Remembering Local World War II Heroes: Martin V. Brown of Barre

BARRE – There may no other local community that does a better job of memorializing their war heroes than the nearby town of Barre.

Within the confines of the small town are bridges dedicated to Cpl. Howard W. Dahart, a casualty in the Korean War, Vietnam War hero Pfc. Edward J. Cormier, and local soldier Basil Izzy, who became a folk hero of World War II after he survived 83 days on a life raft in the Atlantic Ocean.

Several memorial squares also dot the community for honoring those military men who gave their lives during World War II.

There is even a square dedicated in 2008 to the seven Trifilo brothers in recognition of the distinguished military service of Diamond R. Trifilo, Tindaro S. Trifilo, Raymond J. Trifilo, Matthew Trifilo and Vito E. Trifilo in World War II, and in recognition of the service of Arnold M. Trifilo and Cleveland J. Trifilo in the Korean War.

Perhaps the veterans committee of Barre may also want to look at constructing a memorial for the Brown family who had five sons serving in the military during World War II, including one who wound up paying the ultimate price.

This is the continuation of the series Remembering Local World War II Heroes.

Pvt. Martin V. Brown (1925-1944) 

Martin V. Brown was born on Jan. 17, 1925 in Barre to Charles F. and Lillian E. Brown, the youngest of 13 children born over 15 years to his parents who lived on Valley Road. There were eight other boys, Fred, Arthur, Richard, Harold, Henry, Francis, Charles Jr. and Abraham; and four girls, Lillian E. (a twin to Charles, Jr.), Lyla, Martha and Laurabell.

Employed at Barre Wool and Combing Co. before entering the Army, Martin enlisted on March 14, 1943. On June 10 of that year, it was noted in the Barre Gazette that the Brown family had five sons in the service – Francis, Henry, Abraham, Martin and Arthur.

Martin was serving with the 30th Infantry Regiment, Company I, 3rd Division in Italy, fighting with Allied Forces in Cassino when his family received their last letter from him on Jan. 19, 1944. Less than a month later, on Feb. 15, 1944, he was killed in action at Anzio Beachhead, Italy.

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At the time, brother Abraham was granted a medical discharge and returned to Barre. His other brothers in the service were Pvt. Francis R. Brown, who had also been stationed at the Anzio Beachhead in Italy, Capt. Henry M. Brown in India and Pvt. Arthur V. Brown at Fort Lawton, California.

In a March 20, 1944 letter to Martin’s mother, chaplain Maj. Lloyd E. Langford wrote:

“My purpose in writing you is to assure you that (Martin) received a Christian service in keeping with the high principles for which he made the supreme sacrifice. He was laid to rest in a cemetery that is nicely located and the surroundings have been made as beautiful as possible. His grave is cared for with all the reverent respect and honor that is due our national heroes.

"Please be assured that your loss is keenly felt by us here. During your sorrow I offer my deepest sympathy, and pray that the comfort which comes only from God will be constantly yours. Let us pray that your loss will bring about the speedy defeat of our dreadful enemy and the early return of peace tour precious country.”

Exactly one month later, on April 20, 1944, his brother Francis described the scene in a letter to the Barre Gazette.

“I have been buried three times under debris from houses blown to pieces by artillery. I have been blown out of three foxholes and have had other narrow escapes.

"My dear brother Martin was not so lucky. His foxhole caved in and he was smothered to death. The doctors tried to save him, but their efforts were in vain.

"I am going to his grave tomorrow with a chaplain to say a prayer for him, my family and myself. We all loved him dearly. He was a squad leader and proved himself a good soldier.”

The two brothers never met while at Anzio Beachhead, despite the fact that their regiments were stationed several miles from each other.

Pvt. Martin V. Brown was buried in Glen Valley Cemetery, Barre.

Comments and suggestions for Remembering Local World War II Heroes can be sent to Mike Richard at mikerichard0725@gmail.com or in writing Mike Richard, 92 Boardley Rd. Sandwich, MA 02563.  

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Remembering World War II Heroes Martin V. Brown of Barre MA