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Personal Details
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Home State
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Year of Birth 1879 |
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This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Steven Loomis (SaigonShipyard), IC3
to remember
McCRARY, Frank (First LTA Pilot), CAPT.
If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
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Contact Info
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Home Town Lonoke, Lonoke County, AR |
Last Address Alameda County, California CAPT FRANK ROBERT McCRARY, US NAVY ret. WORLD WAR I, WORLD WAR II 10/01/1879 to 06/01/1952 BURIED AT: SECTION P SITE 2803 FORT ROSECRANS NATIONAL CEMETERY Note: Buried alongside wife, CY Mary Davison McCrary, USN
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Date of Passing Jun 10, 1952 |
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Location of Interment Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (VA) - San Diego, California |
Wall/Plot Coordinates Section P, Site 2803 |
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Last Known Activity:
Captain Frank Robert McCrary, USN
Naval Aviator Number 91.
The Navy's first Lighter than Air (LTA) pilot.
Headed the Free Balloon and LTA training, 1915-1917.
The first CO of the Navy's first dirigible, Shenandoah, ZR-1.
Captain Frank Robert McCrary, USN: Born 1 October 1879, in Arkansas, Captain McCrary entered naval service on 11 September 1897 as a Naval Cadet at the US Naval Academy. He graduated with the Class of 1901. As a lieutenant commander, he was the first Navy’s first Lighter than Air (LTA) pilot, and executive officer of Pensacola Naval Air Station and headed up its Free Balloon and LTA training there, 1915-1917. He became the first CO of the Navy’s first dirigible, Shenandoah, ZR-1. He held that position from October 1923 to some time in 1924. The Shenandoah crashed in September 1925 under the command of his replacement due to violent weather in Ohio. There were 13 fatalities and 29 survivors.
McCrary was promoted to Captain on 22 January 1924. Captain McCrary was appointed commanding officer of NAS North Island (then called NAS San Diego) for the first time, and served there until 10 June 1926 when he assumed command of the USS Langley CV 1 until 4 January 1927. From there, he returned to North Island for the second time from 12 September 1927 until September 1930 when he assumed command of the USS Saratoga CV-3. He served in that capacity until June, 1932 when he transferred to the Naval War College. Next, McCrary is shown as one of the commandants of Taal Air Stalin at Pensacola Naval Air Station from June 1933 - May 1934.
His last assignment was Bureau of Aeronautics. He retired from the Navy June 30, 1936. The Navy re-called McCrary out of retirement and on November 1, 1940 he become Alameda Naval Air Station’s first commanding officer, until 1943, age 64.
He died at age 72 years on 10 June 1952, in Alameda County, California.
He married Chief Yeoman Mary B. Davison in Dublin, Ireland during WW I. Mary had been doing Red Cross work in France and became first American woman yeoman to serve in a foreign field at the Naval Aviation Headquarters in Paris. Their son, Commander Shannon McCrary, followed in his father’s footsteps as a Naval Aviator. Unfortunately, CDR Shannon McCrary was killed in a crash not far form Miramar Naval Air Station in 1956. Their other son was Captain Robert Davison McCrary, USN retired. During his 30-year naval career, Bob served on ten ships and in five shore assignments, with three of his assignments being as Commanding Officer. He died in 2011.
.oOo.
The Alameda Naval Air Station has a remarkable history. It was one of the largest, most complete Naval Air Stations in the world. It was commissioned on November 1, 1940 and commanded by Captain Frank McCrary. There were 200 military and civilian personnel.
The workers at the Naval Air Station represented 271 separate and distinct trades and could manufacture and repair every part of any aircraft. In time, modern production methods insured that the overhaul of an attack aircraft was completed every day and one and a half patrol aircraft every other day.
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Other Comments:
Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during World War I
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Frank Robert McCrary, United States Navy, for distinguished and heroic service as Commanding Officer of a U. S. Naval Aviation Detachment in Ireland, during World War I.
