Son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Crook and grandson of William Rouse. Brother of La Mariys Crook Trimmer of Galen. Engaged to Lee Van Cott of Pleasantville, New Jersey. Grew up at Nelson, Nebraska, where he graduated from Nelson High School in 1941. Joined Coast Guard in October 1941. Served on east coast for 2 1/2 years, then volunteered for overseas duty and shipped out to South Pacific on June 10, 1944. Served aboard USS Serpens since September 1944.