An Ace with seven aerial victories and three ground, Capt. Claude J. Crenshaw was assigned to the 369th Fighter Squadron on 26-May-44. He flew 270 combat hours with the 359th Fighter Group before completing his tour of duty on 8 December 1944.



21-Nov-44: On the 21st during an escort mission to Merseburg, 1st Lt. Claude J. Crenshaw scored the biggest individual bag in the air that the group has seen. While alone with his wingman at 1155, southwest of Merseburg he encountered 75 to 100 E/A in a gaggle with top cover of another 25. Swinging in back he started on his one man wave of destruction. His claim of 5-0-0 FW 190s ranks as one of the highest made in this theatre. This amazing feat was accomplished using only 3 guns; the others having frozen at high altitude. The K-14 gun sight with its great accuracy received part of the credit due for the performance. Lt. Harold Tenenbaum flying Lt. Crenshaw’s wing claimed one (1) FW 190 destroyed at the same time and place.





Assigned to 369FS, 359FG, 8AF USAAF. May-Dec. 1944, 270 hours, P-51B 42-106689, 44-13606 'Louisiana Heat Wave,' P-51D 44-15016 'Heat Wave'. Credited with the destruction of 7 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, 1 probable, and 3 on the ground while strafing enemy airfields.



Awards: DFC (OLC), DSC, AM (9OLC), WWII Victory, EAME (3 bronze stars), American Campaign, OCC, National Defense, Korean and UN medal, AF Longevity Service (4OLC).