Action Date: World War I
Service: Navy
Rank: Commander
Division: Naval Aviation Forces
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1902-1902, USS New York (ACR-2)
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1906-1908, First Torpedo Flotilla, Atlantic Torpedo Flotilla
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1906-1908, USS Chauncey (DD-3)
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1911-1912, Atlantic Torpedo Flotilla
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1911-1913, USS Sterett (DD-27)
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1916-1917, CNO - OPNAV
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1917-1919, CNO - OPNAV
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1917-1919, CNO - OPNAV
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1923-1924, USS Shenandoah (ZR-1)
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1923-1935, ZJ-1
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1926-1927, USS Langley (CV-1)
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1927-1930, Naval Air Station (NAS) San Diego, CA
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1930-1932, USS Saratoga (CV-3)
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1932-1933, Naval War College (Staff) Center for Naval Warfare Studies
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1933-1934, Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) Detachment Pensacola, Commander Naval Air Training (CNATRA)
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1934-1936, Bureau of Aeronautics
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1936-1940, Break in Service
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1940-1943, Naval Aviation Depot Alameda (NAVAVNDEPOT)
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Reflections on CAPT McCRARY's
US Navy Service
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TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, WHAT INFLUENCED HIS/HER DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY?
This is a Remembrance Profile of Captain Frank Robert McCrary, USN 1901-1936 Born 1 October 1879, in Arkansas, Captain McCrary entered naval service on 11 September 1897 as a Naval Cadet at the US Naval Academy. He graduated with the Class of 1901. He was Naval Aviator Number 91. The Navy's first Lighter than Air (LTA) pilot. Headed the Free Balloon and LTA training, 1915-1917. The first CO of the Navy's first dirigible, USS Shenandoah, ZR-1. Recalled to active duty in 1940 as the first Commanding Officer Alameda Naval Air Station.
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TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH HE/SHE TOOK IN HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE. WHERE DID THEY GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE THEY ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS HIS/HER REASON FOR LEAVING?
The following are his known assignments. If any other duty stations are located they will be added to the list:
1897-1901, US Naval Academy Annapolis (USNAA), Midshipman. 1902-1902, USS New York (ACR-2), promoted to Ensign. 1903-1905, Naval Sea Units. 1906-1908, Atlantic Torpedo Flotilla , Commander First Torpedo Flotilla, promoted to Lieutenant. 1906-1908, USS Chauncey (DD-3) - Commanding Officer. 1911-1912, Atlantic Torpedo Flotilla. 1911-1913, USS Sterett (DD-27), - Commanding Officer, promoted to Lieutenant Commander. 1914-1915, Naval Flight Schools/Naval Flight Training. 1915-1917, Airship, LTA pilot, designer and trainer. 1916-1917, NAF - NAVAIRFAC Pensacola, head of Free Balloon and LTA training. 1917-1919, NAF - NAVAIRFAC Pensacola, promoted to Commander. 1917-1919, NAVWEPSTA - NAVMAG -Ireland and France WWI. 1923-1924, USS Shenandoah (ZR-1) - Commanding Officer, promoted to Captain. 1926-1927, USS Langley (CV-1) - Commanding Officer. 1927-1930, NAS - NAB - NAVAIRSTA - NAVAIRDEPOT/NAS San Diego - Commanding Officer. 1930-1932, USS Saratoga (CV-3) - Commanding Officer. 1932-1933, Naval War College/Naval War College (Staff). 1933-1934, Naval Air Training (CNATRA)/CNATRA Detachment Pensacola - Commanding Officer. 1934-1936, Bureau of Aeronautics - Retired, rank of Captain. 1936-1940, Broken Service - Retired List. 1940-1943, NAS/Naval Aviation Depot Alameda - Commanding Officer.
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IF HE/SHE PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE YOU FEEL WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO HIM/HER AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
World War One Commander McCrary was the first Commanding Officer of a U.S. Naval Aviation Detachment for Lighter than Air (LTA) airships. He headed the training in Ireland and in France, during World War I. In recognition of his contribution, he was awarded the Navy Cross: "for distinguished and heroic service".
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OF ALL THEIR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY HE/SHE HAD FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS THEIR LEAST FAVORITE?
Captain McCrary's last command took place several years after he had retired from active service. In late 1940 he was recalled and given command of the new Alameda Naval Air Station. As the base's first commanding officer he would have had a direct effect on every aspect of its operation. After WWII Captain McCrary stayed in Alameda, California, until his death in 1952.
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FROM THEIR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY PERSONAL MEMORIES, YOU MAY BE AWARE OF, WHICH IMPACTED HIM/HER THE MOST.
