John Robert "Bob" Crossan entered the military service in Michigan. He served in the 560th Bomber Squadron, 388th Bomber Group, Heavy as a Staff Sergeant and ball turret gunner on 42-39907 "Nasty Nellie" aircraft during World War II. On May 8, 1944, their airplane was attacked by enemy fighters, which knocked out #3 engine and set the wing afire which caused the plane to explode. Six crewmembers were taken prisoner, four were killed (including Crossan). He is now buried in the Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium. He also has a cenotaph located in Moon Point Cemetery, Reading, Livingston County, Illinois, USA. Ssgt Crossan was one of the many brave Americans of the 388th Bomber Group who lost their lives in aerial operations against the German forces from June 1943 - August 1945.

Source of information: www.fieldsofhonor-database.com, www.abmc.gov