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S/Sgt Duncan Brown graduated from Staten Islan Academy and worked for the Mariners Harbor shipyard of the Bethlehem Steel Company.

He enlisted at Fort Jay, New York on 22 June 1942. He took basic training at Fort McClellan, Alabama. He then was transferred to a tank destroyer group at North Camp Hood, Texas, serving as a sergeant instructor. He was sent to England in August 1944, and was promoted to staff sergeant.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For gallantry in action against the enemy on 18 November 1944. On the afternoon of 18 November 1944, S/Sgt Brown lead his squad up a steep draw over approximately 25 yards of barbed wire, into hostile mortar and machine gun fire, and under excellent enemy observation, in an assault on two German pillboxes. Under S/Sgt Brown's vigorously aggressive leadership, the squad attacked so fiercely that both pillboxes, although heavily fortified and strongly manned, were reduced, enabling the entire platoon to break through in this area. After the pillboxes were taken, S/Sgt Brown was hit and killed instantly by an artillery shell. The bold, resourceful leadership and high personal courage displayed by S/Sgt Brown reflect lasting honor on him and exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.

He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery of Limey, France.