Krebs Frank X.

Name:

Frank X. Krebs

Rank:

Colonel

Serial Number:

Unit:

440th Troop Carrier Group

Date of Death:

2000-05-07

State:

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA

Plot:

Section 59

Row:

Grave:

59

Decoration:

Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, European Theater Ribbon with eight Battle Stars, French Croix de Guerre with Silver Star

Comments:

Frank X. Krebs was born on December 3, 1910. He was married to Jean Scott Krebs.

During World War II, COL Krebs commanded the 440th Troop Carrier Group, which delivered airborne troops and equipment to critical areas during the invasion of Europe. He also piloted a C-47 transport that dropped paratroopers in Normandy, southern France, and the Netherlands.

On their way back from a mission over the Netherlands, COL Krebs, his co-pilot, and another crewmate came under fire and bailed out of their disabled aircraft. With the help of the Dutch resistance, they evaded German forces and returned to their base in France 45 days later.

COL Krebs also served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. After the war, his career focused on training and operations. He retired in 1965 after 32 years of service. For 17 years until 1981, he was a legislative assistant to U.S. Sen. Howard W. Cannon (D-Nev.), mainly on matters relating to the Armed Services Committee.

Krebs died of bladder cancer on May 7, 2000, at his home in Accokeek, Maryland. He is now buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.washingtonpost.com