Medals Awarded Posthumously

Daily Record January 11,1945

"Citations to accompany the medals awarded posthumously to PFC John E. Crewell and Sgt Devere I. Means, two Bridgeport boys who were killed in action, have been made public by Capt. T.R. Lovett, in charge of arrangements for the presentation ceremony to be held Friday afternoon at 2:45 at the Bridgeport High School.

The boys' fathers, Oscar Crewell and Homer Means will accept the medals-- the Silver Star awarded to PFC Crewell, and the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters to Sgt. Means.

PFC Crewell's citation reads: Silver Star--For gallantry in action on 1 February 1944 in the vicinity of * * * Italy. After seizing its objective, Hill* * * , the company was in the process of establishing defense on its newly acquired positions when it became subjected to an intense artillery and mortar barrage. Displaying outstanding calmness and devotion to duty, despite the continued shelling and insufficient time to complete the establishment of his mortar emplacement, Private First Class Crewell dauntlessly remained in his exposed position and delivered effective fire on the enemy installations. During the enemy concentration, an artillery shell struck the mortar emplacement, killing Private First Class Crewell instantly. His gallant action reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States--Robert H. Dunlop, Brigadier General, Acting the Adjutant General.

Distinguished Flying Cross--For Extraordinary achievement while serving as radio operator gunner on a B-17 airplane on many heavy bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe. In addition to warding off many enemy attacks from his gun position Sergeant Means distinguished himself by calm and skill in handling his radio during aerial combat. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Sergeant Means on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Air Medal and Three Oak Leaf Clusters--For exceptionally meritorious achievement while participating in 20 bomber combat missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by this enlisted man upon these occasions reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed forces of the United States. Edward F. Witsell, Brigadier General, Acting the Adjutant General.