Featured Firstie: 1/C James Crossfield

  POSTED ON: Friday, September 9, 2022 1:19 PM by mediarelations@usna.edu

This week’s Firstie Friday is a 9th Company squad leader — MIDN 1/C James Crossfield of Philadelphia.

Crossfield is a robotics and control engineering major who recently studied abroad in Dubai for a semester. His immersion in Middle Eastern culture and exposure to foreign affairs with a visit to the U.S. Embassy there gave him an international perspective that could only be gained outside the classroom. Crossfield was the member of the #ClassOf2023 who placed the cap in the Herndon Monument Climb. This experience is his favorite memory at the Academy, particularly “shaking hands with the Supe with no shirt on!”

Crossfield was motivated to serve in the military by his father Robert, whose 37-year service as a Philadelphia firefighter instilled a deep sense of patriotism in his children. Robert Crossfield served with the Philadelphia Fire Department’s Rescue 1 on Sept. 11, 2001, and played a critical role in the response to the attacks on the World Trade Center. His team stayed in New York for nine days, working long hours in the rubble. Crossfield was just one year old on 9/11, but he is continually inspired by his father’s demonstration of selfless strength during his battle with cancer, and the leadership lessons imparted on his sons. #NeverForget

Crossfield has two older brothers and is one in a set of triplet brothers, all of whom are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. He is excited for his parents to watch him graduate in May and hopes to serve as a Navy pilot after commissioning. #FlyNavy

USNA

Category: General Interest, Midshipman