John Sherman Crow was born in Bastrop, Louisiana and graduated Bastrop High School in 1955. He received the BS degree from Northwestern State College of Louisiana in 1959.
He entered active duty at Fort Knox, Kentucky in 1959 as a Cavalry Officer and began what lead to an extensive and impressive command history. He commanded a cavalry platoon and troop in 3rd Cavalry, a tank company in 3d Armored Division, a tank squadron in the 11th Hussars (PAO), a British regiment posted in north Germany. He commanded a cavalry squadron in the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and he was the 49th Colonel of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse). His last tactical command was as Commanding General, 2nd Armored Division (Forward) in north Germany.
Crow had an equally impressive series of staff assignments on the Army Staff working on tank system developments and as Deputy Director for Operations, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
General Crow received the MBA degree from the University of Alabama in 1973, graduated from the National War College in 1979 and was made a National Institute of Higher Defense Studies Fellow in 1983.
Many will remember then Colonel Crow in a 60 Minutes interview with Mike Wallace along the East/West German border while Crow commanded the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse).
He is a decorated combat veteran having served multiple tours in Vietnam.
He was the 2012 recipient of the Order of Saint George Gold Medallion, one of Cavalry and Armor’s most prestigious awards.
General Crow is retired and resides in his home state of Louisiana where he has served as a volunteer with non-profit charitable organizations. His passion in retirement was leading the revitalization of The Blackhorse Association that mainly supports educational opportunities for children of the Blackhorse Regiment.
My mom and sister in receiving line in 1983 on day I was promoted to general and a week after the chain saw removed my nose and front teeth.
CG, 2d Armored Division (Forward)
Bull riding back in ”the day”.
With my dear Army friend of 62 years, Colonel Bob Kelso in Boerne, Texas. Circa 1983
With the Boss, Gen. Donn Starry (left) and CSM and Mrs. Frank Zlobek (right)
circ 1973
With Pat. Circa 1990
At the Patriot Ball in Canton, OH, with my grandson and great grandsons.
At 2018 Patriot Project Ball with founder, Dr. Tim Noville and grandson Justin Buzzell in Canton, Ohio
With Joe Sutton and Jupp Sauer, our great friend from Fulda, Germany.
At home.
With Virginia and Mrs. Joanne Patton at Blackhorse Family Reunion.
Some Blackhorse family gathered at Goldener Karpfen in Fulda
The Dom, Fulda, Germany
30 minutes to kick off in front of Denny Chimes. Roll Tide !!!!!
Honored at Alabama- Tennessee game with granddaughter Anna (also BAMA grad)
Honored to be honored at the Alabama – Tennessee game.
With friends at the Blackhorse Family Reunion in San Antonio
With Virginia
Having a sip of Blackhorse Bourbon-at-OP Alpha with CSM Bil Hutton in April-2018.
Touring.
With Doc.
Thank you Bill Hutton, Doc McEvers and Tom Smart for the lovely clock with 12 Regimental Crests. Hanging in a place of honor. Allons!
With my friend Greg Hallmark in Nashville.
Bird hunting at Blackhorse Farm with Joe Sutton and Doc Bahnsen (2018)
Fly fishing with my Second-in-Command, Major Nicholas Muers-Raby, 11th Hussars (PAO) while visiting he and Victoria in England.
With Sir Nicholas Soames at 11th Hussars (Prince Albert’s Own) reunion in 2012 in England. Nicholas was a young tank platoon leader when I commanded a Chieftain Tank Squadron in the Regiment in northern Germany.
With First Sergeant Andy Andreason who served our Regiment in 1936, my birth year. Andy crewed the first armored car test vehicle as the Regiment transitioned from horses to armored cars.
Frances and Herr Rippert and beautiful-black stallion near East-West German border. Circa 2010
Frances at he camp at Grand Isle, FRAN-SEA-FREE. Recognized in 1990 as “Best Surf Fisher in Louisiana“. Circa 2011
Frances’s 80th birthday at Grand Isle. All her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were present. 2013
My Dad, Robbie Lee Crow at 90yrs. He was a welder and iron worker with International-Paper Co. for 48 years
The 1200 year old St. Michael’s Church, Fulda
With Pat and Blackhorse Family at OP Alpha. Circa 2000
With Frances. Circa 2007
With Frances at Mardi Gras. Circa 2009
With Frances at Blackhorse Family Reunion. Circa 2008
Renate and Rudi at 25th Anniversary of 11th Cavalry’s last border patrol along East-West German border. Circa 2015
Pat and Lou Sturbois in Taos. Circa 1993
With one of my surrogate sons, Greg Hallmark, at the Blackhorse Family Reunion.
Trooper Andy Andreason in 1935 as the Regiment conducted Armored Car test for the Army. Our horses were stabled not long after these tests.
Thank you Big Red for having me play on your team at the PGA Insperity ProAm. Partnered with Gary Player and Ms. Pat Bradley. Got a chipping lesson from Lee Travino and Jack Nicholas rode the back nine with us. Bucket List check off.