John Brown was born on November 3, 1977, in Sacramento, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on March 18, 2002, and completed basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, in May 2002. After completing the U.S. Air Force Pararescue Pipeline, Sgt Brown served as a Pararescueman with the 38th Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB, Georgia, from October 2004 to March 2006, followed by service as a Pararescueman with the 31st Rescue Squadron at Kadena AB, Okinawa, from March 2006 to March 2009. His next assignment was as a Pararescueman and Special Tactics Team Member with the 24th Special Tactics Squadron at Pope AFB, North Carolina, from January 2009 until he was killed in action when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard was shot down in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011. John Brown was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

His 1st Bronze Star Medal Citation reads:

Period: 27 February 2010 to 28 June 2010 - For exceptionally meritorious achievement as a combat search and rescue team leader for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During this period, Sergeant Brown provided rescue coverage for numerous combat operations in hostile territory. He led his team in recovering several crew member remains and sensitive items from a crashed aircraft as well as treatment and evacuation of the wounded. Sergeant Brown coordinated casualty collection, triage, evacuation, blocking positions and communications with base operations for accountability during synchronized anti-coalition fighter and rocket attacks. Through his distinctive accomplishments, Staff Sergeant Brown reflected great credit upon himself, this command, the United States Air Force, and the United States Army.

His 2nd Bronze Star Medal Citation reads:

Period: 1 July 2011 to 6 August 2011 - For exceptionally meritorious achievement as an Assault Force Pararescueman for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During this period, Sergeant Brown conducted several objectives resulting in multiple enemies eliminated and detained. He led the full spectrum medical and rescue planning, ensuring the successful execution of the task force's highest priority missions. On 5 August 2011, Sergeant Brown and his team responded on a mission to eliminate or capture a high-value Taliban commander in Afghanistan. His helicopter was attacked in the target area by enemy fighters and was shot down by a rocket propelled grenade. Through his distinctive accomplishments, Technical Sergeant Brown reflected great credit upon himself, this command, the United States Air Force, and the United States Army.