Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Battery C, 456th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

August 20th, 1943

Awarded for:

Operation Husky

"For gallantry in action as a member of Battery C, 456th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 10 July 1943 in Sicily. Captain Crossman did order up a section of his battery to the forward slope of *** ***, and in plain view of the enemy and under heavy enemy fire, order the gun to open fire upon an enemy pillbox which was causing heavy casualties. After three rounds were fired the pillbox was destroyed. During the entire time of the action this officer was among his men, correcting fire, and observing forward for other targets. Captain Crossman's cool conduct and splendid courage under fire proved an inspiration to his men, whose gallant action, at this time proved a decisive factor in stalling the enemy attack."

Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 29

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Awarded for:

Operation Overlord

"For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy for the period 10 June 1944 to 4 July 1944 in France. Captain Crossman, on duty as an artillery command liaison officer with various infantry regiments, organized the subordinate liaison officers and forward observers with the infantry battalions, directed the employment of their efforts, and supervised their maintenance of communications. The performance of this task required his attention day and night, as well as his exposure to almost constant shell fire, since he personally was never in reserve, always being shifted to duty with whichever regiment was in the line. His devotion to duty, exemplary of the highest ideals of the Army, enabled his artillery battalion to deliver the maximum fire support to the Infantry."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)