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Connecticut man who refused to surrender, survived World War II slave labor receives honors, promotion 75 years later

A World War II veteran and Connecticut native who endured 3½ years of brutality and deprivation was honored Monday for his exceptional grit.

Daniel J. Crowley, 98, received a Combat Infantry Badge and a Prisoner of War medal. The Simsbury man also was finally notified of his promotion to U.S. Army sergeant during a ceremony in East Granby hosted by the Connecticut Air National Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing.

“Grace under fire, calm under pressure — easy words to use in the quietness of this auditorium,” Undersecretary for the U.S. Navy Gregory Slavonic said as he recounted Crowley’s service record.