[1 of 14]
Friends - let's head into the weekend on a positive note, with a cool story of a badass Sky Dragon Soldier.
We're talking about NFL tight end (Detroit Lions), war hero, Medal of Honor recipient, Arkansas Lt Governor, and successful businessman Maurice Britt.
[2 of 14]
Yesterday, as part of Marne Week, our @3rd_Infantry renamed a Fort Stewart Gate after Maurice. So, let's tell his story here.
Born in a small Arkansas town in 1919, Maurice quickly grew to be a remarkable athlete, excelling in baseball and football.
[3 of 14]
After high school, Maurice played football at the University of Arkansas. He was undersized but scrappy and smart. After graduation, he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1941.
While Maurice had a promising NFL career, the storm clouds of war were gathering in Europe
[4 of 14]
At the conclusion of his rookie year, he was drafted again - this time into the Army. He volunteered for the infantry and was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division as a platoon leader
His athletic ability and experience with teamwork immediately serve his men well.
[5 of 14]
Oct 1943: 1st Lt Britt is wounded while leading his platoon into the Italian Campaign.
His men respect that he continues to fight and lead while wounded.
[6 of 14]
November 10, 1943: near Mignano, Italy, Britt leads his company in a counterattack opposing ~ 100 German soldiers. He's wounded again. Without his repulse of this attack, his battalion would have been isolated and his company destroyed.
He earns a Silver Star.
[7 of 14]
During this battle, Britt is shot in the ribs. His chest, face, and hands are wounded by grenades. He still manages to throw 32 hand grenades. His leadership saves his platoon and allows several captured GIs to escape.
He earns a Bronze Star Medal for Valor.
[8 of 14]
January 1944: Maurice prepares to lead his platoon to the Anzio beachhead. He's by now among the most respected leaders in Company L, 3rd Infantry Division.
[9 of 14]
Jan 22nd: Maurice leads his platoon onto Anzio.
2 days later, while defending vs advancing German tanks, an arty rounds hits his defensive position. Britt is gravely injured: his right arm is blown off from elbow down, his right leg is broken, he loses his right lung.
[10 of 14]
Maurice survives, but his war is over.
He's made 4 beach landings, earned the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, multiple Purple Hearts, the Military Cross of the British Empire and the Al Valoré Militaré Merit from the Italians.
[11 of 14]
His command nominates him for the Medal of Honor and it's approved.
Britt receives the Nation's highest award for valor in a ceremony on the UA football field during the 1944 commencement ceremony.
He is the 1st American to win every award for valor in a single war
[12 of 14]
Britt settles into Fort Smith, Arkansas with his Family. He's a legend in Arkansas: the local boy who went to the NFL and then became a war hero.
He develops a successful manufacturing business.
[13 of 14]
1966: Britt runs for lieutenant governor on the Republican ticket under Winthrop Rockefeller. He serves two terms, ending in 1970.
Britt died on November 26, 1995 at age 76. He's buried in the Little Rock National Cemetery.
[END]
Maurice Britt led several incredible lives, serving as a Soldier and a statesman. Tough, gritty, smart, he's the embodiment of the Dog Face Soldier.
Fort Stewart's Britt Gate now serves as a tribute to his legacy.
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.