Army Spc. Nicholas P. Brown

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Nicholas P. Brown, 24, of Huber Heights, Ohio

Spc Brown was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas; died Jan. 22, 2007 in Mosul, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

Brown is survived by his wife, Sara, 21, of Dayton and their son, Nicholas Brown II, born January 14, 2007. Sara moved from Fort Bliss, Texas, to Dayton during her pregnancy to be closer to family while her husband was deployed, the family said.

Days before his death, Brown came home to Dayton from Iraq to see his son.

"It was a blessing that he was able to briefly see his newborn son Nicholas before returning to Iraq" last week, Brown's family said in a prepared statement. "Sara will treasure forever those moments together."

The infantryman was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Bliss, according to the Defense Department. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

"Nick was very proud to serve his country," his family said. "He enjoyed playing pool, being with friends and taking care of his family."

Brown joined the Army Reserves in 2001 before switching to active duty in November 2004, according to his family.

He deployed to Iraq in late October, said Jean Offutt, public affairs officer at Fort Bliss. Deployments usually last one year, she said.

"We appreciate everyone's thoughts, prayers, and support, but ask that you allow us this time to grieve in private," the family said.

Army Spc. Nicholas P. Brown was killed in action on 1/22/07.