Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

390th Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces

Awarded on:

1944

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 390th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 4 February 1944, against enemy ground targets in the European Theater of Operations. On this date Lieutenant Crosbie was piloting his airplane on a bombardment mission against strongly defended military objectives deep in enemy territory. Vicious fighter opposition and intense anti-aircraft fire was encountered and just before reaching the objective Lieutenant Crosbie was hit by a heavy shell fragment which tore away the upper left side of his face and his left eye. Lieutenant Crosbie turned over manual control of the airplane to his Co-Pilot, but remained in his seat and in command of the airplane. Disregarding his critical and agonizing wound, he directed the crew in its battle with enemy fighters on to the target and throughout the bombing run. The heroism displayed by Lieutenant Crosbie under extremely adverse conditions upholds the highest traditions of the Army Air Force and reflects highest credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces."

Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 25

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)