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Brewster, John Potts

Date of birth:
May 30th, 1908 (Milwaukee/Wisconsin, United States)
Date of death:
April 5th, 1945 (Germany)
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Born on May 30th, 1908 Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Graduated Cheyenne (Wyoming) High School 1925. Geaduated University of Wyomng 1930 BS Mine Engineering. Commissioned US Army Reserve December 1931. Married Ruth Wallis 17 June 1941 San Francisco, Califonia. Wrote after action report Operation Torch. Artillery Section Leader U. S. Assault Training Center, ETOUSA.
Reported Missing action December 1944 after being shot down in spotter plane near Bastogne. Reappeared Bastogne just before Christams 1944.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
740th Field Artillerie Battallion, 106th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Citiation:
"For meritious service in connection with military operations against the enemy from 1 September to 17 September 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Brewster serving in an advisory capacity was exceptionally aggressive in personal supervision and observation in the employment of guns on direct lay missions of destruction of concrete gun emplacemnets. By his personal appearance in the exposed front lines with these gun crews, he encouraged their efforts. These guns were of necessity emplaced in view of the enemy where they were subjected to enemy infantry and artillery fire while performing their missions. Lieutenant Colonel Brewster with disregard for his personal safety assisted in the successful accomplishment of these numerous missions. His initiative and courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces."
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
740th Field Artillerie Battallion, 106th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Citation:
For Extrodinary heroism in connection with military action against an armed enemy in Germany, 5 April 1945. While on a reconnaissance mission near Drussigacker, Germany Colonel Brewster and his party where ambushed by a numerally superior enemy force. Exhibiting heroic leadership he engaged the enemy in a feirce fire fight and was directing spirited resistance against the enemy forces when he was mortally wounded and carried to a nearby dugout by his companions. Despite his wounds he gallantly attempted to assist in the defense of their surrounded position until captured by overwhelming hostile forces. Colonel Brewster's courageous actions and supreme devotion to duty are in keeping with the higest traditions of military service.
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
740th Field Artillerie Battallion, 106th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Citation:
"Lieutenat Colonel Brewster, who while serving with the United States Army, distinguished himself by mertorious service during the period 1 march to 23 March 1945 in Germany, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States."
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
740th Field Artillerie Battallion, 106th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
For mortal wounds received 5 April 1945 in Germany.
Purple Heart

Sources

  • Photo: John Brewster
  • - Copy of press release dated 13 December 1945 by HQ AP7SC, APO 455 Head Line Distinguished Service Cross and Bronze Star Medal Awarded Posthumously to Lt. Col. John P. Brewster
    - Personal Papers of Lt. Col Brewster as returned to his mother 1945.

Photo