Arthur Crean
Encyclopedia
Arthur B. Crean was a master sergeant
in the United States Army
during World War I
. Master Sergeant Crean holds the distinction of being the first ever United States armed forces
member to be issued a service number and thus holds service #1
in the United States Army.
Crean enlisted the United States Army
in 1899 and by the outbreak of the First World War was part of the enlisted cadre who formed the core of the National Army
. In 1920, Crean became one the most senior enlisted members of the peacetime Regular Army
.
Crean's service record was destroyed in the 1973 National Archives Fire
but a pay record did survive listing some of his service information. Crean is listed in his pay record as being a medical sergeant and the only confirmed military decoration awarded to Crean was the World War I Victory Medal.
In June 1921, when John Pershing was listed as holding the first officer service number (O-1), Crean's service number was slightly modified. His new number became "R-1" to denote Regular Army #1.
Master Sergeant
A master sergeant is the military rank for a senior non-commissioned officer in some armed forces.-Israel Defense Forces:Rav samal rishoninsignia IDF...
in the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. Master Sergeant Crean holds the distinction of being the first ever United States armed forces
United States armed forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
member to be issued a service number and thus holds service #1
Service number (United States Army)
Service numbers were used by the United States Army from 1918 until 1969. Prior to this time, the Army relied on muster rolls as a means of indexing enlisted service members while officers were usually listed on yearly rolls maintained by the United States War Department...
in the United States Army.
Crean enlisted the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
in 1899 and by the outbreak of the First World War was part of the enlisted cadre who formed the core of the National Army
National Army
The term national army has many meanings around the world, and is used typically, but not necessarily, to mean the lawful army of the state as distinct from rebel armies or private armies that may operate there.National Army may also refer to:...
. In 1920, Crean became one the most senior enlisted members of the peacetime Regular Army
Regular Army
The Regular Army of the United States was and is the successor to the Continental Army as the country's permanent, professional military establishment. Even in modern times the professional core of the United States Army continues to be called the Regular Army...
.
Crean's service record was destroyed in the 1973 National Archives Fire
1973 National Archives Fire
The National Personnel Records Center fire of 1973, also referred to as the 1973 National Archives fire was a fire that occurred at the United States National Personnel Records Center in Overland, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, on July 12, 1973, striking a severe blow to the National Archives...
but a pay record did survive listing some of his service information. Crean is listed in his pay record as being a medical sergeant and the only confirmed military decoration awarded to Crean was the World War I Victory Medal.
In June 1921, when John Pershing was listed as holding the first officer service number (O-1), Crean's service number was slightly modified. His new number became "R-1" to denote Regular Army #1.
Sources
- National Personnel Records CenterNational Personnel Records CenterThe National Personnel Records Center is an agency of the National Archives and Records Administration, created in 1956. It is divided into two large Federal Records Centers located in St...
, Service number data and information sheet, published 1995 - Archival reconstruction record of Arthur Crean, Military Personnel Records CenterMilitary Personnel Records CenterThe Military Personnel Records Center located at 9700 Page Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, is a branch of the National Personnel Records Center and is the repository of over 56 million military personnel records and medical records pertaining to retired, discharged, and deceased veterans of...