Last Known Activity:
He was credited with the destroying 7 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, plus 1 probable, and 3 on the ground.
His DSC citation:
Awarded for actions during World War II
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Claude James Crenshaw (AFSN: AO-692895/ASN: 0-692895), United States Army Air Forces, for The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Claude James Crenshaw (AFSN: AO-692895/ASN: 0-692895), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 369th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, while serving as Flight Leader of a bomber escort mission in the vicinity of Merseburg, Germany, on 21 November 1944. On this date, accompanied by only his wingman, Captain Crenshaw attacked a formation of one hundred enemy fighters having a top cover of thirty-five additional fighter aircraft. In his great desire to protect the bomber formation, he pursued the enemy relentlessly, destroying four of their aircraft and damaging still another despite the enemy's vast numerical superiority. The outstanding heroism and determination to destroy the enemy displayed by Captain Crenshaw on this occasion are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 29 (March 23, 1945)
Action Date: 21-Nov-44
Service: Army Air Forces
Rank: Captain
Company: 369th Fighter Squadron
Regiment: 359th Fighter Group
Division: 8th Air Force
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