First Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown, born on March 13, 1982, in New Haven, Connecticut, embodied the spirit of dedication and courage throughout his life. Tragically, on September 23, 2008, his life was cut short when his patrol came under small arms fire in Salman Park, Iraq. His service, however, continues to be remembered and celebrated with profound respect.
Thomas J. Brown grew up in Shelton, Connecticut, and attended St. Jude’s Grammar School in Monroe before graduating from Notre Dame of Fairfield in 2000. He demonstrated a commitment to service early on, engaging in various sports and activities throughout his youth. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and International Politics from George Mason University in 2004, where he was an active member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.
Inspired by a desire to make a tangible difference, Thomas enlisted in the United States Army in 2005. After completing basic training at Fort Jackson, SC, he graduated from Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on April 13, 2006. He pursued further training with the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Mortar Leaders School, also at Fort Benning, and achieved his Ranger Tab and Airborne Wings.
Thomas was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Armored Division, stationed in Baumholder, Germany. His unit deployed to Iraq on April 3, 2008, where Thomas served as a Mortar Platoon Leader before being reassigned as a Rifle Platoon Leader.
His bravery and leadership were evident throughout his service. Posthumously, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge. His twin brother, Timothy Brown, recalls Thomas as a person who led by example and embraced every challenge with enthusiasm. Thomas was known for his compassion, once adopting an abandoned cat and naming it Batman, reflecting his innate kindness towards all living beings.
Thomas’s dedication extended beyond his military service. He had a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures and made an impact on everyone he met. His funeral service was held at St. Jude Church in Monroe, Connecticut, and was attended by a large community of mourners. The ceremony was marked by tributes from family, friends, and local officials, honoring his sacrifice and the profound effect he had on those around him.
Thomas was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on December 11, 2008. His legacy lives on through the respect and admiration he garnered from all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved mother, Carol Mary Brown, his twin brother Timothy, his fiancée Sarah Colella, and many other relatives and friends who continue to celebrate his life and service.
In remembering First Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown, we honor a life dedicated to service and sacrifice, a life that made a lasting difference in the world and in the hearts of those who knew him.