1924: The First Atlantic Crossing by USS Shenandoah, ZR-1. Frank McCrary was a pioneer in Naval Aviation with a Naval Aviator Number of #91. He was the Navy's first LTA (Lighter than Air) pilot and assisted in their design. During WWI he commanded the LTA training in Ireland and France. When the Navy commissioned its first ridged airship (a dirigible in 1924) made in Germany with Captain McCrary's direct involvement. Named the USS Shenandoah, ZR-1, McCrary was the airship's first commander and piloted its first Atlantic crossing. There were plans for the airship to navigate the North Pole and command was given to McCrary's executive officer, LTCdr Zachary Lansdowne. Unfortunately, just months later Lansdowne was killed in the crash of the Shenandoah at Akron, Ohio. Shown here is the USS Shenandoah, ZR-1, at the mooring mast.
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OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES HE/SHE RECEIVED, WHICH WERE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO HIM/HER AND WHY?
Awards and Citations THE NAVY CROSS Awarded for actions during World War I The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Frank Robert McCrary, United States Navy, for distinguished and heroic service as Commanding Officer of a U. S. Naval Aviation Detachment in Ireland, during World War I. Action Date: World War I Service: Navy Rank: Commander Division: Naval Aviation Forces
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ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM HIS/HER SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MADE THEM LAUGH LATER ON?
During WWI, Frank was in charge of the U.S. Navy Lighter than Air program in Ireland and in France. During that time he married Chief Yeoman Mary B. Davison. Mary had been doing Red Cross work in France and had been the first American woman yeoman to serve in a foreign field, at the Naval Aviation Headquarters in Paris. They were married in Dublin, Ireland. She was the daughter of Lorenzo Paul Davison, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army.
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IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, WHAT PROFESSION(S) DID HE/SHE FOLLOW AFTER DISCHARGE?
After four years on the Retired List, Captain Frank R. McCrary was recalled to active duty as the Commanding Officer Alameda Naval Air Station as the United States prepared for World War Two. NAS History The Alameda Naval Air Station has a remarkable history. It was one of the largest, most complete Naval Air Stations in the world. It was commissioned on November 1, 1940 and commanded by Captain Frank McCrary. There were 200 military and civilian personnel. The workers at the Naval Air Station represented 271 separate and distinct trades and could manufacture and repair every part of any aircraft. In time, modern production methods insured that the overhaul of an attack aircraft was completed every day and one and a half patrol aircraft every other day. The base was once part of an Indian burial ground, and later was part of a Spanish land grant of Don Luis Maria Peralta. In 1864, the terminus of the first transcontinental railroad ended at Pier 2 at the old Alameda Point. Old Alameda Point was in the confines of what became the Alameda Naval Air Station. An oil refinery was built in 1879 and was purchased by Standard Oil. It operated until 1903. The site of the Engine Overhaul Building was used as the Pacific Borax Works. The City of Alameda saw the possibility for a Naval Base on the west end of the island of Alameda. In 1936, Congress authorized Franklin Delano Roosevelt to accept the old Alameda Point for the purchase price of $1.00. The Alameda Naval Air Station was created just in time for World War II. The original site was 300 acres of high ground. Note: When the station closed in 1997 the total area was 2,527 acres or one-third of the island of Alameda. Dredging operations began in 1938 and the air station grew almost overnight. In January 1941, the Assembly and Repair Department (A&R) received its first assignment. One Curtis Sea Gull (SOC) aircraft was the first one overhauled. On December 7, 1941 the A&R employed 1,935 personnel and repaired 14 aircraft a month. In 1958 O&R produced 1,305 jet engines and 881 reciprocating engines. Carriers based at Naval Air Station Alameda included USS Ranger, USS Midway, USS Coral Sea and USS Hancock. All called Alameda home. NAS Alameda had two 8,000 ft. runways, three seaplane ramps and a lighted seadrome. The air station had 300 buildings and 30 miles of roads. The Navy was deeply involved in the history, traditions and culture of California, so too, was it bound to economics with this region so popular with seafaring men. Photograph: Captain McCrary and VAdm Halsey, NAS Alameda, September 1942.
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HOW EFFECTIVE HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM BEEN IN HELPING YOU RECORD YOUR REMEMBERED PERSONS MILITARY SERVICE? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE?
This is a Remembrance Profile of Captain Frank Robert McCrary, 1879 to 1952.
Thank you for stopping by.
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