World War II Honoree

Cecil L. Brand

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Fulton County, Georgia

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

RANK: SERGEANT. INDUCTED INTO THE ARMY AUGUST 19, 1940 IN WASHINGTON, D.C. SERVED WITH ECHO COMPANY, 2ND BATTALION, 31ST INFANTRY REGIMENT DURING THE INVASION OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS BY THE JAPANESE ARMED FORCES. HE WAS STATIONED AT CAMP JOHN HAY AND WAS ON DUTY IN THE OFFICER’S CLUB WHEN THE FIRST WAVE OF JAPANESE BOMBERS STRUCK HIS UNIT. KILLED IN ACTION MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1941 AND WAS THE 1ST AMERICAN SOLDIER TO DIE IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. HE IS BURIED IN THE MANILA AMERICAN CEMETERY LOCATED AT FORT BONIFACIO, MANILA, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART. HIS REGIMENT WAS AWARDED A PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION WITH 2 BRONZE OAK LEAF CLUSTERS AND THE PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION FOR EXCEPTIONAL VALOR AND HEROISM IN ACTION AGAINST THE JAPANESE ARMED FORCES.