The Citadel Museum honors alumnus killed on D-Day

June 5, 2025June 5, 2025 Alumni Featured

It’s estimated that more than 2,500 American troops were killed on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

Among them were multiple Citadel graduates, including 1st Lt. Robert Brice, Class of 1942.

While Brice is laid to rest in the Normandy American Cemetery, in France, some of his personal effects have finally found their way to his alma mater. They spent a couple of decades in the American Military Museum, which recently closed its Charleston-based location.

The new collection, currently on display in The Citadel Museum, located on the third floor of Daniel Library, includes a photo of Brice, his posthumously awarded Purple Heart, a flashlight and various personal effects.

“Among the artifacts received as part of this wonderful donation are small items that Lt. Brice would have used daily – his razor, soap, pipes and sewing kit,” said Tessa Updike, The Citadel archivist. “These items are a reminder of our common humanity across generations, helping to create a tangible link to our history. We are grateful for all who contributed to this donation, and I can’t wait to share this collection with our students in the fall semester.”

As part of the exhibit, The Citadel Archives and Museum included a quote from the letter Brice’s commanding officer wrote to his father, which said: “He jumped off the landing craft ahead of his platoon. He then motioned to the others and said, ‘Let’s go!’ That’s when he was cut down by machine gun fire. Be assured that Bob died a heroic death. He was in front of the men. A Ranger all the way. He now rests in Honored Glory.”

“We are honored to include 1^st Lt. Robert Brice in the Citadel Museum,” said Aaron Wimer, director of the Daniel Library. “His leadership and heroism will be here to inspire our Corps of Cadets and all who visit to view his legacy.”

Brice, from Roanoke, Virginia, arrived at The Citadel in 1938. As a cadet, he was a member of the football team, the Bull Dog student newspaper staff, the Hunting Club and president of the student Virginia-Citadel Club. He accepted a commission into the U.S. Army in 1942 and was assigned to Company B of the 2nd Rangers Battalion.