McAlester soldier saw 511 days of combat in World War II

Local News

Related Photos

Andrew “Andy” Jackson Crittenden as he looked during World War II as a member of the famed 45th Infantry Division, known as the Thunderbirds. Reader photo Submitted
Andrew “Andy” Jackson Crittenden holds one of the two Bronze Stars he was awarded for his service in World War II, along with numerous other honors. Crittenden, who celebrated his 95th birthday on Saturday, fought in some of the war’s fiercest battles, including the landing at Anzio and the Battle of the Bulge. Staff photo by Kevin Harvison Photo by Kevin Harvison

February 4, 2012

By James Beaty Senior Editor The McAlester News-Capital Sat Feb 04, 2012, 04:49 PM CST

McALESTER — Andrew “Andy” Jackson Crittenden got to see Europe as a young man — along with his fellow GI’s who fought their way across Italy, France and Germany in some of World War II’s fiercest battles.

Before the shooting stopped, Crittenden and his comrade-in-arms battled through 511 days of combat.

Crittenden, of McAlester, may have celebrated his 95th birthday Saturday, but when he smiles, his eyes sparkle like those of a much younger man. Mentally brush away the years, and it’s easy to see the staff sergeant whose honors include two Bronze Stars and a Silver Star, along with numerous other honors.

See more in the print edition of the News-Capital.

Text Only

Local News

From the Capitol: Talk about fiscal irresponsibility
Will Rogers said, “I love a dog — he does nothing for political reasons.”

May 27, 2012
Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma signs lease in McAlester
The Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma has found a location and will be moving to McAlester possibly as soon as July, according to Susan Tilkin director of communications for the organization.

May 27, 2012 1 Photo 2 Stories
Rescued horses doing well
Quarter horses rescued in July by the Pittsburg County Sheriffs department are doing well, according to Joel Kerns Pittsburg County Sheriff.

May 27, 2012 1 Photo 2 Stories
Lt. Gov. Lamb lauds region for Work Ready Certification
Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb stopped by the Kiamichi Technology Center in McAlester on Friday to help celebrate the teaming of 15 Southeastern Oklahoma counties as Oklahoma’s Premier Certified Work Ready Region.

May 26, 2012 3 Photos
School board president steps down
A seat on McAlester Public School’s Board of Education has been vacated by President Anne Walker, who has left the position after 15 years, according to MPS Public Relations Specialist Debbie Watkins.

May 26, 2012 2 Photos
From the Capitol: OSP closing F cellhouse
Monday evening the governor put out a press release titled, “Budget Deal Reached: Fallin and Legislative Leaders Announce Fiscally Conservative Budget with Targeted Funding Increases.”

May 26, 2012 1 Photo
Three local men dismissed from grand theft charges
Three Pittsburg County men were dismissed from theft related charges Monday (May 21) in Pittsburg County District Court.

May 25, 2012 3 Photos
Gas prices down, police patrols up for Memorial weekend
Gas prices are down this Memorial weekend but the people expected to be on the road is up and so are the number of patrol officers on duty.

May 25, 2012 1 Photo
Blue-green algae warning for Eufaula Lake
A blue-green algae alert is still in effect for Eufaula Lake with the highest levels found at Porum Landing according to U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.

May 25, 2012 2 Photos
North prevails in All Star game
McAlester and Crowder baseball players made their mark in Wednesday evening’s Southeastern Oklahoma Baseball Coaches Association North vs. South All-Star game at Mike Deak Stadium.

May 24, 2012
More Local News Headlines