Adam Brown was born on February 5, 1974, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 24, 1998, and went on active duty to begin basic training on August 10, 1998. Brown completed basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois, in October 1998, and then attended Interior Communications Electrician training at Great Lakes from October 1998 to April 1999. Petty Officer Brown next attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at NAB Coronado, California, from May 1999 to February 2000, followed by service with SEAL Team FOUR at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, from April 2000 to August 2002. He served with SEAL Team TWO at NAB Little Creek from August 2002 to June 2006, and then with Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) at Dam Neck Annex, Virginia, from June 2006 until he was killed in action in Afghanistan on March 17, 2010. Chief Petty Officer Brown had deployed numerous times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was buried at the Cunningham Cemetery in Royal, Arkansas.

His Silver Star Citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as an Assault Team Member for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 17 March 2010. Chief Brown served as part of an assault force that executed a daring raid deep into mountainous enemy occupied terrain in northeastern Afghanistan. Two barricaded enemy fighters opened fire from the target building into assault force personnel and non-combatants, while numerous enemy fighters simultaneously engaged the force from the surrounding mountains. Reacting immediately, and without regard for his own safety, Chief Brown engaged two of the fighters from his position and boldly maneuvered toward the enemy under intense small arms fire, thus providing life saving cover for his trapped teammates and noncombatants. Though mortally wounded, Chief Brown continued to engage and communicate the location of the enemy fighters. His heroic actions under withering enemy fire changed the tide of the battle and inspired those around him to courageously eliminate the remaining enemy fighters. This aggressive operation resulted in the elimination of the targeted Taliban commander and four enemy fighters following an intense two hour firefight. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Chief Petty Officer Brown reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.