Russell Brown 1923-1945

BROWN, MURRAY, FOLKERTS, HALL

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 3/27/2021 at 07:54:10

20 September 1945 - The Anamosa Journal

Burton Brown, Anamosa Route Three, has received word from the War Department that his son, Pfc. Russell L. Brown, is presumed to be dead, as no definite word on his whereabouts has been received since he was reported missing in action a year ago Sept. 13.

Russell was a member of a combat patrol which was ambushed by the enemy near Montecuccoll, Italy, about 4:30 p.m. that day, and was not seen after that time. He was a member of the 133rd infantry regiment, and in a letter to his father dated sept. 10, 1944, he said that he was returning to the front.

He was sent overseas in May, 1944, and was on combat duty most of the time after that. Russell graduated from the Anamosa high school in 1941 and was associated with his father in farming until he enlisted in the Army in February, 1943. He received most of his training at Camp McCain, Miss.

He was active in sports while in high school, starring in track and football. He had two furloughs after entering service.

His father, three sisters, Helen, Mrs. Edward Murray; Gertrude, Mrs. Roy Folkerts, Anamosa; and Carolyn, Mrs. Russell Hall, Monticello, and one brother, George, Anamosa, survive.

4 October 1945 - The Anamosa Journal

Memorial service for Pfc. Russell L. Brown, 22, who is believed to have died in the service of his country, was held Sunday afternoon at the Congregational church in Anamosa. Rev. Homer E. Dalrymple, pastor, officiated, and members of the various patriotic organizations took part.

Russell L. Brown was born Aug. 12, 1923, to Eunice Mildred and Burton Brown. He was baptized at the Cass Congregational church by Rev. D. M. Beggs.

He graduated from the Anamosa high school in 1941, where he had been active in sports. Following his graduation he was employed at the Conoco Service station n Anamosa. Russell volunteered and was accepted for military service Feb. 5, 1943. He received his training at Camp McCain, Miss., and Fort Jackson, S.C.

He left for overseas with the 133rd Infantry, arriving in North Africa May 6, 1944. From there he went to Italy and was transferred as a replacement to Co. K of the 34th Division. He went into action immediately and was reported missing Sept. 13, 1944.

Report received from the government states he was a member of a combat patrol which was ambushed b the enemy about 4:30 that afternoon in the vicinity of Montecuccoll, Italy, and was not seen after that. One year and one day later he was declared dead by official report.

Surviving are his father, one brother, George Burton, Anamosa; three sisters, Helen, Mrs. Edward Murray, Gertrude, Mrs. Roy Folkerts, Anamosa, and Carolyn, Mrs. Walter Hall, Monticello; two nephews, Richard Burton Murray and Donald LeRoy Folkerts. His mother preceded him in death in 1928.