Before going overseas, Pvt. William James “Jim” Brodish worked in the famed New Jersey Picatinny Arsenal’s loading department for three years, where he loaded explosives to fill shells, bombs, grenades, and mines.
Brodish was assigned to the 27th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad.
A small group, consisting of only two officers and 16 men, selected from the 618th Ammunition Company and the 27th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squadron, landed on June 6, 1944 on Omaha Beach.
Their goal was to clear dud-fired projectiles and rockets from the beach area, where they worked throughout the day.
During any idle moments, the group would assist medics with wounded soldiers.
While the squadron was helping to carry wounded soldiers off the beach, BRODISH was killed when a German artillery shell exploded over his foxhole.
He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, in addition to receiving Picatinny Arsenal’s Gold Star Roll of Honor award.
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