[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 TRIBUTE TO COL. TRUMAN W. CRAWFORD, USMC, DIRECTOR, U.S. MARINE CORPS 
                          DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS

  Mr. NUNN. Mr. President, the Senate Armed Services Committee reported 
to the Senate and the Senate has approved the nomination of 
a very unique military officer--Truman W. Crawford--to the rank of 
Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps.
  Truman Crawford is currently director of the U.S. Marine Corps Drum 
and Bugle Corps--The Commandant's Own--which has played for audiences 
around the globe.
  Colonel Crawford has been a Marine for 27 years. He preceded this 
with a highly successful career in the Air Force. During his service, 
he has been known for his exceptional credibility, unwavering 
integrity, and strong leadership--all of which allow him to direct one 
of the finest military musical organizations anywhere.
  Musically, Colonel Crawford has earned the reputation of being one of 
the Nation's premier musical instructors, arrangers, and adjudicators. 
He has been compared to John Philip Sousa and has received numerous 
presidential promotions and awards for his talent.
  I have enjoyed listening to the U.S. Marine Corps Drum and Bugle 
Corps for many years. Mr. President, the Drum and Bugle Corps not only 
puts out a remarkable sound but the members perform this music while 
meeting the highest standards of close order drill and marching at 
standards unique to the Marine Corps. Each time I listen, I feel great 
pride for the Marine Corps and a tremendous sense of patriotism. 
Colonel Crawford has captured the spirit of the United States within 
his music, and I would like to thank him for it. And I want to commend 
the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Mundy, and President 
Clinton for making this promotion and recognition possible.
  Mr. President, I know my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee 
and in the Senate join me in congratulating Colonel Crawford on his 
promotion and for his service to our Nation. We extend our best wishes 
to him and his family for continued success.
  I ask unanimous consent that his official biography be included in 
the Record.
  There being no objection, the biography was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

   [From The Public Affairs Office, Marine Barracks, Washington, DC.]

 Colonel Truman W. Crawford, Director, U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps

       Colonel Truman W. Crawford is presently serving as 
     Commanding Officer and Director of the 80-member U.S. Marine 
     Drum and Bugle Corps, home based at the historic Marine 
     Barracks, Washington, D.C. Prior to assuming command of ``The 
     Commandant's Own,'' Col. Crawford served as musical arranger 
     and instructor of these elite Marine musicians.
       Born April 1, 1934 in Endicott, New York, Col. Crawford 
     began his musical career at the age of eight, playing the 
     fife in a colonial fife and drum corps. Later years found him 
     studying all of the brass and percussion instruments, while 
     majoring in music education and studying privately with noted 
     music educators. It was while he was in high school that he 
     was first introduced to the drum and bugle corps. He 
     immediately launched his career in that facet of music not 
     only as a performer, but subsequently is an arranger, scoring 
     arrangements for local units at the age of 17.
       During his senior year in high school he witnessed a 
     performance of the U.S. Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps from 
     Washington, D.C. Shortly after graduation he auditioned for, 
     and was accepted into the unit in February 1953, as an 
     instrumentalist. In just two short years he was appointed 
     Musical Director of the Drum Corps, and in 1957, at the age 
     of 23, had risen to the rank of master sergeant, non-
     commissioned officer in charge of the entire unit.
       During his 10-year career in the U.S. Air Force, he 
     traveled extensively with the Drum Corps throughout the 
     United States and abroad, completing six tours of Europe and 
     Great Britain, as well as two tours of the Far East. 
     Throughout his tour he spent considerable time studying 
     privately with noted arrangers and conductors, taking every 
     opportunity to enhance his own musical career.
       In 1963 Col. Crawford left the U.S. Air Force to pursue a 
     career in private enterprise, specifically a music store 
     catering needs of civilian bands and drum and bugle corps 
     from throughout the United States and Canada. From 1963 
     through 1967 he enjoyed a distinguished career, and was 
     recognized as one of the premier musical instructors, 
     arrangers and adjudicators in the entire nation. In 1965, 
     every major Drum and Bugle Corps title holder in the United 
     States and Canada was instructed by, or performed music 
     arranged by Col. Crawford.
       Colonel Crawford initiated his third career in March 1967, 
     having been selected by the Commandant of the Marine Corps 
     for special assignment as the arranger/instructor of ``The 
     Commandant's Own,'' The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. 
     Entering the Marine Corps as a staff sergeant, he quickly 
     rose to the rank of master sergeant prior to his subsequent 
     commissioning as warrant officer in December 1973. Crawford 
     was awarded a Presidential appointment to the rank of captain 
     in April 1977. In August 1982, he was awarded his second 
     Presidential appointment to major. On March 1, 1989 Col. 
     Crawford was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his 
     exemplary performance as Director of ``The Commandant's 
     Own''. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 
     October 1982, in recognition of his exceptional record of 
     meritorious service in his continuing role as Commanding 
     Officer and Director of this world-renowned military musicl 
     organization.
       Col. Crawford is married to the former Lucille E. Ellis of 
     Johnson City, New York. They have four sons: Robert, David, 
     Truman Jr. and Canaan, as well as two daughters: Cynthia and 
     Lisa. The Crawford's presently reside in Stafford, Va.

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