Tulsa resident and Bristow High School graduate George Krumme was recognized as the Veteran of the Week in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Monday by House Speaker Pro Tempore Kyle Hilbert, RBristow.
Krumme served in the United States Army from December 1942 to July 1946, achieving the rank of Second Lieutenant for distinguished service, and earning the Purple Heart and the Silver Star.
'Mr. Krumme comes to us from what many term our nation's greatest generation,' Hilbert said. 'This is a rare moment when we get to honor a World War II veteran and thank him for his bravery and sacrifice on behalf of our nation's freedoms and our cherished way of life.'
Krumme was born near Okemah, OK, but later finished high school at the age of 16 in Bristow. He then attended Oklahoma A&M as a music major before World War II changed the course of his life.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and received training in mathematics and physics at Pamona College before being reassigned to infantry.This led to him being sent to Europe and awarded the Purple Heart during the Battle of the Bulge.
On Jan. 6, 1945, during the assault on Wingen, France, 2nd Lt. Krumme – without regard for his own personal safety – ran from a covered position and manned a machine gun, all the while being subjected to enemy fire, to cover the forced withdrawal of his company.
He later showed remarkable leadership in organizing the defense of the house in which the squad had taken cover, and in taking care of the wounded until relief arrived. His brave action was instrumental in enabling the company to reorganize, attack and capture the village. For his bravery he was awarded the Silver Star.
After the war, Krumme not only finished his bachelor's degree from Pamona College but went on to receive a master's degree in petroleum engineering and a Ph.D. in earth science from the University of Tulsa.
He joined his family as a partner in Krumme Oil Co. and has contributed heavily to many philanthropic efforts in and around Bristow, including being one of the longest serving sponsors of the Oklahoma Education Television Authority.
Krumme's older son David died in 2013. His younger son, Robert, and grandson, Jay, continue to manage the Illinois Refining Company and Sooner Southwest Bankshare.
His wife Eddy died after a long illness. He married Aldean, widow of a fellow geologist, in 2013.
Krumme was recognized Monday on the House floor where he was presented a citation by Hilbert and a flag flown over the State Capitol in his honor. Many friends and family members attended. A reception in his honor followed.