Pvt. Phillip W. Crosby has returned to Camp Pickett, Va., after spending his furlough in Mason City, visiting relatives and friends.
Source: The Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Tuesday, December 22, 1942, Page 16
Pfc. Phillip W. Crosby Dies
From War Accident Overseas
Back Injuries Fatal to Mason City
Youth Training in Europe
Pfc. Phillip W. Crosby died on Dec. 21 somewhere in the European war theater as result of injuries received in an accident the day before, according to a telegram from the adjutant general received Tuesday by his mother, Mrs. Andrew Meyer, 113 ½ East State.
“The secretary of war asks that I assure you of his deep sympathy in the loss of your son, Pfc. Phillip W. Crosby, who was previously reported seriously ill,” the telegram stated.
His mother and his sister, Mrs. Richard Elbert, 33 ½ East State, had received Christmas greetings, V-mail letters mailed the day before he was injured, were received Monday.
A previous telegram from the adjutant general stated Pfc. Crosby suffered a fracture and dislocation of vertebrae as a result of the accident. The latest information the family received was that Crosby was with an armored field artillery unit in England.
Crosby was born in Lincoln, Nebr., and came to Mason City with other members of the family a dozen years ago. He attended the Mason City schools and was a gasoline station attendant at the time he entered service in May, 1942. He was first stationed in Camp Roberts, Cal., and later at Camp Picket, Va.
Last July he was transferred to the armored force at Indiantown Gap, PA. He had been overseas about 3 months.
Crosby is also survived by a brother, Pfc. Jack Crosby, who is stationed in North Africa.
Source: The Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Tuesday, December 28, 1943, Page 14 (photo included)
Phillip Warren Crosby is buried in Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England. He has a cenotaph in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, IA.
Pvt. Crosby served with the U.S. Army 54th Field Artillery Battalion, 3rd Armored Division.
Source: abmc.gov
