Sereno Elmer Brett (1891-1952)

Born in Portland, Oregon on October 31, 1891.

B.S. from Oregon State in 1916. Commissioned in the Infantry in 1916. Transferred to the Tank Corps in 1918.  Led the first American tank attack in World War I at St. Mihiel with the 326th Battalion, 1st Division September 12-15, 1918.

Graduated from Command and General Staff School in 1927. Instructor at the Infantry School 1927-1930.  Member of the Infantry Board 1931-1933. Graduated from the Army War College in 1934. Again member of the Infantry Board 1935-1938.  Instructor at Command and General Staff School 1938-1940.

Brigadier General in February 1942.  Commanding General of 5th Armored Division 1942-1943.

Retired in October 1943. Decorations included the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal and two Silver Stars.

Died on September 9, 1952.
 
 

BRETT, SERENO E.
Major, U.S. Army
Home: Corvallis, Oregon
326th Battalion, Tank Corps, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12, 1918
General Orders No. 15, W.D., 1919

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Sereno E. Brett, Major, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Richecourt, France, September 12, 1918.

On the opening day of the St. Mihiel offensive Major Brett led his battalion on foot from Richecourt to the Bois Quart De Reserve in the face of heavy machine-gun and artillery fire, and by his coolness and courage setting an example to the entire battalion.

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