J Crayton

Personal Information

Birthplace: Electra, TX

Service Information

Branch of Service: Army

Unit: 146th Combat Engineers

Theater of Operation: European

Enlisted / Commissioned: Feb 3, 1943

Discharged: Oct 27, 1945

Highest Rank: Corporal

Military Honors: Bronze Star (combat), Purple Heart, EAME Ribbon with 3 bronze stars, Unit Citation

Honored By: Michael Smith- Nephew

Biography

JW Crayton was born on Feb. 3, 1924 in Electra, TX. In World War II his unit was first on Omaha Beach. Their job was to destroy German beach obstacles to allow US troops to get off the beach and engage the enemy. The 146th then led the frontline, building roads and bridges but it also became a combat unit as the army entered Germany. Crayton was wounded in early November 1944 in Vassenack, Germany. He was sent back to the USA for recovery and was lastly assigned as a guard in a German POW camp in Colorado. Crayton was able to return to Normandy on the 50th anniversary of D-Day, courtesy of the Oklahoma City newspaper.