Bobbie E. Brown
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bobbie E. Brown (September 2, 1903 - November 8, 1971) was a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Crucifix Hill, near Aachen, Germany, on October 8, 1944.
Bobbie E. Brown is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Section 46, Site 1021-17
[edit] Medal of Honor Citation
- Place: At Crucifix Hill near Aachen, Germany
- Date: September 1, 1944.
- Rank and organization: Captain, U S. Army, Company C, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
- Place and date: Crucifix Hill, Aachen, Germany, 8 October 1944.
- Entered service at: Atlanta, Ga.
- Born: 2 September 1903, Dublin, Ga.
- G.O. No.: 74, 1 September 1945.
- Citation: He commanded Company C, 18th Infantry Regiment, on 8 October 1944, when it, with the Ranger Platoon of the 1st Battalion, attacked Crucifix Hill, a key point in the defense of Aachen, Germany. As the leading rifle platoon assaulted the first of many pillboxes (a type of fortification which allows gunfire through a window) studding the rising ground, heavy fire from a flanking emplacement raked it. An intense artillery barrage fell on the American troops, who 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.
Under enemy fire, 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. Fire from a third pillbox was pinning down his company; so he returned to his men, secured another charge, and pressed toward the hostile emplacement. Again he inserted his explosive, neutralizing the enemy.
He was wounded by a mortar shell but refused medical attention and, despite heavy hostile fire, moved among his troops.
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. He was wounded twice more, but succeeded in securing information which led to the destruction of several enemy guns and enabled his company to throw back two powerful counterattacks with heavy losses.
Only when Company C's position was completely secure did he permit treatment of his 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.
