John William Crancer

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Carl McNair on December 19, 2011:

Jerry was an Infantryman - through and through. You could see that in him during our Buckner summer where we served in the same company - great soldier, born leader, and caring friend. Although he was in G2,2d Regt, and I was in E1,lst Regt,we bonded over the four years and crossed assignments many times during our careers, 82d Abn, lst Cav Div, Vietnam Delta, USMA, TRADOC, and the Army Staff - never quite being assigned together,but paralleling paths. I came to the Pentagon after Bde Cmd as Jerry was about to leave for Bde Cmd at Fort Jackson. I became what is known as his "turtle" (better said "replacement") to serve as the Exec to the Deputy Chief of Staff for R&D, LTG Howard Cooksey. Jerry was all primed to leave and as the term "turtle" implies, your replacement is always slow to arrive. Jerry gave me an outstanding hour's orientation on the job and he was off with Dorothy to take his Bde in SC. After our retirement, I was serving as Class President when Kelly Lichtenberg was selected as a Distinguished Graduate. I asked Jerry Crancer to serve as our class "Point Man" from G2, Kelly's Company also, and we worked diligently on the plan. Sadly, Jerry passed away suddenly a couple of weeks before the West Point ceremonies for Kelly, but he was with us in spirit at West Point and his very presence was felt among us all. Our current Army slogan, "Army Stong" reflected the character and commitment of Jerry Crancer, as he proved time and again he could "Be all you can be." May he rest in honored glory in the arms of the Almighty. Carl McNair Classmate, Friend and Fellow Soldier

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