Robert Edward Crans
Military
Object Number - UPL 51706 - Robert E. Crans
Crans with 324 Squadron 91st Bomber Group flew 30 combat missions out of Bassingbourn, being awarded the DFC. He remained in the Air Force for a total 30 years during which time he served in the Vietnam War and was shot down over Russia being imprisoned for a time. He retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was afterwards active in the University Hills Optimists Club and volunteered at the University of Texas Paleontology Dept. Robert Crans died 4th May 2002 having been predeceased by his wife Martha
Awards: DFC, AM (2OLC), WWII Victory, EAME (2 x Battle Stars), UN and Korean medal.
Connections
See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.
Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 91st Bomb Group 324th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 14100066 / O-?
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Navigator
Aircraft
Missions
- Date: 16 August 1944
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
Kansasy City, MO | 14 August 1922 | Son of Roy Eton and Grace Crans. |
|
Enlisted |
Fort Riley, KS | 29 June 1942 | Fort Riley, Kansas |
|
Other Retired / Discharged |
30 November 1971 | Discharged USAF. 30 years service. | |
|
Died |
4 May 2002 | ||
|
Buried |
Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery and Mausoleum Pflugerville, Travis County, TX | 7 May 2002 | Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery and Mausoleum Pflugerville, Travis County, Texas |
|
Based |
Bassingbourn | Assigned to 324BS, 91BG, 8AF USAAF. |
Revisions
https://www.fold3.com/image/302166624
https://www.fold3.com/image/312802123
https://www.fold3.com/image/618146377
https://www.fold3.com/record/68503500/robert-crans-social-security-deat…
https://www.fold3.com/record/84633736/robert-e-crans-wwii-army-enlistme…
https://www.fold3.com/record/623935671/robert-crans-1922-veterans-affai…
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/220794555/robert-e-crans
Biography completed by historian Helen Millgate. Information sourced from newsletters of the 91st Bomb Group related to the service of Robert Crans.
