Fireman (E2) Browne had served aboard the special operation submarine USS Perch (AASP-313) in Korean waters. On his return, he was assigned to the submarine USS Hardhead (SS-365) stationed at the Naval Station at New London, Connecticut. On 29 May 1952 while on leave, he was killed in an automobile accident in Bergen, New York.

Browne was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.