October 15, 2024
City Council
DATE: October 15, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Council Member Soheila Bana
Subject:
Proclamation recognizing 1st Lieutenant Bruce Howard
Brown
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Proclamation recognizing Richmond resident and WWII
Hero, 1st Lieutenant Bruce Howard Brown
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION recognizing World War II Hero , 1st
Lieutenant Bruce Howard Brown to honor the life, service, and sacrifice of this brave Richmond resident and hereby declare October 25, 2024 , as 1st Lieutenant Bruce
Howard Brown Day – Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-
620-6743).
AGENDA
REPORT
October 15, 2024
DISCUSSION:
1st Lieutenant Bruce Howard Brown, a native of Miami and Arizona. Bruce Howard Brown moved in 1940 from Hanford, CA, to 329 6th Street in Richmond, CA. He became known for his skills in basketball, tennis, and music, even forming his own dance orchestra.
Before enlisting in the U.S. military, Mr. Brown exhibited a strong passion for serving his country and was an active member of the local community. Mr. Brown served honorably as the co-pilot of the Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress, Danellen, during World War II.
While stationed at RAF Bassingbourn Airfield in Cambridgeshire, England, he participated in critical strategic bombing missions during WWII . O n December 20, 1942, during a daylight bombing raid over Nazi-occupied France, the Danellen was tragically shot down near the River Seine in Normandy.
Despite Mr. Brown's valiant efforts as co -pilot, the plane suffered catastrophic damage, crashing between Bernières-sur-Seine and the village of Tony. Mr. Brown and several of his crew members perished in the c rash, while one crew member survived, only to be taken prisoner shortly afterward.
The remains of Mr. Brown and three of his fellow crew members were disinterred from unknown graves at the Normandy American Cemetery in 2019 and identified in 2023 through DNA comparisons at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Nebraska Laboratory, allowing him to b e finally brought home to his family and honored for his ultimate sacrifice.
1st Lieutenant Bruce Howard Brown will be honored with a Memorial Service and Interment on October 25, 2024, at 11:15 a.m. at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veteran’s Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.
The City of Richmond is deeply proud of Mr. Bruce Howard Brown’s service and the legacy he leaves behind as a courageous airman who gave his life for freedom during one of the most pivotal moments in history . We honor the life, service, and sacrifice of this brave Richmond resident and hereby declare October 25, 2024 as 1st Lieutenant Bruce Howard Brown Day. His contributions to our nation’s freedom will forever be remembered and cherished by the community.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proclamation