Charles Janvrin Browne Jr. was born on December 16, 1915, in San Antonio, Bexar, Texas. He was the son of Charles Janvrin Browne Sr. and Amy Helen Mayer. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1937. He served in the 92nd Infantry Regiment, 91st Division, as a Major during World War II.

Maj Charles was captured after the fall of the Philippine Islands in 1942, survived the Bataan Death March, was held as a prisoner of war at Cabanatuan, Bilibid, and Davao prisons until December 1944, when he was placed aboard the Oryoku Maru en route to Japan, which was sunk by American aircraft at Subic Bay on December 15, 1944. He survived the sinking and was later transferred to the Enoura Maru, where he was reported killed on January 9, 1945, during the subsequent attack. His remains were never recovered.

His name is memorialized in the Tablets of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines. He also has a cenotaph in the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, USA.

Silver Star Citation:
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) Charles Janvrin Browne (ASN: 0-20726), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 92d Infantry Regiment, 91st Division (Philippine Army), in action against the enemy in the defense of Luzon, Philippine Islands, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Browne, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, weremember.abmc.gov, valor.militarytimes.com