Howard E. Brohman, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Howard E. Brohman, Jr. (35892705), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 19 November 1944, in Germany. On that date, Private Brohman volunteered to clear an enemy mine field after two of his comrades had been killed by exploding mines in attempting to reach an enemy pillbox. Heedless of the known dangers of his mission and disregarding his own personal safety, Private Brohman crawled forward in the face of enemy mortar, machine gun, and sniper fire to clear a path for an assault team. By his courageous act, Private Brohman personally located and deactivated twenty-five enemy mines and cut his way through dense wire entanglements. When he had successfully completed this tedious and dangerous task, the path was then cleared for an assault team to reduce an enemy pillbox, thereby permitting the advance of the attacking troops. Private Brohman’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 104th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.