Norman James Brown

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on August 23, 2004:

Norman James Brown Born March 26, 1929 - Died September 16, 1954 Norman James Brown was born in Brooklyn, New York on 26 March 1929 and reared in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An excellent student, he graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in Philadelphia in 1946 and attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania from 1946 to 1947. While at Lincoln, Norman competed for and received the prestigious appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point from Senator Joseph Guffey. He entered West Point on 1 July 1947 with the Class of 1951. While at West Point, Norman was a good student with an inquisitive mind. Although serious about his studies, academics seemed to come easily for him. He was popular among his classmates and had no problems in adapting to the rigors of West Point. He was on the plebe track team and won his "1951 Numerals" as a member of the mile relay team. During the annual trip to Philadelphia for the Army-Navy football game, Norman invited classmates and friends to his home for post-game activities. His mother, Mrs. Anna C. Brown, always had the welcome mat out for them as they enjoyed their limited free time prior to returning to West Point. When he graduated from West Point, Norman selected Armor as his branch of service. During his second class year, Norman met Betty Martin, a beautiful young woman who was a student at the University of Vermont. Betty returned to her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky when she graduated from college, and Norman's first post was Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he would attend the Armor Officer Basic Course. While at Fort Knox, he renewed his friendship with Betty, and the flames of romance were kindled. They were married in Louisville on 18 February 1952. Norman had most of the duties that are normally assigned to a young armor lieutenant. He was very enthusiastic about his new career as an Army officer, the opportunities this career would provide him, and the contributions he would make to our country. He was fully committed to performing all of his duties in an outstanding manner. In fact, outstanding performance became a hallmark of his short military service. Shortly after Norman and Betty were married, he received orders assigning him to Europe. Betty accompanied him to Germany, and they set up housekeeping initially in Mainz and later at Baumholder. Norman was assigned to the 66th Tank Battalion. While participating in military exercises in Germany he was involved in a tragic vehicle accident. He suffered fatal injuries and First Lieutenant Norman James Brown died in Germany on 16 September 1954. At the time of his death he was survived by his wife Betty and his mother, Mrs. Anna C. Brown. Internment was at Zachary Taylor Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky with full military honors. It has been said many times that "the good die young." Norman James Brown joined the "Long Gray Line" at the age of 25 years, but he had a tremendous impact on a large number of people. He lived DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY in all of his daily activities. He was a loving husband, and a son whose mother and other relatives were extremely proud of his many fine accomplishments. Norm achieved much in a very short period of time. The friendships he developed as a cadet and as a young Army officer spoke volumes about his character. Everyone Norman James Brown ever met or worked with held him in the highest esteem. His family and many friends hold fond memories of his life on Earth. A Classmate

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