Clay County AlArchives News.....Brooks, Alvin Sliver Star Ceremony April 28, 1945
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Linda Ayres http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00031.html#0007674 May 15, 2023, 11:52 pm

Our Mountain Home April 28, 1945
FT. McClellan, Ala, April 28. 
In a simple ceremony at their home church near Delta Ala, Mr. and Mrs. Albert 
Brooks have been-presented the Silver Star Medal awarded posthumously to their 
19-year-old son for gallantry in action against the Japanese on Bougainville to 
January 1944.
More than 75 persons, many of them kinsman gathered at Mt. Moriah Church two 
miles 4 east of Delta for the Sunday afternoon ceremony honoring Pfc Alvin L. 
Brooks. 
After the group had joined in singing "America," the Silver Star was presented 
to Mr. and Mrs. Brooks by Col. George C. Nielsen, Fort McClellan post commander, 
who said: 
"On behalf of a grateful homeland, I have the honor to present to you the Silver 
Star awarded to your gallant son, who gave his life for the defense of his 
country in the Soloman's Islands." 
Private Brooks, an infantry soldier, had been overseas only a few months and his 
parents believe that he was in his first combat when he displayed the heroism 
which led to the award of the Silver Star. They received a letter written only 
two days before the incident, and up to that time their son had not talked of 
being in combat. 
The official citation gave this account of his deed: 
"Observing a comrade, fall seriously wounded only a few yards from four enemy 
machine guns, Private Brooks ran forward alone to rescue him. In the face of 
intense, hostile fire, he picked up the injured man and started carrying him 
back to safety. in doing so, Private Brooks was mortally wounded. His bravery 
set an inspiring example for the men of his company."

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