Alvin T. Brady of Bay City, Mich., entered active duty as an infantryman on April 17, 1941, and served with the 32nd, 75th and 79th Infantry Divisions. He spent the early part of his service in training positions at various camps in Louisiana, Texas and California. He was later reassigned to the 75th and 79th divisions, and participated in the Normandy campaign from June 26-July 24, 1944; Northern France campaign from July 25-Sept. 14, 1944; Rhineland campaign from Sept. 15, 1944, to March 21, 1945; and the Central Europe campaign from March 22-May 11, 1945.
A Promotion
On Feb. 17, 1945, Brady was given a battlefield commission and was promoted from Technical Sergeant to Second Lieutenant. He commanded a platoon of the 313th and 290th Infantry Regiments, and was responsible for its administration, training and tactical employment.
Wounded in Action
On April 7, 1945, Brady was wounded in action in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, while serving with the 313th Infantry Regiment. Fortunately, the wound was not serious, so he was able to stay with his regiment until he was relieved from active duty on Dec. 22, 1945.
A Bronze Star
On May 15, 1945, Brady was awarded the Bronze Star medal. His Bronze Star citation reads: "For meritorious achievement in action against the enemy on December 13th 1944 in France. After crossing a river bridge, the platoon of which 2nd Lt. Brady was a member was brought under heavy sniper and tank fire which seriously wounded the platoon leader. 2nd Lt. Brady (then technical Sergeant) immediately assumed command and held the bridgehead enabling the remainder of the company to cross the river later in the day. The superior leadership and exemplary conduct manifested by 2nd Lt. Brady reflect great credit on the armed forces of the United States."
Our Collection
The Michigan Traveling Military Museum is pleased to have and display Brady’s uniform, medal and insignia grouping, German military souvenirs, and military paperwork collection. It is a fitting tribute to a proud veteran of the U.S. 32nd, 75th and 79th Infantry Divisions.
