June 29, 1919

Maurice Lee “Footsie” Britt was born in Carlisle (Lonoke County). He was named Morris after his father, but during grade school, a teacher told him his name was spelled Maurice and changed the spelling. Britt rose to fame as an athlete, soldier, businessman, and state politician. During World War II, he became an exemplary soldier as the first person in American history to earn all the army’s top awards, including the Congressional Medal of Honor, while fighting in a single war. After suffering numerous wounds, including one that caused his right arm to have to be amputated, Britt returned to Arkansas and undertook a career in business management. He later served two terms as the lieutenant governor of Arkansas.

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