Posted on 11/11/2022 4:21:10 AM PST by Leaning Right
Perhaps it was the way he carried himself in an unassuming and humble manner, but day after day hundreds of Air Force Academy cadets would pass this janitor in the hall oblivious to the greatness that was among them.
In the mid-1970s, William Crawford might spend one day sweeping the halls and another cleaning the bathrooms, but it was a day approximately 30 years prior that would create for him a special place in the history of war. In 1943 in Italy, the only thing Private William Crawford was cleaning out was German machine gun nest and bunkers.
(Excerpt) Read more at warhistoryonline.com ...
Remembering Veteran’s service and sacrifice here, at the Homestead, today and every day. Thank you!
That’s a great story.
Cannot begin to imagine his family’s reactions to finding out that he was alive and coming home.
Thank you for sharing this story.
They would have Bill come every year to Graduation Week. We’d salute him and give a thunderous ovation.
What a great American.
Thank you
“The cadets would report that the shy janitor they only knew as Mr. Crawford simply blended into the background as he did his job without much fanfare.”
And THAT is how REAL heroes carry themselves.
Thanks for the quality post on a day heros are to be celebrated. 👍
Agree. Well worth the read and very humbling.
When you compare the "men" of today that are the same age as he was when he entered service, the difference is just night and day.
His was the greatest generation for a damn' good reason and based on how our country is going today, there'll never be another one like it.
Here is the commencement address at the Air Force Academy by Ronald Reagan which includes William Crawford being award the Medal of Honor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tBFodnnmMU
I’m surprised that the cadets know what the Medal of Honor is. How long before mentioning it will be forbidden at the service academies?
Awesome post!
Thanks for that link. It’s worth noting that Mr. Crawford was awarded the Medal of Honor during WW II. The presentation by Ronald Reagan was just icing on the cake, so to speak.
I’ve heard this story before, and think of it often. Thanks for posting it again.
Wow!
This is a story from 1976.
Talking about men who were cadets almost 50 years ago.
Back then they knew what it was and what it meant.
His humility was bigger than his gallantry, and THAT was bigger than life!
May he rest in the arms of the Lord forever.
Great story. Ronald Reagan involved too.
MOH stories are truly inspirational.
AVOID the book by Tom Brokaw. It sucks.
A great MOH book I have found is:
MEDAL OF HONOR
PORTRAITS OF VALOR BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY
By Nick Del Calzo
Published 2003
Unfortunately, George H.W Bush, John McCain(NO MOH for the Hanoi “Songbird”, and Tom Brokaw wrote the Foreword.
Don’t be put off by that. It is a great book detailing the stories of 117 LIVING MOH Recipients.
Agreed. How long till participation Medals of Honor for all?
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