Brown, a lieutenant colonel, earlier this year took command of 1,500 U.S. troops as the senior U.S. official in Basra, assisting with transition of the Iraqi province from the British military.
He also serves as the master planner in that area of Iraq, overseeing an engineering team conducting numerous key construction projects.
Originally established by executive order in 1944, the Bronze Star is the ninth highest of U.S. military awards.
It is awarded by the U.S. Army for heroic or meritorious achievement or service while serving in or with the Army.
Brown was honored for “exceptional and meritorious service while assigned as the facility engineer commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom,” according to the Army citation, issued by Maj. Gen. Michael L. Oates.
“Lt. Col. Brown’s superb leadership, technical and tactical expertise, and commitment to excellence contributed greatly to the overall success of the command.”
Brown, responding by e-mail, said, “It’s nice to be appreciated under these circumstances.”
More importantly, he added, “The prayers from friends, family and co-workers have made all the difference.”
Brown, who has been in Iraq since December, also said he is looking forward to coming home, possibly by late June.
He has served as Oakwood’s City Manager for five years.
During two previous deployments, Brown served in Kuwait and the central Asia country of Kyrgyzstan. Brown is a reservist with the 628th Civil Engineer squadron at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta.
In Iraq, Brown has led an engineering team that designed and built more than 40 projects valued at more than $29 million within five months, according to the Army.
“On this Memorial Day weekend, we are especially thankful and proud of Stan Brown and what he has achieved in the service of our country,” said Oakwood Mayor Lamar Scroggs.
“It is an honor to have someone of his caliber and professionalism, as demonstrated by the awarding of his Bronze Star, to lead our city staff here in the city of Oakwood.”
In an earlier interview, Brown said his work in local government had helped him as a master planner and in dealing with various organizations in Iraq.
“I must say that my local government work has prepared me well,” he said. “In addition, that experience has aided me in dealing with Iraqis, the U.S. State Department, the British Foreign Commonwealth Office and British military officials.”
Last year, Brown led the development of a master plan for Oakwood’s future downtown and commercial corridor as part of Oakwood 2030.