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Crawford, Joseph Brice

Date of birth:
July 2nd, 1908 (Texas, United States)
Date of death:
November 8th, 1987
Buried on:
Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 30. Grave: 487-LH.
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
HQ, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division "The Rock of the Marne", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1943
Awarded for:
Operation Husky
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 11 July 1943. While attacking forward from the narrow bridgehead they gained the day before, his battalion was suddenly attacked by 30-40 tanks, with strong infantry support Leading companies were forced to give ground, leaving Lieutenant Colonel Crawford isolated and directly in the path of the advancing tanks. Though under direct heavy artillery and machine gun fire he chose to remain at his observation post, continuing to adjust fire on the enemy armor. He then crossed over 300 yards of fire-swept terrain, sustaining injuries that necessitated his evacuation despite his desire to carry on/ By performing his duty coolly and heroically under terrific fire, he rallied his troops to repulse the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Crawford's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 104
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
For gallant action in Mediterranean Theater of Operations .

Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 35
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
HQ, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division "The Rock of the Marne", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1943
For action performed on 8 November 1942, at French Marocco.

Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 95. This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Colonel
Unit:
HQ, 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division "Fighting Blue Devils", U.S. Army

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Colonel
Unit:
HQ, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division "The Rock of the Marne", U.S. Army

This award was obtained in the form of a second Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Rank:
Colonel

This award was obtained in the form of a third Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Korean War (1950-1953)
Rank:
Colonel

This award was obtained in the form of a fifth Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Rank:
Brigadier General
Awarded on:
March 22nd, 1960
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from August 1954 to September 1959. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Crawford and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army."

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 7
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

This award was obtained in the form of a second Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

This award was obtained in the form of a third Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

1 silver campaign star, 2 bronze campaign stars, arrowhead device
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal

Sources

  • Photo 1: civilwarbuff (Findagrave)
  • - Taggart, D.G., History of the Third Infantry Division in World War II, The Battery Press, Nashville, USA, 1987
    - Delaney, J.P. – The Blue Devils in Italy – A History of the 88th Infantry Division in World War II, The Battery Press, Nashville, USA, 1988

Photo