Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Robert
Watson
Crandall
POW (WWII) Escapee, KIA (WWII)
January 11, 1915

–

April 25, 1945

Born:

, 

Panama Canal Zone

Home:

Northwood Narrows

, 

New Hampshire

Buried: 

West Point

, 

New York

Cemetery:

United States Military Academy Cemetery

Robert Crandall graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1939. He was captured and held as a Prisoner of War during World War II, but subsequently escaped and rejoined his unit. He was later Killed in Action.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Cavalry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Italy)

    Action Date:

    January 1944 – Escaped

    Major (Cavalry) Robert Watson Crandall (ASN: 0-22010), United States Army, was captured by Germany forces in Italy on or about 22 January 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his successful escape from captivity.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    473d Infantry Regiment (Separate)

    Division:

    92d Infantry Division (Attached)

    Action Date:

    April 14 & 15, 1945
    Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 61 (May 29, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) Robert Watson Crandall (ASN: 0-22010), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Infantry Battalion, 473d Infantry Regiment (Separate), attached to the 92d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Portia, Italy, on 14 and 15 April 1945. Major Crandall’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.