Claude Vaudry Crooks Jr. was born October 9, 1920 in Atlanta, Georgia and was killed in action June 23, 1944 during the Normandy campaign.
His father was Claude V Crooks a pharmacist  and his mother Ora Ray Barnes. He had a sister Juanita.
Crooks attended Tech Highschool, High Museum of Art in Atlanta and the Atlanta Junior College.
Crook enlisted February 24th, 1941 in Atlanta. He was 1st Sgt the Georgia National Guard, the Field Artillery at Camp Blanding in Florida and spent his commission at Officer Candidate School and finally in an armored division.
He finished with the rank of 1st Lieutenant and volunteered for the paratroopers. He joined Company I of the 507th PIR.
Today, Lt. Crooks interred at West View Cemetery in Atlanta, Terrace F / Lot 50.