Robert B. Brewer

Robert B. Brewer
Nickname(s) "Bob"
Born 1924
Died December 5, 1996 (age 71-72)
Allegiance  United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Rank Colonel
Unit Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment,
101st Airborne Division
Battles/wars

World War II

Robert B. "Bob" Brewer (1924 December 5, 1996[1]) was a United States Army officer during World War II, known for his service for the Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment in the 101st Airborne Division, United States Army during war. Brewer was portrayed in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers by Brandon Firla.

Career

Brewer was in command of the Second Battlion's 81mm mortar platoon when he made his combat jump into Normandy on D-Day.[2] He joined Easy Company as Second Lieutenant when Easy Company returned to England after the battle in Normandy. Brewer became the assistant platoon leader of Easy Company's first platoon.

When Easy Company was advancing into Eindhoven, Brewer was ordered by Easy Company Commander Richard Winters to take the point with the 1st platoon. He became a perfect target for the enemy as he was a tall officer standing way out in the front. Winters ordered him to draw back but he was shot before he could hear the order.[3] He was shot in the throat below the jaw line and 'went down like a tree that had been felled by an expert lumberjack.[4] A couple of men checked him out, including Walter Gordon. Roderick Strohl and Amos Taylor, and all thought he would soon be dead and left him on the ground for the medics. Albert Mampre, Easy Company's medic, arrived to take care of Brewer, but Mampre himself was also shot in his leg shortly after.[5] The two eventually were helped by the local people to evacuate to an aid station.[6]

Brewer rejoined Easy Company at the end of the war when he recovered.[7]

Later life

Brewer reached the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army. He later worked for the Central Intelligence Agency in the Far East.[8] During training with the CIA, he met with Amos J. Taylor, who had joined the CIA as well, and became close friends.[9]

References

  1. http://brewer.homestead.com/files/Robert_Brewer.htm
  2. p.78, Winters
  3. p.99 Alexander
  4. p.125, Winters
  5. p.127, Brotherton
  6. p.127, Brotherton
  7. p.125, Winters
  8. Chapter 19, Ambrose
  9. p.217, Brotheron

Bibliography

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