Doughboy MIA for June 2025: Private Frank Joseph Brown

Private Frank Joseph Brown was born on July 6, 1891, in Chicago, Illinois. Before the war, he had a successful career in the entertainment industry as a pianist, performing in clubs across the city. He was drafted into the United States Army on September 17, 1917, and initially assigned to the 311th Engineers.

He was later transferred to the 128th Infantry Regiment of the 32nd Division. In February 1918, he sailed to France, where he was reassigned to the Machine Gun Company of the 28th Infantry, 1st Division.

On July 19, 1918, Pvt. Brown was hauling a machine gun cart with mules when he was struck by an enemy shell. Sgt. Ray Smith, of the same company, witnessed the blast and later recalled Brown’s final moments to investigators. He stated:

“He was the only ‘Brown’ in our outfit and was very popular because he could play the piano so well. On July 19, when we were crossing the hill, Brown was with his mules. The Germans then threw over a terrific barrage, and we were caught in the midst of it. The company continued to advance, but the 2^nd Lieutenant and I remained behind to look after the scattered remnants of the mule carts. I went to the top of the hill and saw Brown lying there. He was covered in blood, and his face was deathly pale. He said, “For God’s sake, don’t leave me here, Ray.” I picked him up and carried him down to the bottom of the hill, where our first aid man was already busy. I demanded that he give Brown instant attention. He directed me to cut away his clothes, which I did, revealing a terrible wound in the abdomen. The first aid man looked at me and shook his head, saying there was no hope. I asked Brown if there was anything I could do for him. He started to say something, opened his eyes, gasped, and fell back. The order was given to advance, and I had to leave him. This happened near Cutry. He was a keen piano player and used to work in cabarets.”

Further reports suggested that Pv.t Brown may have been buried by Chaplain Flaherty near Pvt. Bowman, of the same unit. Pvt. Bowman was killed by shellfire on July 22 and buried in a garden beneath an apple tree in Berzy-le-Sec. Although Pvt. Bowman’s remains were later recovered, no unidentified soldiers were found buried nearby. The Graves Registration Service was unable to obtain additional information regarding a possible burial location for Pvt. Brown. The investigation was suspended without any further action.

Pvt. Brown likely rests as an Unknown Soldier at the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, or the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, where he is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing.

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