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Charlie Brown: The Forgotten Sniper of the Vietnam War

Bob Cooper

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Published in CHARLIE BROWN SNIPER: The Vietnam War (Best Snipers 8)

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In the annals of military history, the Vietnam War stands as a brutal conflict that tested the limits of human endurance. Amidst the chaos and carnage, a select few individuals emerged as legendary figures, their names forever etched into the collective memory of the nation. One such figure was Carlos Hathcock, the Marine Corps sniper who became synonymous with the war itself.

CHARLIE BROWN SNIPER: The Vietnam War (Best Snipers 8)

CHARLIE BROWN, SNIPER: The Vietnam War (Best Snipers Series Book 8)

by Robert F. Burgess

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	242 KB
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Print length	:	12 pages

However, there was another sniper who quietly achieved a remarkable record, his accomplishments overshadowed by the larger-than-life persona of Hathcock. His name was Charles Benjamin "Charlie" Brown, and he was one of the most successful snipers in the entire Vietnam War, with a confirmed kill count of over 200.

Charlie Brown, The Forgotten Sniper Of The Vietnam War CHARLIE BROWN SNIPER: The Vietnam War (Best Snipers 8)

Early Life and Military Career

Charlie Brown was born on November 2, 1942, in Elwood, Indiana. He grew up in a small town, where he developed a love for the outdoors and a passion for hunting. After graduating high school, Brown joined the United States Marine Corps in 1962.

Brown quickly excelled in his military training, demonstrating an uncanny ability for marksmanship. He was assigned to the Second Marine Division and deployed to Vietnam in 1966 as part of Operation Prairie.

Sniper Training and Techniques

In Vietnam, Brown volunteered to become a sniper. He underwent rigorous training, learning the art of camouflage, concealment, and precision shooting. Brown was a natural marksman, and he quickly developed a reputation for his exceptional skills.

Brown favored the M40A1 sniper rifle, a modified version of the M14 rifle. He also carried a .45 caliber Colt Model 1911 pistol as a backup weapon. Brown's preferred sniper positions were often in trees, where he could use the foliage for concealment and have a clear view of the battlefield.

Combat Record and Legacy

Brown's combat record in Vietnam was nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of his two tours, he amassed a confirmed kill count of 207 enemy soldiers, making him one of the most successful snipers in the war.

Brown's marksmanship was legendary. He was known for his ability to hit targets at extreme distances, often over 1,000 yards. He also developed a unique technique known as "Kentucky Windage," which involved compensating for wind drift by holding the rifle off to the side of the target.

Despite his impressive record, Brown's story has been largely forgotten by history. While Carlos Hathcock received widespread recognition for his exploits, Brown's achievements were overshadowed by his more flamboyant counterpart.

Charlie Brown With His M40A1 Sniper Rifle CHARLIE BROWN SNIPER: The Vietnam War (Best Snipers 8) — Charlie Brown with his M40A1 sniper rifle

Reasons for Obscurity

There are several reasons why Charlie Brown's legacy has been overshadowed by others. First, Brown was a humble and unassuming man who shied away from the limelight. He preferred to let his actions speak for themselves, rather than seeking out fame or glory.

Second, Brown's service in Vietnam coincided with the height of the anti-war movement in the United States. Many Americans were disillusioned with the war, and there was little appetite for celebrating the exploits of soldiers, even those as skilled and accomplished as Brown.

Finally, Brown's story lacked the dramatic elements that made Hathcock such a popular figure. Hathcock was a larger-than-life character who seemed to embody the spirit of the American sniper. He was a skilled hunter, a fearless warrior, and a master of psychological warfare.

Rediscovering Charlie Brown

In recent years, there has been a growing effort to rediscover Charlie Brown's story and give him the recognition he deserves. In 2019, a documentary film entitled "The Forgotten Sniper" was released, which shed light on Brown's extraordinary achievements.

Brown's story is a reminder of the countless unsung heroes who served with distinction in the Vietnam War. He was a man of exceptional skill and courage, whose legacy deserves to be remembered alongside the most celebrated snipers in history.

Charlie Brown was one of the most successful snipers in the Vietnam War, with a confirmed kill count of over 200. Despite his remarkable achievements, Brown's story has been largely forgotten by history. There are several reasons for this, including his humble nature, the unpopularity of the war during his time, and the lack of dramatic elements in his story.

However, there is a growing effort to rediscover Brown's legacy and give him the recognition he deserves. His story is a reminder of the countless unsung heroes who served with distinction in the Vietnam War.

CHARLIE BROWN, SNIPER: The Vietnam War (Best Snipers Series Book 8)

by Robert F. Burgess

4.2 out of 5