Crow, Clinton W.

Clinton W. Crow

Early Life

Clinton Williams Crow was born on February 20, 1884, in New York City, New York, the son of Alfred Eugene Crow and Lillian Burdett Crow. His early life was marked by hardship, as both of his parents died in 1900, leaving him to be raised within extended family networks in the New York area.

In the years that followed, Crow developed connections to Rye, New York, particularly in the Milton Point area, where he lived with relatives, including his cousin Ralph Crow. Through these family ties, he became known within the local community and formed associations that would later link him to Rye’s record of World War I service.

World War I Service

Crow’s military service was notable for spanning both British and American forces during World War I, reflecting a pattern seen among some early volunteers who entered the conflict prior to the formal involvement of the United States.

Before the United States entered the war, he enlisted in the British Army, reportedly in 1914 or 1915, and served in the Mediterranean theater during the Gallipoli Campaign. This campaign, fought against Ottoman forces along the Dardanelles, was one of the most difficult and costly operations of the war. During his service there, Crow was wounded while engaged in combat.

Following his return to the United States after recovering from his wounds, and after the United States entered the war, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 19, 1918. He was assigned to the 152nd Depot Brigade, where newly inducted soldiers were processed and prepared for service.

Crow served overseas from October 19, 1918, to March 30, 1919, during the final phase of the war and the immediate post-Armistice period. Although his time in U.S. service came late in the conflict, it formed part of the broader effort to support American operations in Europe and the subsequent demobilization process.

His record indicates that he sustained no additional wounds during his American service. He was honorably discharged on April 5, 1919.

Life After Service

Following the war, Crow spent time in Rye, particularly in the Milton Point area, where he lived with relatives and became known among local residents. His association with the community during this period led to his inclusion on Rye’s honor roll of World War I veterans.

Clinton Williams Crow died on April 11, 1935, at a Veterans Hospital after a brief illness.

At the time of his death, he was survived by extended family members, including cousins in the Rye area.

He was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in New York.