By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

W. Scott Brown was awarded two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars and a Presidential Unit citation for his service in the Army during World War II.

His bravery was recognized by the French government, which awarded him the Croix de Guerre.

He was drafted in January 1942 and by the time he was discharged - in December of 1945 - he had fought numerous battles in France and Germany and risen to be a company commander. At one time, he and his company were in combat for 125 straight days - in which Mr. Brown saw many of his men captured, severely wounded or killed.

Mr. Brown died Monday, Veterans Day, at Bridgeway Pointe care center in Hartwell. The former Westwood resident was 84.

Upon his discharge, two West Point-trained, high ranking officers tried to talk him into staying in the military, but he declined. He returned to Cincinnati to join his wife, Ruth, to whom he was married for a little more than a year when he was drafted.

"He rarely talked about these accomplishments," said his son, Stephen Brown of White Oak. "He was helpful but stern. And very strong willed."

Raised in Northside, Mr. Brown graduated from Hughes High School and entered Ohio State University, where he studied business management for about three years until he was drafted.

After the war he settled in Price Hill and worked for an insurance company and as a driver for a bread company before earning his real estate license.

Mr. Brown went to work as an assistant clerk for U.S. District Court in the mid-1960s. In the mid-1970s, he was promoted and transferred to Greeneville, Tenn., where he worked until he retired in 1982.

He lived in Clearwater, Fla., until 1995, when he moved back to Cincinnati.

An active volunteer, Mr. Brown assisted the Mended Hearts and Citizens on Patrol organizations. He was also a supporter of AL-ANON.

His wife preceded him in death in 1996.

In addition to his son, survivors include seven daughters, Ann DiGiacomo of Cheviot, Kathleen Volk of Cold Spring, Ky., Barbara Bochenek of San Ramon, Calif., Marilyn Marks of Westwood, Dorothy Breakall of Mount Airy, Suzanne Stath of Norwood and Deborah Fredrick of Lebanon; 22 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

A memorial Mass will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Clare Church, 1443 Cedar Ave., College Hill.

Mr. Brown donated his body to the University of Cincinnati Medical College.

Memorials: Veterans Affairs Hospital, 3200 Vine St., Cincinnati 45220.

E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com