Bridge Dedicated in Memory of WWII Army Combat Veteran J.B. Brison

At 10:00 A.M. Saturday morning, May 9th, 2026, family members, friends, local officials, and members of the Collinwood American Legion Post 254 met at a bridge spanning a stream located near Collinwood. The bridge, which is on Shawnettee Road at the intersection of Brison Road, was the site of a dedication ceremony in honor and remembrance of U.S. Army Technical Sergeant J.B. Brison, a decorated WWII combat veteran who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima in the Northwestern Pacific.

The event began with the Pledge of Allegiance, which was followed with a prayer offered by Post 254 member Larry Keith Wright. After opening remarks, Pat Brison, the son of J.B., came forward and shared some memories of J.B. and the rest of the Brison family.

Next, the Brison family was presented with a flag plaque that was hand-made by American Legion Post 130 member Ron Tripp in remembrance of Mr. Brison and his service to our country.

Wayne County Road Commissioner Chuck Moser was asked to come forward and read the following biography concerning Tec-5 Brison and the Wayne County Resolution authorizing the naming of the bridge:

“Thank you for allowing me the honor of being a part of this most worthy event honoring Wayne County Veteran, Army Technician 5th Class, J.B. Brison.

“Tec-5 Brison served his country in the United States Army during World War II.

“J.B. was born at home on May 13th, 1924, to his parents Noah Cecil and Waymon (Creecy) Brison. He was raised on his family farm and attended school here in Wayne County. He registered for the draft at the Wayne County Selective Service Board and was inducted into the United States Army on February 20th, 1943, at the age of 18 years and 9 months. He entered active duty seven days later, on February 27th, at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia and was assigned the Military Occupational Specialty of Cannoneer.

“He attended his initial six weeks of Anti-Aircraft Artillery Basic Training and then went on to complete 16 more weeks of training as an Artillery Cannoneer. He later received additional training as a Light Truck Driver.

Tec-5 Brison was assigned to Battery D, 483rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery, Automatic Weapons Battalion and prepared for deployment to the Asiatic Pacific theater of operations in support of WWII.

“He left the United States on June 16th, 1944, and arrived in the Eastern Mandates of the Marshall Islands on June 24th.

“J.B.’s unit, the 483rd Triple-A Battalion, was then assigned to the 5th Marine Amphibious Corps (VAC), which was made up of the 4th, 5th, and 6th Marine Divisions, and began preparing for the invasion of Iwo Jima. The units made a beach landing on February 20th, 1945, and fought the Japanese in the Battle of Iwo Jima. They fought in very difficult circumstances and used their 20- and 40-millimeter automatic cannons to protect ground forces from enemy aircraft.

“After an intense four days of fighting, the Marines took control of the Japanese stronghold on top of the highest vantage point on the island, Mount Suribachi.

“J.B. was there to witness the iconic raising of the American flag by the Marines on this key defensive position atop Mount Suribachi which signaled to all the troops and ships that the position had been secured.

“As captured in the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph taken by American photographer Joe Rosenthal, the act came to represent the sacrifice and solidarity of the American effort in the Pacific.

“It is important to note that roughly 1 in 3 American servicemen became a casualty in the exceptionally fierce fighting that took place on Iwo Jima, which compelled Admiral Chester Nimitz to famously say, ‘Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.’

“After the 36-day battle to secure Iwo Jima had ended, the 483rd AAA Battalion remained on the island, providing security against Japanese holdouts that were hiding in the numerous caves and tunnels, and the ongoing air defense of critical airfields that B-29 bombers targeting mainland Japan used for refueling and emergency landings.

“J.B. departed the Island of Iwo Jima on December 1st, 1945, and arrived back in the United States on December 19th. He was sent to Camp Chaffee, Arkansas where he was honorably discharged on December 31st, 1945.

“Tec-5 J.B. Brison was a decorated combat veteran. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars.

“After his Army service, he returned home to Wayne County where he met the love of his life, Ms. Erma Shepard, a schoolteacher at the Millrock School that was also located on Shawnettee Road, not far from the bridge site.

“J.B. and Erma married in May of 1946 and moved to Detroit, Michigan where J.B. found work as a crane operator for the Great Lakes Steel Company. He worked for the company for 35 years and retired in 1983. While living in Detroit, J.B. and Erma welcomed seven children into the family: three boys, Jimmy, Ricky Joe, and Patrick; and four girls, Brenda, Bonnie Carol, Karen Ann (Swiney), and Jackie (Powell).

“J.B. and his family moved back to Wayne County where he enjoyed retirement until his passing on August 27th, 1987. He was 63 years, 3 months, and 14 days old.

“We honor Army Tec-5 J.B. Brison for his military service during a time of World War, and we will never forget the sacrifice that he and his family made to protect our country and our freedom.

“At this time, I am honored to read the following Wayne County Resolution authorizing the naming of this bridge:

WHEREAS, it has been proposed by the Wayne County Commission that the bridge spanning a right-bank tributary to Shawnettee Creek on Shawnettee Road near the intersection of Brison Road, Collinwood, Tennessee, be named in memory of WWII Veteran J.B. Brison; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Legislative Body of Wayne County, Tennessee meeting in regular session on this 18th_day of August, 2025, that the bridge spanning the waters of a right bank tributary of Shawnettee Creek, on Shawnettee Road near the intersection of Brison Road, Collinwood, Tennessee, be named the TEC-5 J.B. BRISON, U.S. ARMY, WWII GROUND COMBAT, IWO JIMA MEMORIAL BRIDGE.

“This Resolution shall take effect upon its adoption and approval.”

APPROVED: JIM MANGUBAT, COUNTY MAYOR

ATTEST: STAN HORTON, COUNTY COURT CLERK

Following the reading of the citation and resolution, members of the immediate family came forward to unveil the memorial sign. This was honored by a 21-gun salute and playing of Taps, conducted by the Collinwood Post 254 Honors Team in memory of Tech Sergeant Brison. American Legion Post 254 and all those involved in the bridge dedication are deeply privileged to recognize a soldier of J.B.’s extraordinary caliber, who called Wayne County home. We remain forever grateful for his selfless service and profound sacrifice for our country.

Submitted by: Randy Chambers, Adjutant, American Legion Post 254

Photos Courtesy of Peggy Chambers