Love Letter to Americans

About the Book

"Donald Brown has written an outstanding book that will quickly become required reading for anyone interested in World War II, or the 10th Mountain Division. While serving as a "Thank You" to the many Americans who helped Don along the way, it also relates many wonderful and moving human interest stories about the 10th Mountain Division - a fraternity I know a little something about.

Because Don is also an accomplished journalist, he has seamlessly woven his words, memories and deeds in such a way as to create a living and breathing memorial to all he served with, and all who are fortunate enough to read this work.

Donald Brown is a patriot, a friend, and a gifted writer, and I highly recommend this tribute to a simpler time."

--Senator Bob Dole

About the Author

Donald G. (Don) Brown, SGT, born in Lynn, MA Oct 1, 1922. Graduated Wakefield, MA high school in 1940; University of Oregon (Eugene) with BS degree in journalism in 1948, followed by graduate study. Spent 45 years in journalism. Raised as Lynnfield, MA and Amherst, NH farm boy. Worked way through high school as newspaper reporter, laborer, Big Name Band dance hall attendant, high school newspaper and yearbook editor, farmer and heavy construction worker. Mother, a teacher; father, a policeman.

One grandfather was a Boston Associated Press editor. Great-Grandparents included Boston Lighthouse keepers, sailors, harbor pilot, church leaders, legislators and many teachers.

By age 19 drove his Model A Ford, hitchhiked and walked through the contiguous 48 states in preparation for a professional career in journalism, inspired by correspondent Ernie Pyle's newspaper travel stories.

Enlisted 10th Mtn. Div. (Ski Troops) from University of Oregon and served entirely in 10th at Ft Lewis, WA, Camp Hale, CO, Camp Swift, TX, Camp Patrick Henry, VA, Italian combat, and Camp Carson, CO. Medals: Good Conduct, EAME Service, Bronze Star 85th Inf. Regt., American Service, Victory Medal, Army of Occupation, INfantry Rifle Marksman award and Po Valley and North Apennines Battle Stars.

Honorably discharged Nov. 24, 1945, Ft. Logan, CO. Longevity with 10th, three years, 9 days service. Served in two infantry rifle companies- L, 86th Regt. and A, 85th Regt., thin in Div. HQ during combat on GEN George P. Hay's G-4 staff as sergeant in liaison with many representatives of the half-million personnel from 16 nations attached to 5th Army, British 8th Army and 15th Army Gp.

His experiences with the legendary 10th Mtn. Div. which spearheaded the final fighting of the Italian Campaign impressed and inspired him for life. Therefore for the past 54 years he has kept in close contact with hundreds of 10th men and studied closely the entire history of this one-of-a-kind organization.

After WWII he was appointed a major in the ORNGR by then-governor Tom McCrall.

Married Marva Hutchison of Pilot Rock, OR in 1947. On June 15, 1997, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with children: Sue Anne (teacher), Barry Donald (Realtor and logger), and Rob Alan (pilot), along with 10h Mtn. Div. buddies, family and friends. Grandchildren: Heidi, Davin, Brandy and Alisyn. Marva's father and mother were Oregon wheat ranchers.

Completed college under the GI Bill.

Avocations include 10th Mtn. Div. history, skiing, fishing, hiking, biking, greenhouse gardening, still touring America with wife and motor home (over 200,000 miles in past few years), residential construction of conventional home, mountain log cabin, and Geodesic Dome designed by architect Buckminster Fuller - now permanent residence in central Oregon, reading, writing and crossword puzzles.

Marva: Retired, public school teacher for 40 years and a patient, long-enduring participant in the 10th Mtn. Div. ventures, get-togethers and discussions with 10th veterans and wives.

Brown is a retired journalist after 45 years with New England and West Coast newspapers, on-air radio and television (ABC and NBC affiliates), and magazines. He owned and published a newsletter for 20 years from Oregon.

Served with American Newspaper Guild (CIO) as chapter president, General Laborers Union (AFL), as construction worker, Elks Lodge, Lions Club, Eagles Lodge, La Pine, OR American Legion Post 45, Kingston, NH VFW Post 1088, lifetime member, member BSA Lynnfield, MA, and forever a member of the 10th Mtn. Div. Assoc.

Presently researching, verifying and drafting a proposed book of his memoirs planned as a thank you letter to Americans for providing his education, nurturing him through the Great Depression, helping him to see America and survive that terrible war, and for building faith in himself, his fellow Americans, and the greatest country God ever created. He knows what's right with America.