Chasen Brown
Chasen Brown, a sergeant in the Utah National Guard, was awarded a Medal of Valor for “heroism, bravery and incredible composure” from Utah governor Gary R. Herbert on September 2, 2020. “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 at the Utah State capitol.[1] It is the highest state award that a Utah National Guard military member can receive.
Brown “disregarded his own personal safety to help evacuate those attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival” and rendered first aid to the wounded on October 1, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada.[2] His commanding officers report that Brown saved the lives of at least half a dozen fellow concertgoers. Hours later he noticed a bullet hole in his T-shirt and realized he had come close to being one of the casualties.
Brown was attending the concert with two friends when a gunman opened fire indiscriminately at the crowd of around 22,000 country music fans.
The gunman killed 59 people and 860 were injured before he shot himself. It is considered one of the most deadliest mass shootings in the United States.
Brown is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He attended Brigham Young University where he studied public health education and promotion.
