| These two typewritten documents created during wartime are the only retirement records that were issued. On November 30, 1943 William Crismon retired after 31 years, 1 month and 13 days of service. In 1950 his former equivalent rank of Master Sergeant was rightfully restored. It was at the Camp Campbell Tank School that the name “Pop” was affectionally given to him by the much younger soldiers. His children quickly picked up the nickname and have used it since. The young men admired this old horse soldier who had served his country so well for so long. However, it is doubtful Pop told any of the young soldiers about his action during the Mexico Punitive Expedition in 1916. He certainly would not have mentioned being awarded the Silver Star for valor in France during WWI. Nor would he mention any of the other wartime commendations and decorations he earned. Achieving the rank of Sergeant in his early twenties would have impressed them. Being warranted First Sergeant at the age of only 39 was also most impressive. Maintaining expert status in practically every form of weaponry used in the Army demonstrated great skill and commitment. Winning the US Army Rifle Matches was just another event in his full life that William Crismon rarely talked about. All of these achievements are underscored by the testimonial in the letter above: “You have been one of the finest enlisted men I gave ever had serve under my command.” Yes indeed, the character of William and Bessie Crismon was repeatedly and correctly described as ‘Excellent”. Not surprisingly, although retired William and Bessie both took jobs in a defense plant to assist the war effort. In 1945 they retired to San Antonio. William Crismon died suddenly on October 1, 1980 at age 86; Bessie Crismon died April 28, 1999 at age 88. The couple shares the same grave in the US National Cemetery at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. All six children are living at the time of this writing. |