Dear Ben:

The story of Silas Don Brown and his family is a typical 517^th epic. He was Bob Reber’s platoon sergeant who kept an entire platoon of 3^rd Bn. base plate, tube, bipod and 81 mortar ammo carriers on the go and ready to set up, observe and support the rifle companies. When Bob was severely wounded in the attack south of Stavelot Belgium, Don took over and gave us support throughout that attack and others to follow. Like many he was so busy with his continued Army service and other events, he did not know the 517^th Association continued to bind us together after the War–that is until recently. At a Florida mini reunion several years ago he appeared with his family as a first timer. They have been with us to keep the outfit going ever since.

There was a demand for the Paratroopers’ Odyssey, our official history written by 517^th members, but we had no more copies to sell. Don’s daughter, Donna Hilliard, pitched in to get the Odyssey republished. The Brown family stored the books, packaged and shipped them when purchasers sent Bob Christie the $22.50 for a copy. For those who want one, they are a few copies still for sale. Many times in Mail Call there are inquiries as to how to find out what a father, grandfather, uncle or brother did in the War. There is no better way to find out than to purchase a copy of the Odyssey, then read what his company did. It is all in there and we could not have made it available for you and posterity without the Brown family.

With the inspiration that sprang from this family, we realized that there was an enthusiastic group of 517^th decedents that were looking for a way to assist us in continuing to carry the 517^th flag and our objective of keeping alive the memory of the Combat Team, its members and the part we played in freeing Europe from Nazi occupation.

At his passing, I was delighted to see the tributes to Silas Don Brown and his family. It was especially good to hear it from another base plate carrier from the 2^nd Bn., Darrell Egner, a member of the Board of Directors, and the son of Don’s old platoon leader, Tom Reber, a tireless worker in the Auxiliary.

Let’s keep the ball rolling, Howard Hensleigh