Captain MAURICE G. CROSBIE, during World War II while serving with the 390th Bomb Group, U.S. Army Air Force received the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action with the enemy on 4 February 1944. On this date Lieutenant Crosbie was serving as Pilot of a B-17 airplane on a bombardment mission against strongly defended military objectives deep in enemy territory. Vicious fighter opposition and intense antiaircraft fire was encountered and just before reaching the objective Lieutenant Crosbie was hit by a heavy shell fragment which tore away the upper left side of his face and his left eye. Lieutenant Crosbie turned over manual control of the airplane to his copilot, but remained in his seat and in command of the airplane. Disregarding his critical and agonizing wound, he directed the crew in its battle with enemy fighters on to the target and throughout the bombing run. The heroism displayed by Lieutenant Crosbie under extremely adverse conditions upholds the highest traditions of the Army Air Force and reflects highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Captain Crosbie joined the Legion of Valor in 1961 and resided in Virginia.