Russell M. Brami

  

E Company

 

War hero honored for legendary service


The Tribune (Kingwood, TX), Monday, November 12, 2007
Mary Kelly Bumbaugh

Maj. Brami awarded five purple hearts


Residents and guests of Silverado Senior Living - Kingwood gathered on Nov. 11 to honor resident Maj. Russell M. Brami U.S. Army, retired for his distinguished 20-year military career.

Following presentation of the colors by the Kempner High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard, son, Jeff Brami, said, �We are here today to recognize veterans and my father who is a living legend. He is one of the last remaining heroes of WWII and the Korean War.�

He introduced Major Brami�s grandsons T. J. Brami and A. J. Brami, step-grandson Taylor Wimberg, granddaughter Emma Brami, and daughter-in-law Tonya Brami, and thanked Rachael Kleczkowski, Silvarado administrator, and Marion Nixon, volunteer/bereavement coordinator.

On behalf of U.S. Representative Judge Ted Poe, Jessica Wellington, district director Harris and Liberty counties, read a proclamation stating, �Nov. 11, 2007, is an official day to recognize Major Brami for his service to America.�

On behalf of Houston Mayor Bill White, Gwendolyn Condoleo, community liaison mayor�s citizens assistance office, said, �It is a privilege to be here, to remember veterans and those serving today.� She delivered a proclamation declaring Nov.11, 2007, as Major Brami Day.

Grandson Sgt. 1st Class Aaron J. Brami, of the Florida National Guard Special Operations Detachment Central, displayed a framed commemorative case he had made that contained all of Brami�s medals and decorations and presented it to him. They were: five Purple Heart medals, two Bronze Stars, a Bronze Star for valor, three Bronze Stars for combat jumps, Army Commendation Medals, two Combat Infantryman Badges, Master Parachutist Badge and numerous others.

On behalf of the family, Tonya Brami thanked the audience for their support.

MILITARY HISTORY

Brami enlisted in the infantry during World War II and was assigned to the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team. He saw action in the Italian Alps and jumped into southern France shortly after D-Day.

In l944, Brami fought in the battle of Bastogne (the Battle of the Bulge) and was cited for valor in combat in Belgium. At age 24 he was the youngest regimental sergeant major in the Army and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, 325th Parachute Infantry Regiment and the 187th Regimental Combat Team.

During the Korean War, Brami was awarded a rare battlefield commission and served as platoon commander.

He trained in jungle warfare, however his career was cut short by an accidental explosion that resulted in amputation of his hand. This was one of five injuries for which Brami was awarded five Purple Hearts.

After retirement in l963, Brami served as an executive with Goodwill for 20 years and was active in many military organizations and reunions.

He has five children and eight grandchildren. Brami, son Russell M. Brami Jr. and grandson A.J. Brami represent three generations of Army paratroopers. His son Jeff served in Vietnam as a reconnaissance Marine.


See more photos of Russ Brami at: http://www.517prct.org/photos/brami.htm and http://www.517prct.org/photos/brami2.htm