Lieutenant Colonel Brinsmead was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was a member of the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in South Korea on September 27, 1950.

For his leadership and valor, Lieutenant Colonel Brinsmead was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Ribbon, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Korea War Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.