"He commanded Company C, 18th Infantry Regiment, on October 8, 1944, when
it, with the Ranger Platoon of the 1st Battalion, attacked Crucifix Hill, a key point in the enemy's defense of Aachen, Germany. As the
leading rifle platoon assaulted the first of many pillboxes studding the
rising ground, heavy fire from a flanking emplacement raked it. An
intense artillery barrage fell on the American troops which had been
pinned down in an exposed position. Seeing that the pillboxes must be
neutralized to prevent the slaughter of his men, Capt. Brown obtained a pole charge and started forward alone toward the first pillbox, about
100 yards away. Hugging the ground while enemy bullets whipped around
him, he crawled and then ran toward the aperture of the fortification,
rammed his explosive inside and jumped back as the pillbox and its
occupants were blown up. He rejoined the assault platoon, secured
another pole charge, and led the way toward the next pillbox under
continuous artillery mortar, automatic, and small-arms fire. He again
ran forward and placed his charge in the enemy fortification, knocking
it out. He then found that fire from a third pillbox was pinning down
his company; so he returned to his men, secured another charge, and
began to creep and crawl toward the hostile emplacement. With heroic
bravery he disregarded opposing fire and worked ahead in the face of
bullets streaming from the pillbox. Finally reaching his objective, he
stood up and inserted his explosive, silencing the enemy. He was wounded
by a mortar shell but refused medical attention and, despite heavy
hostile fire, moved swiftly among his troops exhorting and instructing
them in subduing powerful opposition. Later, realizing the need for
information of enemy activity beyond the hill, Capt. Brown went out
alone to reconnoiter. He observed possible routes of enemy approach and
several times deliberately drew enemy fire to locate gun emplacements.
Twice more, on this self-imposed mission, he was wounded; but he
succeeded in securing information which led to the destruction of
several enemy guns and enabled his company to throw back 2 powerful
counterattacks with heavy losses . Only when Company C's position was
completely secure did he permit treatment of his 3 wounds. By his
indomitable courage, fearless leadership, and outstanding skill as a
soldier, Capt. Brown contributed in great measure to the taking of Crucifix Hill, a vital link in the American line encircling Aachen."
From Capt. Robert E. Brown's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on August 23, 1945.
Thank you for your service and may you finally fine peace,
Brian
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