WILLIAM A. BROWN |
William A. BROWN Pfc , 2nd Platoon, "E" Company, 503d PRCT K.I.A. Wheeler Pt., 23rd February 1945 |
I'd know Brown since June 1942 when we were both in "A" Company 504th PIR. Brown could always be recognized from afar by the extreme tilt of his helmet. The 2nd Platoon finally was able to make its way up to the first of the two tunnel entrances to Btty. Monja along the road with more frantic fire coming from those entrances as they approached. When they were within range, white phosphorous grenades were tossed into the entrances. This always precipitated a screaming attack by Japs rushing out. They would, immediately, be mowed down by our men. The white phosphorous Bazooka rounds drew the biggest reaction and netted may kills. Finally a handful of the 2nd platoon men made it past the second entrance but could not get further because the Jap fire appeared to be heavier. It was while they were at the end of the 2nd platoon advance that Pfc Howard Jandro was killed and Pfc Brown mortally wounded. The Company got him back to topside but he died soon afterward." Don Abbott
For
more detail of this action, See Don's Article
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