Curtis Eugene Crawford

Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps

Curtis Eugene Crawford was born on 13 August 1947.

On 28 February 1967, Corporal Curtis Eugene Crawford was serving with G Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam.

On that day, Corporal Crawford was killed in action when he sustained multiple wounds from small arms fire while trying to rescue a wounded Marine. His body was recovered.

Medals

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal

SILVER STAR MEDAL CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in Vietnam on 28 February 1967. On this day Company G made solid contact with a larger enemy force in the vicinity of Hill 124, just northwest of Cam Lo. The enemy was well dug-in and was able to put out such a volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire that the company was pinned down. Under a hail of hostile fire, Corporal Crawford, a machine gun squad leader, brought his guns forward and set them up on the left flank of his platoon's most forward positions, only 40 meters from enemy emplacements. From this position, he caught sight of a Marine who had been wounded during one of the earlier assaults. Unhesitatingly, he bounded forward, exposing himself to enemy fire to render assistance to the fallen Marine. As he cleared his cover an enemy sniper opened up from close range wounding him in the leg and knocking him to the ground. Ignoring his wound, Corporal Crawford was able to whirl and send a lethal burst of rifle fire into the sniper's spider hole, killing him. He then continued to move forward to the Marine casualty. He had advanced only several more meters when he was fired upon again and mortally wounded. Corporal Crawford's selfless courage, perseverance and loyal devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Honors

The name Curtis E Crawford is inscribed on Panel 15E Line 115 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Corporal Crawford is buried at Saint Hedwig Cemetery in Dunkirk, NY.

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