[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 22, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S1591]]
                     TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM J. CRAWFORD

  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, yesterday in Colorado, at the 
chapel of the United States Air Force Academy, our country buried a 
hero.
  William J. Crawford, a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, 
passed away March 15th at the home he built himself in Palmer Lake, 
Colorado. And while Mr. Crawford won the Congressional Medal of Honor--
our nation's highest award--specifically for his actions during World 
War Two on a hill in Italy, he showed that the medal was well deserved 
by the actions of each and every day of his life.
  On September 13th, 1943, Private Crawford and his 3rd Platoon, 1st 
Company, 36th Infantry Division were attacking Hill 424 near Altavilla, 
Italy. The platoon was pinned down by intense machine gun fire. Private 
Crawford, without orders and on his own initiative, singlehandedly 
destroyed the machine gun and allowed the rest of his platoon to 
advance. Later, the platoon was again blocked, this time from two enemy 
machine gun positions and small arms fire. Private Crawford once more 
went into action, destroyed both gun positions, and turned a captured 
German weapon on the withdrawing enemy, facilitating the company's 
advance.
  As his Medal of Honor citation says, this was an act of ``conspicuous 
gallantry . . . . above and beyond the call of duty.'' But Mr. 
Crawford's sacrifice for his country went further. He was captured 
during the same battle later that day, and eventually served 19 months 
in a German POW camp. The Army thought he had been killed, and actually 
awarded his Medal posthumously to his father. It was not until 1984 
that a ceremony was held presenting the Medal to William himself. 
President Ronald Reagan had that honor, at the annual commencement 
ceremony held at the Air Force Academy.
  Every year, Mr. Crawford attended that graduation to present the 
Outstanding Cadet award. Because Private Crawford, even after his 
bravery, even after 19 months in a POW camp, and even after an 
additional 22 years of post-war service to his country, continued to 
serve his nation. After his retirement in 1967, Mr. Crawford took a job 
as a janitor at the Air Force Academy. It let him supplement his 
retirement pay, and--more importantly--kept him around the armed forces 
life, and in contact with the future leaders of our military, young 
officers who can always use a outstanding role model of sacrifice, 
service, and modesty. In his last years he was very active with 
children, speaking to and teaching them about WWII, and serving as a 
shining example of dedication and patriotism.
  Mr. Crawford's life was one of service: from the gallantry in combat 
to the less intense but also important roles as mentor, community 
volunteer, scoutmaster, and role model. As that life ends, as we honor 
a departed hero, we also recognize the continuance of the memory and 
legacy of a life well lived. Thank you, Mr. Crawford.

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