Senior Master Sergeant John H. "Jack" McCracken, 89, of Ligonier, PA, died Monday, April 30, 2012 at the Bethlen Home.
He was born November 26, 1922 in Pittsburgh, PA, a son of the late Wm. Paul and Margaret Huston McCracken.
Jack was a highly decorated war veteran of World War II, the Korean War, the Viet Nam War, and the Berlin Airlift Campaign in 1948 and 1949. He was a prison of war in the Nazi Prison camps for eight months after being shot down near Bonn, Germany on September 9, 1944. He was liberated by the Russian Army on May 3, 1945.
A complete account of his military career, combat missions, and experiences in the Nazi Prison camps can be found in the Greensburg Tribune Review, the Latrobe Bulletin, in his book, "For You Der Vat Ist Offer" or in the book "An Honor to Serve."
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Elsie Fern (Johnson) McCracken, and a brother, William P. McCracken, Jr.
He is survived by two daughters, Donna L. McCracken of Ocean Pines, MD., and Jackie L. McCracken of Cottleville, MO., two grandchildren, Major John T. (Kathy) Stephens of Rapid City, SD and Amy L. (Jason) Parks of Etters, PA, a grandson, John T. Stephens, Jr., three step granddaughters, Erin and Shannon Hudson and Tori Parks, two brothers, James E. (Hazel) McCracken of Ligonier and Richard L. (Carol) McCracken of Atascadero, CA, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Friends will be received Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the J. Paul McCracken Funeral Chapel, Inc., 144 East Main Street, Ligonier. Jack's life will be celebrated Thursday at 11:00 AM at the Fort Palmer EPC with Dr. J. Paul McCracken officiating.
Interment with full military honors will follow in the Ligonier Valley Cemetery.
Senior Master Sergeant John H. "Jack" McCracken, 89, of Ligonier, PA, died Monday, April 30, 2012 at the Bethlen Home.
He was born November 26, 1922 in Pittsburgh, PA, a son of the late Wm. Paul and Margaret Huston McCracken.
Jack was a highly decorated war veteran of World War II, the Korean War, the Viet Nam War, and the Berlin Airlift Campaign in 1948 and 1949. He was a prison of war in the Nazi Prison camps for eight months after being shot down near Bonn, Germany on September 9, 1944. He was liberated by the Russian Army on May 3, 1945.
A complete account of his military career, combat missions, and experiences in the Nazi Prison camps can be found in the Greensburg Tribune Review, the Latrobe Bulletin, in his book, "For You Der Vat Ist Offer" or in the book "An Honor to Serve."
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Elsie Fern (Johnson) McCracken, and a brother, William P. McCracken, Jr.
He is survived by two daughters, Donna L. McCracken of Ocean Pines, MD., and Jackie L. McCracken of Cottleville, MO., two grandchildren, Major John T. (Kathy) Stephens of Rapid City, SD and Amy L. (Jason) Parks of Etters, PA, a grandson, John T. Stephens, Jr., three step granddaughters, Erin and Shannon Hudson and Tori Parks, two brothers, James E. (Hazel) McCracken of Ligonier and Richard L. (Carol) McCracken of Atascadero, CA, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Friends will be received Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the J. Paul McCracken Funeral Chapel, Inc., 144 East Main Street, Ligonier. Jack's life will be celebrated Thursday at 11:00 AM at the Fort Palmer EPC with Dr. J. Paul McCracken officiating.
Interment with full military honors will follow in the Ligonier Valley Cemetery.
Inscription
AMERICAN EX PRISONER OF WAR
NON SOLUM ARMIS
S M SGT USAF (RET) WW II
GERMANY SEPT 9, 1944 - MAY 3, 1945
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