When the gunshots began and the massive crowd ran from the bullets raining down from a Las Vegas hotel room — Sgt. Chasen Brown sped toward the danger.
The Utah National Guardsman disregarded his own personal safety to help evacuate those attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival. He also rendered first aid to the wounded, applying tourniquets and pressure dressings.
Brown’s actions on Oct. 1, 2017 — considered one of the deadliest mass shootings in the United States — saved the lives of at least a half a dozen fellow concertgoers, his commanding officers say.
it wasn’t until hours later that Brown — a resident of Nevada who attended the concert with two friends — saw the bullet hole in his T-shirt and realized how close he had come to being one of the casualties.
For his “heroism, bravery and incredible composure,” Gov. Gary Herbert, on Tuesday, presented the 24-year-old Brown the Utah Medal of Valor — the highest state award that a Utah National Guard military member can receive.
It is given to those who — as the saying goes — have gone above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating extreme valor or courageous conduct at the risk of their own life and safety.
(Steve Griffin | Deseret News, Pool) Sgt. Chasen Brown, a service member of the Utah National Guard, smiles after he was presented the Utah Medal of Valor by Gov. Gary Herbert in the Gold Room at the Utah State Capitol on Sept 1, 2020.
Brown is currently a gunner for Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 222nd Field Artillery. At the time he was a specialist and his recent military training kicked in when the gunman — 64-year-old Stephen Paddock — opened fire, indiscriminately shooting at the crowd of some 22,000 country music fans.
Paddock caused 59 deaths and 860 injuries, before shooting himself.
“Under continuous fire this member of our 22nd Field Artillery, instinctively chose to run toward the danger and render aid,” Herbert said during the medal presentation. Major Gen. Michael J. Turley, the Utah National Guard’s adjutant general and Sgt. Major Spencer Nielsen attended the ceremony, as did Sen. Mitt Romney.
“We have many opportunities to host people — heads of state, business leaders and religious leaders— in this room,” Herbert said. ’But today we honor one of our own for demonstrating courage and fortitude under difficult circumstances.
“It’s fitting that we honor his heroism and service,” the governor said of Brown, “even though he is a little reluctant to be called a hero.”
Brown did not comment at the ceremony. But others were willing to speak about the young soldier’s courage.
“Chasen’s heroic actions on that tragic day remind me of what I am most proud of regarding our Guard members — that they serve selflessly and bravely in the defense of our nation and its citizens,” Col. Steve Fairbourn, commander, 65th Field Artillery Brigade, said in a prepared statement. “This dedication isn’t limited to when they are deployed, but rather is just a part of their character.”
