Eighth Air Force Somber Station, Deenethorpe, England... 1944
For gallantry in action against the enemy while on a Bombardment mission over Munster Germany October 28, 1944, Flight officer Elmer B. Crossman son of Mr. and Mrs. William B Crossman moral Nebraska has been decorated with the Silver Star.
The picture shows Flight officer Crossman receiving the award from Brig. Gen. Jay K. Lacy, West, Knoxville, Tennessee., commanding general of the 94th combat wing in the first bombardment division.
An intense and accurate barrage of antiaircraft fire was encountered as the B-17 flying Fortress in which Flight Officer Crossman was serving as a bombardier approached the target. Just at the start of the bomb run, a burst of flack hit the aircraft, severely wounding flight officer cross. Unmindful of his wounds, he refused medical attention and prepared to drop his bombs. When unable to make the release due to a malfunctioning switch, he quickly made the necessary adjustments and released the bombs before leaving the target area. Though weak from loss of blood he remained at his position, alert for attacks by enemy fighters.
The citation accompanying the award says, the courage, fortitude and devotion to duty displayed by flight Ofc. Crossman are deserving of the highest praise.
Flight Ofc. Crossman, who fully recovered and returned to duty, has been on five missions over Germany, he wears the Air medal and Purple Heart. He is a member of the veteran for all first bomb group commanded by Lt. Col. WTC Seawell , Bluff Arkansas. He is a member of the 614th bomb squadron commanded by Maj. WC Garland, Barnesville Georgia.
Crossman was commissioned at Carlsbad, New Mexico, in June, 1944 and came overseas in September. His wife Mrs. Victoria Crossman, lives in Bayard Nebraska. In civilian life he was a rural schoolteacher and was graduated from Bayard High School and Colorado State College of Education.
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