CRAWFORD-CHARLES

Navy Cross

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Third Class Charles Hugh Crawford (NSN: 6874759), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 29 May 1967 while serving as a Corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, during Operation PRAIRIE IV against elements of the North Vietnamese Army in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. While attacking the heavily fortified enemy bunker complex on Hill 174, the lead elements of Company M were pinned down by a heavy volume of automatic-weapons fire delivered from well-prepared enemy positions, and sustained numerous Marine casualties in the initial stage of the battle. Despite the concentrated fire which made it virtually impossible to reach the wounded who were trapped only a few feet from the main enemy bunker, Petty Officer Crawford immediately ran through the deadly hail of enemy fire to reach his injured comrades. After administering first aid to the most seriously wounded Marine, and while moving the casualty to a relatively safe area, Petty Officer Crawford himself was fatally wounded. Through his fearless courage and uncommon concern for his comrades, he inspired the other Marines, and undoubtedly saved the life of the wounded Marine he treated. Petty Officer Crawford's daring actions and unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

Action Date: 29-May-67

Service: Navy

Rank: Hospitalman Third Class

Company: Corpsman (Attached), Company M

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 4th Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret