World War II veteran serves nearly 40 years in military

A chronicle of patriotism

May 16, 2011 at 5:55 a.m. | Updated May 16, 2011 at 5:55 a.m.

by Jeremy P. Amick

Frank Crooks, right, stands in front of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., with fellow veteran Bill Less. The two were able to visit the memorial last year as part of the Central Missouri Honor Flight Program.
Frank Crooks, right, stands in front of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., with fellow veteran Bill Less. The two were able to visit the memorial last year as part of the Central Missouri Honor Flight Program.

In recounting the events of a war almost 70 years ago, local veteran Frank Crooks displays clarity in memory that would prove the envy of virtually any student studying for an exam.

Having survived World War II and serving nearly 40 years in the military, the wealth of experience and knowledge demonstrated by this local veteran acts as a true testament behind the phrase "The Greatest Generation."

After receiving his draft notice, Crooks reported to Fort Leavenworth, Kan., on March 3, 1943. "The day before I got there, all enlistees were placed in the Navy," recalled Crooks. "The day after, everyone was assigned to the Army.

"The day that I enlisted everyone was placed in the Army Air Corps," he added with a chuckle.

Crooks completed ....

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