Cpl. Robert L. Brown Is Praying for the Fallen Friends (THEN & NOW)

This iconic photograph was taken on February 4, 1945 at a Catholic church of St. Donatus in the village of Harperscheid, Germany. Cpl. Robert L. Brown from Cleveland, Ohio, served as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment. Harperscheid was one of the places that we visited today and we couldn’t miss seeing the church of St. Donatus.

On February 2, 1945 the 9th Infantry Regiment attacked along the Wahlerscheid-Harperscheid, meeting stiff resistance from small arms fire, machine guns and mortars. Despite the enemy assault guns and light flak guns as well as unfavourable weather and deep snow, the Regiment cleared Schöneseiffen and then moved to Harperscheid, clearing it in the evening of February 2, 1945. Four members of the 9th Inf. Regt. were killed in the attack on that day: S/Sgt Candalario Garza, Pvt William H. Hechtman, Pfc Albert M. Kellar, Pfc Albert Rucek. We honor their memory!