Born in Boston, Kentucky, and raised in Illinois, Henry “Jim” Pierson Crowe first joined the Marine Corps in 1918, serving in France after WWI. He re-enlisted in 1921, serving in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua during the Banana Wars.
Stationed at Quantico between deployments, he became a top marksman—winning the Distinguished marksman Medal in 1927. In 1934 he was appointed Marine Gunner (warrant officer) and from 1936-1939 he guarded the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.
In WWII, he commanded a weapons company at Guadalcanal, earning the Silver Star, then led the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines at Tarawa (Navy Cross) and Saipan (wounded).
He later trained Marines and served in preparations for the Incheon landing in Korea, retiring as a Colonel in 1960 after more than 40 years of service.
Jim Crowe passed away in 1991 at age 92, remembered for his courage in combat, his mentorship of Marines, and his indelible personality — a true legend of the Corps.
