Brown received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia on 6 May 1864.

It was while still enlisted in the 72nd Volunteer Infantry that Brown would perform the act of gallantry that earned him the Medal of Honor.

[4] In 1902, he published a book, The History of the Third Regiment, Excelsior Brigade, 72nd New York Volunteer Infantry.

[5] Brown died on 29 April 1910 in Jamestown and his remains are interred at the Lake View Cemetery in New York.

[1][4] Voluntarily and under a heavy fire from the enemy, 3 times crossed the field of battle with a load of ammunition in a blanket on his back, thus supplying the Federal forces, whose ammunition had nearly all been expended, and enabling them to hold their position until reinforcement arrived, when the enemy were driven from their position.