George E. Brown

George E. Brown was born on February 20, 1926, in Wisconsin Rapids. He attended Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School, and Franklin School in Kellner. Before entering the armed forces, George was employed by the Brillion Iron Company in Brillion, Wisconsin.

George entered the Navy on December 12, 1943, and received his boot training at Great Lakes in Illinois. Six weeks later he was sent to Norfolk, Virginia, where he spent two months before going to Navy Pier, Chicago. His rank was S2 in the Navy, which meant that he spent most of his time on the offensive side of the force.

George died of wounds received in action on November 29, 1944, at the age of 18, in Luzon, Philippines. He died one month after his brother, Harold Brown, was killed in Germany while also serving his country. George’s last letter to his parents was dated November 12, and stated that he had been in action. He was buried in an allied cemetery on an island in the Pacific. He was loved by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters.

Written by: Hannah Pickett, East Junior High School