascinated by aviation from a young age, he joined the Air Force as an aviation cadet and became a pilot in 1951. His education included advanced programs at USC, Harvard Business School, and military institutions like the Armed Forces Staff College.
Promoted to lieutenant general in 1982, Brown’s accolades include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and Purple Heart. He also received Penn State’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1981.
Retiring in 1984, Brown spent his post-military years with his wife of 66 years, Gloria, and their three children. He passed away on June 4, 2020, at the age of 92, leaving a legacy of service and inspiration.
We thank William for his service to our nation, and honor his memory!
Nominate a Veteran for #BergenCountyVeteranOfTheMonth
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you?
The #BergenCountyVeteranOfTheMonth social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.
Bergen County Division of Veteran Services
The Division of Veterans Services was established in 1977 to provide resident veterans and their dependents with information and assistance in obtaining earned entitlements from federal, state, and local governments, as well as any that are available from the private sector.
Through a quarterly newsletter and direct client contact, the division provides Bergen’s veterans organizations and their auxiliaries and individual residents with up-to-date benefit information.
