Latta Pays Tribute to Ohio Fallen Hero Edward D. Brown at Normandy American Cemetery

In recognition of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) honored Ohio fallen hero First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown, who was laid to rest at the Normandy American Cemetery in France.

Last month, Congressman Latta led a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to France to evaluate the country's spent nuclear fuel recycling industry and broader nuclear energy capabilities. While in France, the delegation also traveled to Normandy to pay tribute to the brave Americans who fought to liberate Europe during World War II. At the Normandy American Cemetery, members participated in a flag-lowering ceremony and honored the sacrifice of First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown of Ohio, and the other 9,000+ American military personnel buried there.

First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown was born on July 18, 1916, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. He joined the National Guard on March 5, 1941, and in 1942 was assigned to the 106th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron. The Squadron sailed for France on June 29, 1944, shortly after the Allied landings in Normandy. The unit entered combat on July 2, 1944, supporting operations to eliminate German forces isolated during the Allied advance across the Normandy Peninsula.

The Squadron later conducted offensive screening operations through Normandy and into Brittany. On July 5, 1944, Lieutenant Brown was wounded when an enemy shell made a direct hit on an armored car near which he was standing with a superior officer. He succumbed to his wounds on July 7, 1944, near La Haye-du-Puits, France. First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown rests today at the Normandy American Cemetery, where his sacrifice-and the sacrifices of thousands of other American service members-continue to be remembered and honored.

"As we mark the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, we remember the courage and sacrifice of the brave Americans who fought to defend freedom. It was a privilege to honor First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown, an Ohioan who gave his life in service to our country. We must never forget the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation and those who rest at Normandy," said Latta.