Sgt. CURTIS A. CROOK - Hdq Co.
"When we were bombed at Verdun, France it was at night and several bombs fell in our area. Two bombs fell within 50 feet of me, but neither of the bombs exploded, but about an hour later a delayed fused bomb exploded throwing rocks, dirt, and other debris into our area and slightly wounding three members of Hdq Co."
Medals and Special Honors I received while in the Army:
- Bronze Star Medal
- Good Conduct Medal
- American Defense Service Medal
- American Campaign Medal
- European African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five Bronze Campaign Stars
- W.W.II Victory Medal
- Army of Occupation Medal for Germany
- Honorable Service Lapel Buttons W.W.II
1. Some funny things I remember about the war:
I cannot remember any funny things about the war.
2. My memories of the way we lived in Europe:
We slept in foxholes, houses, cow barns, hay barns, and a Catholic Seminary. If we could we would try to take a house, but sometimes we had to have the people move out so we could stay.
3. My most vivid memories from World War II:
When we were bombed at Verdun, France it was at night and several bombs fell in our area. Two bombs fell within 50 feet of me, but neither of the bombs exploded, but about an hour later a delayed fused bomb exploded throwing rocks, dirt, and other debris into our area and slightly wounding three members of Hdq Co.
4. My memories about the conditions of the countries I was in during World War II:
My memories about the conditions is that the countries had been badly demolished by bombs and artillery. I also remember in France, that the barn and the house were together. You could step put of the house into the barn.
5. Something from the war that is difficult to talk about, but I'd like future Americans to know:
The hours were long and we lost lots of sleep. Most days were 18 to 20 hours long and when we did get to sleep sometimes it was very damp and snowy.
6. In spite of the hardships of war, I'm proud to have served my country in World War II because:
I got to see countries I would have never been able to see. After the war, I got to spend 7 days in Cannes and Nice, France on the French Riviera.
7. My message to my lifelong Buddies in the 818th:
I have enjoyed serving with my lifelong buddies and have made many friends since the war at the reunions, that I did not get to know during the war.
