Robert H Crum, Jr

The database page for Robert H Crum, Jr

26 Mar 2001 AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR (POSTHUMOUSLY) 1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously. Crum, Robert H. Second Lieutenant, Infantry, United States Army Company B, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry Awarded: Silver Star Date action: 22 May 1966 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Reason: For gallantry in action: Second Lieutenant Crum distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 21 May 1966, while serving as Platoon Leader of the First Platoon on a sweep and clear mission near Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam. After being trapped in a deadly Viet Cong killing zone, defended by heavily fortified positions, Second Lieutenant Crum directed the platoon in an assault against the positions. Although having sustained a shoulder wound, he continued to direct his men to cover the personnel in the area who had become casualties, demonstrating his fearless and courageous leadership to his men. He rallied his troops a second time to try to extract the casualties from the killing zone. Again he was wounded by enemy fire and relinquishing command of the platoon gave orders to "Take control and get these men out". His unimpeachable gallantry in combat against a numerically superior enemy force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress.

01 Nov 2006 I think that more needs to be said about Lieutenant Crum. He led First Platoon into the valley, knowing the fight was coming. He took his first wound in the opening salvo of the ambush. Radio contact was lost with the platoon. Lieutenant Crum continued to lead his men into the ambush. He sustained his second wound, and was tended to by Mr. Jaworski, the medic. He kept his bearing and passed on command of his men. His final wounds were fatal and from what I have heard lit a fire under Mr. Jaworski, and he began to assault the hill himself. Gerry Metcalf, my mom's fiance, filled in from time to time as Lieutenant Crum's R.T.O., I wonder if he was there that day. Lieutenant Crum was a hero in every sense of the word, old by Vietnam standards at 26, but a child in the world's eyes. Thank you, Lieutenant Crum, and God bless. In Gerry Metcalf's memory, James Oldham ourhpyfmly@yahoo.com

06 Dec 2006 I am a cadet with the University of Texas Army ROTC Detachment. Lieutenant Crum's actions were an excellent example of the warrior ethos and an even better example of the selfless service and courage it takes to be a great Army leader. Thank you, Lieutenant Crum, for your sacrifice. Kevin O'Brien E-Mail will be forwarded by the Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

A Note from The Virtual Wall The 8th Cavalry fought two bitter engagements in the Vinh Thanh Valley in May 1966. On 17 May the 2nd Battalion lost 19 soldiers, and on the 22nd the 1st Battalion lost eleven more: A Company: PFC David J. Canales, Sierra Vista, AZ B Company: 2LT Robert H. Crum, Houston, TX (Silver Star) SGT Gerald D. Hoover, Chesaning, MI SP4 Richard F. Lease, Kenton, OH PFC Michael E. De Voe, Houston, TX PFC Gerald E. Metcalf, Foxboro, MA PFC Allen J. Ritter, Moorhead, MN PFC Angel Rodriguez-Estremera, Adjuntas, PR PVT Michael G. Cryar, El Monte, CA C Company: SP4 David M. Jolley, Jeffersonville, IN SP4 Michael Vinassa, Culver City, CA (Dist Svc Cross)

The point-of-contact for this memorial is his nephew, John Leonard john.leonard@valero.com

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 26 Mar 2001
Last updated 01/16/2007