Robert C. Brown, 94, of Vero Beach, died Friday, June 12, 2009, at Indian River Estates Medical Center, Vero Beach. He was born March 6, 1915 in Norristown, Pa., to parents, Clayton L. and Anna M. Grubb Brown. Mr. Brown was a graduate of Norristown High School, Class of 1933 and Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., Class of 1937. He married Martha Ann price in August 1940. Mr. Brown was associated with his father in the real estate business. After his father’s death, business was conducted in the name of Robert Brown, Inc. (1938-1988).Mr. Brown enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force, January 1942. He completed Pilot Training Class in 1943 and Pilot Instructors Training at Randolph Field, San Antonio, Texas, the same year. Mr. Brown instructed student pilots in twin engine aircraft at USAAF Base, Douglass, Ariz. He volunteered for overseas duty in early 1944 and was subsequently ordered to fly a group of Chinese Embassy Officials to China in a DC3 (C47) that was to be a gift from our government to Chiang Kia-shek, who was the ruler of China at the time. Between December 1944 and November 1945, Mr. Brown flew various intra-China missions as well as frequent flights to Burma and India over the famous Himalaya Mountains. He was awarded the “Air Medal” in March 1945 and “The Distinguished Flying Cross” in September 1945.Mr. Brown was past president of the Norristown Board of Realtors (1956-1957). He was a member of the Cornell Club of Eastern Florida and as a member of the “Hump Pilots Association,” Mr. Brown was invited by the “Beijing Aviators Association” to return to China for their 50th Reunion in May 2000.Mr. Brown retired from the real estate business and moved to Long Boat Key. In 1997, he relocated to Indian River Estates, a life-care community in Vero Beach.Mr. Brown was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Martha Brown.Survivors include his niece, Robin (Jack) Bush, of Wilmington, N.C.Inurnment will take place at Oaklands Cemetery, Westchester, Pa., at a later date.Arrangements are under the direction of Lowther Cremation Service, Inc., Vero Beach. An online guest book may be signed at
