Crews, John R.

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Crews, John R.

March 8, 1923- September 25, 1999

Crews was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.

Crews joined the Army from Bowlegs, Oklahoma, and by April 8, 1945 was serving as a Staff Sergeant in Company F, 253rd Infantry Regiment, 63rd Infantry Division. On that day, near Lobenbacherhof, Germany, Crews single-handedly destroyed two German emplacements.

Crews died at age 76 and was buried in Resthaven Gardens Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.


 Staff Sergeant Crews' official Medal of Honor citation reads:

He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 8 April 1945 near Lobenbacherhof, Germany. As his company was advancing toward the village under heavy fire, an enemy machinegun and automatic rifle with rifle support opened upon it from a hill on the right flank. Seeing that his platoon leader had been wounded by their fire, S/Sgt. Crews, acting on his own initiative, rushed the strongpoint with 2 men of his platoon. Despite the fact that 1 of these men was killed and the other was badly wounded, he continued his advance up the hill in the face of terrific enemy fire. Storming the well-dug-in position single-handedly, he killed 2 of the crew of the machinegun at pointblank range with his M 1 rifle and wrested the gun from the hands of the German whom he had already wounded. He then with his rifle charged the strongly emplaced automatic rifle. Although badly wounded in the thigh by crossfire from the remaining enemy, he kept on and silenced the entire position with his accurate and deadly rifle fire. His actions so unnerved the remaining enemy soldiers that 7 of them surrendered and the others fled. His heroism caused the enemy to concentrate on him and permitted the company to move forward into the village.
 

Daily Oklahoman, The 
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 
September 29, 1999

Crews, John R., 76, Born in Golden, OK on March 8, 1923. Passed from this life on Sept. 25, 1999. He was a man who loved God, loved his family, and loved his country. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Joan Crews on Feb. 27, 1996; his parents Isaac & Adela Crews; brothers, Ted Crews & Jimmy Crews; & sister, Elizabeth Pitts Hill. He is survived by his wife, Sue Tuma Crews, his beloved companion and friend since March 8, 1997; sons Jon Crews & wife Susie of OKC, Mark Crews & wife Teresa of Colorado Springs and daughters Phyllis Engle & husband Bill of OKC and Diana Moore & husband Lanny of OKC; brother, Marion Crews & wife Velma of Chandler; sisters, Vera Eubanks & husband James A. of Paragould, AR, Bernice Dawson & husband Mel o f Richmond, VA; stepson Mike Tuma & wife Tricia of OKC; stepdaughter Linda Robertson & husband Bill of OKC; 18 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren and numerous friends. He was a member of the Olivet Baptist Church where he was a Deacon, choir member, and active in Sunday School. He was decorated with the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism, during the battle of the Bulge during WWII. A true American hero, he remained ever humble concerning his heroism. He received his BA degree from OKC University after returning from WWII. He remained very active in the Medal of Honor Society and the 63rd Division as well as an honorary member of the 45th Division, where he was inducted into the Military Hall of Fame. Few men have ever contributed so much, yet remained so humble. He has now gone to his Heavenly home to remain forever with his Lord Jesus Christ. He will be sorely missed.

Services were held 10 A.M. Tues., Sept. 28th 1999 at Olivet Baptist Church with interment following in Rest haven Memory Gardens.

 
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