[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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