Joseph Crabtree (died 1944)

CRABTREE, MEADE, FLOWERS

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 3/3/2021 at 08:34:16

27 July 1944 - The Anamosa Journal

He'll be marching beside him when he gets his first toy drum; he'll be proud when he first pledges his allegiance to the flag of the United States in grade school; he'll be there when he takes his own place in the world; but Gary Leland Crabtree will never see his daddy.

Joseph James Crabtree, 20, died for his country before his son was born. He lost his life on a destroyer in the Naval battle on June 12, but Mrs. Crabtree, the former Julia Meade, Oxford Junction, wasn't informed of his death until after their son's birth last Thursday, July 20, at Mercy hospital, Anamosa. Her doctor feels that this gesture of thoughtfulness on the part of family and friends has perhaps saved the lives of both mother and baby.

Signalman second class Crabtree, U.S. Navy, didn't act on premonition of his impending fate when he wrote his last letters to family and friends, but the gifts he requested for his wife and son will be lasting tribute to his concern for them. Wrist watch, with a simple message engraved on the back and two dozen roses, have been presented to his wife upon request made by him more than two months ago.

There will be other things, souveniers that Crabtree gathered in his service overseas, and the stars and bars he earned for enlisting before Pearl Harbor and taking part in five major campaigns. His wife has also been notified that he was eligible for the Purple Heart medal.

Veteran of five major campaigns, Crabtree was confined to a hospital in Hawaii for three weeks after suffering third degree burns in the sneak attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor. He was stationed on the battleship Arizona in December, 1941, and on the morning of the seventh was seated at a table with several buddies eating grapefruit.

Force of the explosions which ripped the ship were so strong that his clothes were blown from him. He was rescued by a Marine just before he slid into the water near the ship which ws covered by flaming oil, and the two were not taken to safety until three hours later.

Joseph didn't learn the name of the Marine who was responsible for saving his life, but he said that one of the very first things he intended to do after the war was to find his rescuer and express his thanks to him.

Christmas mail, salvaged from his ship after it was raised this year, was forwarded to his wife, who received it recently. At Pearl Harbor, Crabtree was an active member of both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars association.

Signalman Crabtree also took part in the battle of the Solomon Islands, and the invasions of Sicily, Africa, New Guinea and the one in which he was killed. His last leave was in December when they were married.

Prior to his enlistment in the Navy, Crabtree operated a service station at Oxford Junction. His wife, Julia, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Meade, Oxford Junction. She has been making her home with her parents since her marriage. Last letter written to his wife was day May 21.

In addition to his wife and son, Crabtree is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Crabtree, Des Moines, and two sisters, Mrs. Darlo Flowers and Miss Maxine Crabtree, Tama.