FORT KNOX, Ky. — Kentucky 2nd District U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie on March 14 presented Fort Knox leaders with a signed copy of the words he read into the Congressional Proclamation of Record during National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Dec. 7, 2021.
Guthrie’s words highlighted the short but heroic actions of Private Robert Brooks, a Soldier with Company D, 192nd Tank Battalion, who lost his life while serving his nation at the start of World War II.
“Madam Speaker, today on the 80th anniversary of the attacks on U.S. Naval Forces at Pearl Harbor, we remember poignantly the courage and sacrifice of America’s greatest generation,” said Guthrie, who read from a copy of the portion that he spoke about Brooks. “That legacy of service is rich in Kentucky’s 2nd District, exemplified by the seemingly insurmountable challenges faced by Company D of the 192nd Tank Battalion, which included the Harrodsburg Tankers.”
On hand to receive the documents, including a copy of the complete proclamation of record from Dec. 7, 2021, were Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis, commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, and the Fort Knox Garrison leadership team — Commander Col. Lance O’Bryan, Garrison Deputy Jim Bradford, and Senior Enlisted Advisor Command Sgt. Maj. William Fogle.
“On Dec. 8 across the international dateline and just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese bombers descended on Company D and U.S. forces who were stationed in the Philippines in Clark Field,” Guthrie continued. “A young private in Kentucky by the name of Robert H. Brooks attempted to sprint to his station to fight back against Japanese forces. Sadly, he lost his life during his heroic action.”
Brooks, an African American serving in an all-white unit, became the first armored casualty of the war as a result. Fort Knox leaders later named the installation’s main parade field after him in his honor.
After Guthrie’s presentation, Brian Smith, economic development director with Guthrie’s office, presented the leaders with a signed copy of the entire congressional record after the ceremony. Both items will be on display at the U.S. Army Garrison headquarters, positioned in a framed display dedicated to Brooks.
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