World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
George S. Cronk
Branch of Service
U.S. Merchant Marine
Hometown
San Francisco, California
SECOND ENGINEER OF THE SS STEPHEN HOPKINS WHICH WAS SUNK BY ENEMY SURFACE RAIDERS ON SEPTEMBER 27, 1942. TOOK COMMAND OF THE ONLY LIFEBOAT WITH 19 SHIPMATES AND WITH NO NAVIGATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SAVE THE BOAT'S COMPASS, HE SET COURSE FOR LAND 2,200 MILES AWAY. UNDER HIS FIRM AND SUPERB LEADERSHIP, HE OVERCAME ALL EMERGENCIES AND MADE A SAFE LANDING 31 DAYS LATER. HE WAS AWARDED THE MERCHANT MARINE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL FOR HIS MERITORIOUS LEADERSHIP AND COURAGE.