[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE MEMORY OF LT. TOM BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2006

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Lt. Tom 
Brown, my high school classmate, who died in service to his country on 
the 20th day of November, 1944, during combat in World War II. Having 
recently celebrated Veterans Day, we remember and honor the brave men 
and women who have sacrificed for this country. These veterans, such as 
Lt. Brown, gave their lives in the defense of those freedoms that we 
enjoy today.
  On the 19th of November, 1944, American forces were attacking 
positions in and around Schleiden, Germany. Part of Company ``K'' 
became pinned down under heavy enemy fire and was in danger of 
suffering heavy casualties. Lt. Brown, a platoon leader at the time, 
recognized the gravity of the situation and leapt to his feet. Shouting 
words of encouragement to his men, he charged the enemy, firing as he 
ran. Upon seeing this courageous example set by their leader in the 
face of the enemy, the rest of the men followed his lead and took up 
the assault. So surprised was the enemy that a large number were either 
destroyed or taken prisoner. Led by Lt. Brown, the platoon moved into 
its' sector of the town with a minimum of casualties. On the basis of 
these heroic actions, Lt. Brown was recommended for the Silver Star.
  Tragically, the following day, while attacking Neidermer, Lt. Brown, 
leading his men, was moving through the left side of the town when an 
enemy machine gun opened fire from a basement window and killed him 
instantly. Although his men immediately destroyed the enemy position, 
his loss was a great blow to the Battalion and was keenly felt by the 
men.
  In a letter to his family, Lt. Col. Roger S. Whiteford noted, ``The 
courage, initiative, leadership, and indomitable fortitude displayed by 
Lt. Brown at the time definitely saved the lives of some of his men and 
materially aided in the successful continuation of the attack. By his 
outstanding devotion to duty in accomplishing these heroic deeds, Lt. 
Brown gained the greatest respect and admiration of all the officers 
and men and the Battalion mourns his loss not only as that of a highly 
capable and exceptional leader but also as a true friend.''
  Lt. Tom Brown reminds us of the great sacrifices made by the many men 
and women of our armed services who regard the safety of this nation 
more highly than their own personal comfort and safety. I ask my 
colleagues to honor the service of one who gave his life in service to 
our Nation--Lt. Tom Brown.

                          ____________________