Staff Sergeant Hersal B. Cralle

This Date in CHVFD History

share & save

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Print
Email

Hersal Cralle Killed in Action in World War II

Staff Sergeant Hersal B. Cralle was killed in action over Lindhorst, Germany. Sergeant Cralle was a ball turret operator on a B-17 bomber, named “Ain’t Misbehavin.” The plane was hit by enemy fire on its way to Berlin for a bombing mission. Only one crew member was able to parachute out before the plane exploded in mid-air. There were no other survivors. Sergeant Cralle was one of many volunteer firefighters who enlisted after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Sergeant Cralle was awarded the Purple Heart and the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters. He is buried at the Ardennes American Cemetery in Neupre, Belgium.