**Readers desiring a quick review of the US' participation in WWI can find a summary in the blog at:
https://storiesyet2btold.blogspot.com/2025/03/framinghams-world-war-one-ww1-unsung_16.html**
Recently, a friend, himself a Vietnam Veteran,told me "there are many heroes who have walked silently among us." Joseph C. Brown of Framingham is an excellent example of such a man.
Joseph Clarence Brown was born in Boston on 28 August 1897. By 1910, his family (widowed mother, three brothers and two sisters) lived on Elm Street in Framingham. On 22 May 1917, Joseph enlisted in the Regular Army (RA). He completed his initial training at Fort Ethan Allen in Vermont on 1 June 1917. He then made his way to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas where he was assigned to Battery C of the 76th Field Artillery Regiment. The 76th was attached to the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division (3rd ID). Its “sister regiments” were the 10th Field Artillery and 18th Field Artillery.
New Recruits at Ft. Ethan Allen, VT 1917
Image: Public Domain
Note: Fort Ethan Allen was an accession point for soldiers headed to cavalry units. In the summer of 1917, Joseph's unit was in the process of converting from the cavalry to the field artillery specialty, thus he had the opportunity to see the beautiful Green Mountain State during the transition period.
3rd ID Patch 76th FA Crest
Images: Public Domain
WWI “French” 75 mm gun,76th Field Artillery
Image: “History of the Third Division US Army In the World War"
In April of 1918, the 76th and 3rd ID deployed to France as part of General Pershing’s American Expeditionary Force (AEF). The 76th was equipped with French 75 mm guns. While in France, the regiment participated in the following major operations:
Chateau-Thierry - July 5-14, 1918.
Champagne-Marne - July 15-18, 1918.
Aisne-Marne - July 19, August 6, 1918.
St. Mihiel - September 12-16, 1918
Meuse-Argonne - September 26, November 11, 1918
On July 15, 1918, the German Army launched an aggressive attempt to break the Allied lines and again march on Paris. They struck the 3rd ID’s positions along the Marne River (during what would become known as the Second Battle of the Marne). Both flanking, US Army Divisions fell back, leaving the 3rd ID surrounded on three sides. The 3rd refused to move, which was a critical success factor in this important defensive operation, which ultimately saved Paris. In light of this remarkable achievement, the 3rd ID would forever be known as “the Rock of the Marne.”
The 76th FA "moving up," France, 09 September 1918
Image: “History of the Third Division US Army In the World War"
On 08 October, Battery C of the 76th Field Artillery was positioned near Montfaucon France,where they were providing support for the 3rd Division's infantry units. For his actions on that day, Joseph was cited for “Extraordinary bravery and devotion to duty.” His official Silver Star Citation reads:
“While serving with the 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on 7 October 1918, Private Brown displayed extraordinary bravery and devotion to duty near Montfaucon, France. Private Brown served his piece, while firing a barrage in support of an infantry attack, and although under heavy shell fire, seriously gassed, he continued in the service of his piece and refused to be evacuated until his gun was disabled by a German shell.”
Of note: Joseph was awarded a “Silver Star for His Victory Medal” for his actions on 08 October. At that time, the Silver Star Medal did not exist (it was not established as an individual medal until 19 July 1932).The Citation and Star for the ribbon was its WWI equivalent.This award rendered him automatically eligible for the Silver Star Medal after 19 July 1932.
Victory Medal with Silver Star
During WWI, victims of poison gas attacks were considered Seriously Wounded in Action. Poison gas caused internal chemical burns to the lungs that often led to secondary infections like bronchial pneumonia.Gassed soldiers often experienced lifelong respiratory problems.
Wounded US soldiers were authorized to wear Wound Chevrons on the lower right cuff of their uniforms. These “badges of honor” denoted wounds which were received in combat against an enemy force or hospitalization following a gassing. Additional stripes were added for subsequent wounds.
US Army WW I Wound Chevron
Image: Public Domain
In 1932, with the creation of the Purple Heart Medal, Wound Chevrons were no longer awarded. Directives from the War and Navy Departments allowed WWI Veterans soldiers to exchange their Wound Chevrons for the new Purple Heart.
Purple Heart Medal
Image: Public Domain
Joseph would remain hospitalized until 19 November 1918, 8 days after the war ended. He departed France aboard the S.S.VEDIC on 23 February 1919,arriving in Boston on 07 March 1919. He was honorably discharged from the service on 28 March 1919.
S.S.VEDIC, White Star Line
Image: Public Domain
Following his discharge, Joseph returned to Elm Street in Framingham, where initially worked at the Saxonville Mill. In the 1930s, he moved to the South Side of town (South Street) when he landed a machinist's job with Dennison Manufacturing. In the early 1940’s he secured employment with the Town of Framingham Highway Department. He would remain a town employee for 20 years. Joseph was also an active member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He passed away on 18 February 1960.
The 3rd Field Artillery Brigade, 3rd Division, Army of Occupation, Thur, Germany July 14, 1919
Image : The Russen Family Collection
Watch
French Field Gun 1914-1918
https://youtu.be/lhwXGd28kjk
The US 75mm and 105 mm guns of World War I
https://youtu.be/AexuYfqbGGo
Sources
“History of the Third Division US Army In the World War" For the period December 1, 1917 to January 1, 1919,” Chapter XIII: the 76th Field Artillery Regiment
“Framingham, An American Town,” by Stephan Herring
The Framingham History Center“Hall of Valor,” Military Times
Massachusetts National Guard, Historical Services Directorate
The National Archives
National Museum of the United States Army
The National WWI Museum and Memorial
“My Experiences in the World War, Volume II,” by General John J. Pershing, 1931
“Report of the Commission on Massachusetts' Part in the World War” by the Commission on Massachusetts' Part in the World War (Stevens, Jesse F. Stevens, 1929)
US Army Center of Military History
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