Maps & Events –

• A recent account from John of his memories of his war experiences.
• Official Map of the 12th Armored Division Activities in the European Theater
• "Speed Is The Password" booklet describing the events of the 12th AD
• Activities of Company C during the war, typewritten by John.

Photos –

Personal photographs taken by John Crews in England, France, and Germany during the war.

Medals –

The harrowing stories of John's actions that led to the awarding of two Bronze Star medals.

The Enemy –

A fascinating and educational look at the rise of Nazi Germany and Adolph Hitler with photographs from propaganda books brought back from Germany by John after the fighting.

Home Front –

Rationing and the support of the folks back home.

Voyage To Peace –

The interesting story of John's troop ship voyage back home, and the events that brought the war to a final halt. Includes rare documents from on board the troop ship itself.

Today –

John Crews today and a "capsule" history of his life since the war. See John march in the PARADE to dedicate the new 12th A.D. MUSEUM in Abilene, Texas!!

Final Salute –

In Honor of those who did not return.

Links –

Related and other interesting links concerning World War II and the people who fought it.

 

On the occasion of his 75th birthday, the son of John C. Crews presented this living tribute to his father, an honored veteran of combat in the European Theater of World War II.

John C. Crews, was a member of the 12th Armored Division of General Allen's Seventh Army, known with fear and consternation to the German enemy as "The Hellcats". This division was also known as the "Mystery Division", since for security reasons, its true identity and course were kept secret for some months during the main push through Germany.

The 12th Armored Division had been transferred to General Patton's Third Army to spearhead the crossing of the Rhine and eventually the Danube.

19 year old John was a radio operator with this valorous unit and was responsible for saving American lives from friendly fire, as well as capturing a German officer.

After the war, my Dad wanted nothing more than to go home to a free America, raise a decent family, work at a useful and honorable profession, and try not to think too much about the horrors that he, like so many others, suffered through. He accomplished these goals, and his life today is full and happy.

Although the passing of time does not truly diminish the memories of the traumatic events of war for those who endured it, there comes a time when our thoughts should and must turn back to those memories in order to give them the historical and personal weight they demand. It is essential that we as a people remember not only what happened, but the men and women themselves who were directly responsible for the victory.

Many of our veterans from World War II are passing now and their stories and insights are being lost. This site is but one story of thousands from that time, and we hope it will contribute to the collective memory of our nation when it thinks back to the biggest event of the Twentieth Century.

My Dad was there - on the front line. Scared, but competent. Exhausted and freezing, but determined to do the job and survive. He's always been a hero to me, but I would like for others to see his story and acknowledge him as well.

©2004, David P. Crews

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