Robert H. Crum, Jr. was born on April 20, 1941, to Robert and Marjory Crum. He grew up in Essex Fells, NJ, along with his brother, Colyer, and sister, Stephanie. Everyone called him Rob. As a young man, he played ice hockey. Rob attended high school at The New Hampton School in New Hampton, NH, graduating in 1959. He continued his education at Wake Forest College in Winston Salem, NC, where he participated in the ROTC program. Rob graduated from college in 1965, and married his longtime sweetheart, Olivia, that same year.
Crum received his commission after graduation from Wake Forest. He served in the US Army with the 1st Cavalry Division, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Battalion, B Company and attained the rank of Second Lieutenant (2LT).
Crum was killed in action on May 22, 1966, near Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam. At the time of his death, he was survived by his parents, siblings and wife, Olivia.
Crum received numerous awards and medals including the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Ranger Jump Wings, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and the National Order of Vietnam 5th Class.
Robert Crum’s Silver Star citation reads:
For gallantry in action: Second Lieutenant Crum distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 21 May 1966, while serving as Platoon Leader of the First Platoon on a sweep and clear mission near Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam. After being trapped in a deadly Viet Cong killing zone, defended by heavily fortified positions, Second Lieutenant Crum directed the platoon in an assault against the positions. Although having sustained a shoulder wound, he continued to direct his men to cover the personnel in the area who had become casualties, demonstrating his fearless and courageous leadership to his men. He rallied his troops a second time to try to extract the casualties from the killing zone. Again he was wounded by enemy fire and relinquishing command of the platoon gave orders to “Take control and get these men out.” His unimpeachable gallantry in combat against a numerically superior enemy force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Sources: John Leonard (nephew) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
