Maurice Gordon Crosbie – First Lieutenant, United States Army Air Force

Wanshese, North Carolina:

Maurice Gordon Crosbie, 84, of Wanchese, North Carolina, died Wednesday, October 15, 2003 at his residence. Mr. Crosbie, born in Biddeford, Maine, was an Air Traffic Control Specialist with the Federal Aviation Agency.

He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a B-17 pilot in the European Theatre and earned the rank of Captain. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart. He was a member of the 390th Bombardment Group Association and the Legion of Valor.

Crosbie was the son of the late Edward and Marion Gordon Crosbie and the husband of Louise Covan Crosbie of the residence.

Besides his wife, Mr. Crosbie is survived by a daughter, Robin Crosbie of Hadley, MA; a son, Mike Crosbie of Manassas, Virginia; a sister, Virginia Simpson of Old Orchard Beach, Maine; four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Caroline and Julianne Crosbie and Lauren Dymek.

A graveside service will be held in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 11:00 AM at the Fort Meyers Chapel.


CAPT Maurice G. Crosbie, U.S.A.F.
Citation: Distinguished Service Cross
War: World War II

Captain MAURICE G. CROSBIE, during World War II while serving with the 390th Bomb Group, U.S. Army Air Force received the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action with the enemy on 4 February 1944.

On that date Lieutenant Crosbie was serving as Pilot of a B-17 airplane on a bombardment mission against strongly defended military objectives deep in enemy territory. Vicious fighter opposition and intense antiaircraft fire was encountered and just before reaching the objective Lieutenant Crosbie was hit by a heavy shell fragment which tore away the upper left side of his face and his left eye.

Lieutenant Crosbie turned over manual control of the airplane to his copilot, but remained in his seat and in command of the airplane. Disregarding his critical and agonizing wound, he directed the crew in its battle with enemy fighters on to the target and throughout the bombing run. The heroism displayed by Lieutenant Crosbie under extremely adverse conditions upholds the highest traditions of the Army Air Force and reflects highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Captain Crosbie joined the Legion of Valor in 1961 and resided in Virginia.

CROSBIE, MAURICE G
1ST LT   US ARMY
WORLD WAR II

  • DATE OF BIRTH: 03/22/1919
  • DATE OF DEATH: 10/15/2003
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 66  SITE 3608
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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