Veteran honored 69 years after service

A Kennett Square man who served in the U.S. Army in World War II under Gen. Douglas MacArthur finally got the recognition he deserved.

On Friday, Congressman Joseph Pitts presented Horace J. Brown, 91, with nine medals he earned while serving from 1943 to 1946. Brown never knew he earned the medals until a friend asked him about it, and launched an investigation.

“This is really something,” Brown said. “I don’t know how to explain it.”

Brown will be honored in the 2016 Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade, and will also be honored in a special ceremony hosted by Rep. Steven Barrar at the Kennett Square American Legion Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.

“Many veterans, like my father and Mr. Brown, went to liberate the Philippines, from Australia to New Guinea to the Spice Islands to Japan and served in many battles only to come home and be forgotten,” Pitts said. “Only in recent years have people learned they are eligible to receive medals that were awarded to them back then.”

Robert Whiteside, a good friend of Brown, began making calls to his legislators after discussing Brown’s war stories with him.

“I wanted to get these medals to him before the (Kennett Square Memorial Day) parade,” Whiteside said. “I want to thank Congressman Pitts for expediting the medals so quickly. It gives me a sense of pride to know we have a congressman who really cares about our veterans. This should send a message to all of our other lawmakers on how important it is to focus on our military.”

Pitts said it’s important veterans are honored while they are still alive. He said World War II veterans are dying at the rate of 1,000 per day.

“Their families this and can inherit these heirlooms,” Pitts said. “These (World War II) veterans are the Greatest Generation.”

Brown was an expert marksman and was never injured in the war, but nearly died of malaria.

“Mr. Brown and (other veterans) freed us from the Nazis and onslaught of violence from the Japanese and resulted in the many freedoms and opportunities that the rest of the world enjoys today,” Pitts said.

FRAN MAYE 21ST CENTURY MEDIA Congressman Joe Pitts pins the medals that Horace J. Brown earned during his distinguished service with the U.S. Army during World War II.

FRAN MAYE 21ST CENTURY MEDIA Congressman Joe Pitts (right) and Horace J. Brown, relax after a ceremony in which Brown was awarded medals for his service during World War II.

FRAN MAYE 21ST CENTURY MEDIA The medals that Horace J. Brown of Kennett Square earned during World War II are proudly displayed on his jacket.