Dale County AlArchives Photo person.....Sgt. James E. Crooks ( WWII ) Apr. 8, 1943 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Christine Thacker http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00033.html#0008100 May 29, 2004, 7:16 pm

Source: The Southern Star
Photo can be seen at:
http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/dale/photos/gph416sgtjames.jpg
Image file size: 171.8 Kb

55 years ago, April 8, 1943.. Reprinted April 8, 1998.

 Sgt. Jas. E. Crooks Gets Distinguished Service Cross

 Ozark Boy Awarded Honor For Heroism At Guadalcanal

  By direction of the President of the United States, the Distinguished Service 
Cross was awarded March 16, 1943 by Lieut. General Millard F. Harmon, commanding
the United States Army Forces in the Southern Pacific Area to James E. Crooks, 
Staff Sergeant, Infantry, U. S. Army, for extraordinary heroism on January 22, 
1943, at Guadalcanal.
 Staff Sergeant Crooks volunteered to drive an M-3 light tank on an extremely 
hazardous mission over ground covered with jungle undergrowth where initial 
reconnaissance was impossible due to enemy occupation of the area. The tank 
driven and operated by Staff Sergeant Crooks destroyed at point blank range 
some eight fully manned machine gun nests. This contributed materially to the 
ultimate success of the infantry in this area at a minimum loss of life.
  Sergeant Crooks is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. V. Crooks, of Ozark Route 4. He 
left Ozark In January 1940 with Company B, 193rd Tank Bn., when this National 
Guard unit was mobilized as a part of the U.S. Army. Sgt. Crooks had been a
member of the Tank Company three years when the unit was ordered to Fort 
Benning, Ga., for training. He re-enlisted and left with the company. 
  The 193rd Tank Bn. left the United States in December, 1941 and for sometime 
was stationed in the Hawaiian Islands.
  Sgt. Crooks is 22 years old and has an excellent record as a soldier. His 
home town is proud of his service record.


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