Robert B. Brewer
Robert B. Brewer | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "Bob" |
| Born | 1924 |
| Died | December 5, 1996 (age 71-72) |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |  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
Bibliography
- Ambrose, Stephen E. (1992). Band of Brothers: Easy Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-0-7434-6411-6.
- Brotherton, Marcus (2009). We Who Are Alive and Remain: Untold Stories from Band of Brothers). Berkley Trade. ISBN 0425234193.
- Alexander, Larry. Biggest Brother: The Life of Major Dick Winters, the Man Who Led the Band of Brothers.