Along with a brief summary and explanation of Mr. Cromer's interview, this page allows you to view the entire two interviews of Mr. Cromer's interview. However, the next two pages split video into the first and second interview accordingly and provide a transcript of each piece.
At eighteen years old, Mr. Richard Cromer, a first semester freshman student at Gettysburg College enlisted in the Army. As a member of the ROTC club at college and having a family history filled with many war time experiences, at the notice of the draft of World War Two, Mr. Cromer acknowledged that it was his patriotic duty to enlist. After much training at Fort McClellan, Alabama and additional training in Virginia, Mr. Cromer was sent to war. He slowly moved up the ranks as he started out in the Regular Army as a Sergeant and then became a Lieutenant, where instead of receiving orders from an officer, he was commanding a small group of army men. His main role in the war was to control the security of our nation, which meant he was not involved with direct combat. His position required him to travel to many countries in the Pacific, such as Japan, Guam, Saipan and Honolulu. After serving time in the Army, Mr. Cromer returned to the states and was involved with the Army Reserves for eleven years. After being deported, he returned home to Pennsylvania, where him and some of his comrades went back to college to finish their education under the GI Bill. This bill enable them to enroll in college at little or not cost to them. Under this bill, Mr. Cromer was able to finish four years of college and attain his degree of Bachelor of Arts. His pride in his country and his heritage has enabled him to selflessly act on behalf of the United States of America when our country need him the most, without a second thought. Mr. Cromer lives his life with no regrets and looks at the army as a part of his life that helped him to mature. He advises all, regardless of gender, to enroll in the army for the lessons learned through the training and discipline are irreplaceable and unforgettable. If Mr. Cromer could sum up his philosophy of life in one statement it would be "to live and let live." He lives his life day to day, without any regrets, with the realization that you only have one life, so live it well. Mr. Cromer's efforts in World War Two will always be remembered. I thank him greatly for his service and for having the privilege to have had the opportunity to interviewed him.