Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

109-year-old veteran William Brown dies

Grandson of slaves receives presidential citation hours before death

William Brown, a veteran of World War I and the grandson of slaves was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal in a ceremony Aug. 23, 2001. Brown died Sunday at the age of 109. Photo by Gary Thompson.

William Brown played many roles in his long life.

A grandson of slaves, he served in World War I and later became Nevada's oldest veteran.

He met President Clinton, participated in local parades and received many honors.

On Sunday, the 109-year-old died in Las Vegas, just a few hours after his niece received a U.S. Presidential Citation for him from President Bush for his wartime service.

Woodrow Wilson, the first president Brown voted for, sent him to war in 1918. He was 23 when he arrived in France to serve in the U.S. Expeditionary Force. He was there more than a year.

But Brown was not allowed to fight with white American soldiers. He worked in the artillery division counting shell holes and keeping the road clear for troops' weaponry.

Bob Simpson, president of the United Veterans of America, said he and Brown became fast friends when they met about three years ago.

"Ever since I met him we stayed in contact," he said. "A grand old gentleman."

Simpson said Brown was to receive a presidential citation Saturday night for his longevity and his service to his country during World War I. The citation was to be presented by U.S. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., but Brown was ill and could not receive his honor in person.

Simpson said the document came from the White House and included a personal letter from Bush.

"He had gone many years without recognition," Simpson said.

In August 2001, Brown received the credit his family and friends felt he was due.

The 30-year Las Vegas resident was presented the Legion of Honor by the French government at a local ceremony, honoring him for his wartime service.

That same month Brown met one of his favorite presidents, Clinton, when he came to Las Vegas for a visit.

Brown was born Aug. 23, 1894, in Cuero, Texas. He was the oldest child of eight brothers. He had one sister who died four days after birth.

Brown out-lived two wives. He was never a father, but he had 30 nieces and nephews.

In 1935 he moved to California where he worked for 22 years as a short-haul driver for Pacific Trucking Co. He retired in 1962 at the age of 67.

"He was a wonderful man," Simpson said. "He was a gentle man. Never smoked, never drank."

In recent years, Brown participated in several local St. Patrick's Day and Veterans Day parades. In the 2001 Veterans Day parade he rode atop the United Veterans of America float.

Simpson said many parade spectators wanted to meet Brown.

"He was the star of the parade," he said. "He was so tickled to do that. Anything to get out of the house."