CULPEPER TIMES

On the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger recognized Staff Sergeant Richard Francis Brani of Culpeper.

Brani is a U.S. Army Veteran, who served during World War II. Last month, Brani was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his gallantry during the Battle of the Bulge — a critical turning point during the war.

Nearly 80 years ago, Brani served in three campaigns in the European Theater, including on the Western Front, where he distinguished himself as part of the 84th Infantry Division “Railsplitters.”

From the beaches of Normandy to the forests of the Ardennes, Brani and his regiment faced freezing temperatures, fierce enemy fire and insurmountable odds as they warded off German forces.

Last month — and at 100 years old — Brani was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for demonstrating extraordinary heroism during this critical turning point in World War II.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, I stand before the U.S. House of Representatives to thank Staff Sergeant Richard Francis Brani for his devoted service to our extraordinary country,” Spanberger said.