Returning To Past

Crawford got admitted to US Army in July 1942. Within a year of his admission, the men graduated to the position of private. He began to work with the 142nd Infantry Regiment 36 Infantry Division on the front lines of southern Italy. A year later, On September 13, 1943, he became a squad scout when his group ambushed an enemy position at Hill 424 near Altavilla Silentina. The enemy too was well prepared and was retaliating with the same potential. The American troops were in a pinch now as they had not expected such strong retaliation from the rival group. The environment soon turned smoky and the troops were facing the constant bombardment of mortar fire and machine gun. Needless to say, Crawford’s group were having the toughest fight of their life.         

A Superhuman Display of Bravery

Whereas other members of the group were busy saving their lives, Crawford rose high and decided to take on the enemies. Driven by determination and armored with courage, Crawford did not wait for any instruction and lobbed a grenade directing towards the enemy firing post that was repeatedly threatening his platoons. It was a successful try! The firing post razed in ashes. It was a big victory for the American troops. His valor prevented many lives from ending. But Crawford’s aggression was yet to be satiated, he paced towards the enemy’s place. In order to dodge the barrage of bullets, he crawled towards the German machine gun nests and destroyed them completely. Despite his heroic performance, he had to undergo something unexpected which was going to give his life an unbelievable turn.

Declared MIA

It was due to Crawford’s spectacular courage that the enemy group beat a hasty retreat from the battle sight. They did not want to confront this man anymore as he single-handedly had devastated the three giant deep established posts. But unfortunately, before Allied advance could thank Crawford another tragedy struck the group! The spot where Crawford had been stationed and from where he made the opponents taste defeat, came under the control of opponents. Now, Crawford was in their captivity. There was no chance of survival for this valorous soldier as he had entered the killing list of his enemies since the time he bombarded their three prominent posts. He was declared MIA and eventually presumed dead by his fellow soldiers. This incident was the precursor of an unthinkable event that was going to take place in his life after many years.

Tragedy and Honor

The US government held Crawford’s valor actions in high esteem and awarded him posthumously with the Medal of Honor, America’s highly prestigious military decoration. The award was given to his father as according to the rules the honor was awarded to the father if the person in question has died. Apparently, everyone had accepted the tragic faith of Crawford as a German Prisoner of War. In this case, Crawford was taken as dead! The award was given in “a brief, impressive ceremony” and the medal was presented by US Maj-Gen Terry Allen to Crawford’s father George.

Astonishing Update

Months passed by and admiration for Crawford turned into a heroic story. Nobody knew if he was alive or dead. His family and friends had lots of questions in their mind about the fate of Crawford but unfortunately, there was no one who could answer them. Amid this hopelessness something unbelievable took place! It happened when a bunch of soldiers was freed from German captivity and surprisingly, Crawford was one among them. The prisoned man who was considered dead by the people, a long time ago was actually alive and now free. The war hero after stepping on the soil of his country went straight to his home. He was not aware of the top honor he had been given nor did he have any hint about the unprecedented event that was going to take place in his life.

Back To Home

After getting freed from the prison Crawford began to live a civilian life and tied the knot with Eileen Bruce in January 1946. But his desire to serve in the military for the country soon overpowered him and once again he readmitted himself in the Army. His marriage hardly had been a year old when he got himself reenlisted. He continued to serve the country for 20 more years and embrace retirement in 1967 only. He took retirement as a master sergeant. After putting in the paper, Crawford got shifted to Palmer Lake, Colorado taking up the profile of director of the Lucretia Vaile Museum and also the job of a janitor in near Airforce Academy!