From The Greeley Citizen, Greeley, Nebraska, Thursday, September 7, 1944, transcribed by Linda Berney:

Fred P. Brown Is Killed In Action – Fred P. Brown, seaman first class, has been killed in action, according to word received Sunday by his mother, Mrs. Nellie Brown, from the War Department. The message said that a letter would follow. Mrs. Brown last heard from her son on August 22. He entered the service October 8, 1941.
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From The Greeley Citizen, Greeley, Nebraska, Thursday, October 12, 1944, transcribed by Linda Berney:

Receives Letter From Son's Friend –

Mrs. Nellie Brown last week received a letter from Gordon K. Williams, telling of her son, Fred P. Brown, first class seaman, who was killed in action a few weeks ago.

The letter: "For many days now I have been trying to write to you, but I always have to give up because nothing that I say seems to sound right. First of all, I would like to tell you what Freddie meant to me. I first met him on August 11 in 1943, and had been with him every day until that day a little over a year later when he was killed. The first day I met him we became the best of friends. I know that a better friend I'll never find. Everywhere that Freddie went he was liked by all. I have never in my life seen anyone who could make friends and keep them, as he did. He had the courage of two men and, no matter what happened, he was never shaken or became excited by anything. He died instantly. Thank God for that – so many have to suffer. I am sure if he had known what was going to happen he would have still faced it without a sign of fear. Many nights we sat and talked for hours of nothing but home. I feel as though I know Wolbach as I know my own town of Spokane. He told of times he used to have in high school, etc., and how lucky he was to have such a swell Mother. I know what a terrible blow it must have been to you to receive the news of his death, and I hope that I am not causing you further pain by writing this letter. If there is anything I can do or anything you wish to know, please do not hesitate to write and ask me. Please believe me that he died for a great cause so that others may have peace and freedom and through your loss the whole world has gained. His name will go down in history, along with the many others who have given their lives so that we, the living, can enjoy the fruits of freedom. My only hope is that I am able to serve my country half as well as he did."
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From The Wolbach Messenger, Wolbach, Nebraska, Thursday, March 25, 1948, transcribed by Linda Berney:

Military Services to Be Held Here For Fred P. Brown – Max Marco, local commander of the American Legion received notice this week that the body of Fred P. Brown, S1c U. S. Navy arrived in San Francisco, California March 23. Mr. Marco explained further that the body would be shipped from San Francisco to the Quartermaster Depot at Kansas City and it is expected according to information that he received that there would be a period of one to four weeks before the body will be received here. The Local Legion is making arrangements to hold military services for the first of the war dead to be returned to this community. Fred Brown is the son of Mrs. Nellie M. Brown of Wolbach.

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From The Wolbach Messenger, Wolbach, Nebraska, Thursday, April 15, 1948, transcribed by Linda Berney:

Military Services Held Here Tuesday For Fred P. Brown; First War Dead To Be Returned To This Community –
Body Returned from Guam; Accompanied Here By Escort –

The remains of Fred P. Brown S1c U. S. N. son of Mrs. Nellie M. Brown, were brought here accompanied by an escort, L. A. Funk, CWT U.S. N. Monday and services were held Tuesday afternoon 1:45 at the McIntyre Funeral Home and 2:00 at the Lutheran church. The military rites were taken care of by 50 local veterans, who marched in procession from the Funeral Home to the church, where services were conducted by Dr. Harman. After the church service the procession continued to the Hillside cemetery where the prayer was given by Dr. Harman, followed by taps and the firing of three volley salute over the grave of the departed comrade. Chief Funk, the escort of the body folded the flag and gave it to the bereaved mother.

The procession was formed as follows: the funeral coach was in the lead with three pallbearers on either side; the color bearer and color guards were directly behind the coach, followed by the bugler, firing squad, the family of the deceased and the minister, with Legionnaires and Auxiliary completing the procession.

The body of "Freddy" Brown was the first of the war dead to be returned to this locality. All of the local veterans turned out to pay their last respects in a very impressive fashion to a departed comrade in arms. The remains were brought from Guam to the Quartermaster Depot in Kansas City, Mo. several weeks ago and were brought on to Wolbach by an escort who also aided in the procedure of military rites.

Fred P. Brown, foster son of Mrs. Nellie Brown was born October 31, 1921 at Rapid City South Dakota. He grew to manhood at Wolbach and was graduated from the Wolbach High School in 1941. "Freddy" as he was called by all who knew him, was a true and loyal friend. Always ready to lend a helping hand, was more than willing to do all he could to make the burdens lighter for his mom. At one time he was a member of the Boy Scouts. He attended the Lutheran Sunday School and Church. He was a great lover of sports always taking an active part.

He enlisted in the United States Navy October 10, 1941 holding the rank of Seaman First Class at the time of his death. At the time of his death on the Pacific Island of Guam, August 24, 1944 he was 22 years, 9 mo. and 23 days old.

With military escort, L. A. Funk, CWT, U.S.N. his remains returned April 12, 1948. Survivors are his mother and foster sister, Mrs. Mabel Hamel of Salem, Oregon and a host of friends.