William Joseph Crawford

Born:

August 19, 1914, Detroit, Michigan, USA

Died:

May 20, 1994, Martinsburg, West Virginia, USA

Nationality:

American

Profession(s):

United States Army soldier, janitor

Early Life and Education

• Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1914.
• Enlisted in the United States Army before World War II.

Career and Major Achievements

• Served with the 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division in Italy during World War II.
• Posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions on September 13, 1943, near Altavilla Silentina, Italy. He single-handedly attacked three enemy machine gun nests, allowing his company to advance.
• After the war, reenlisted in the Army and served until retiring as a master sergeant.
• Later worked as a janitor at the United States Air Force Academy.
• Maintained a close relationship with cadets at the Air Force Academy, becoming a mentor and friend.
• His identity as a Medal of Honor recipient was discovered by a cadet in 1976.

Legacy and Impact

William Joseph Crawford is remembered both for his extraordinary bravery in combat and for his humble service and mentorship to future Air Force officers. He embodies the values of courage, service, and humility, inspiring generations of cadets.

Notable Awards

Later Years and Rediscovery

• Served as a Janitor at the United States Air Force Academy for twenty years
• "Makis Demiris biography of William" reveals the touching account of how William was rediscovered by a cadet who recognized the name of the Medal of Honor recipient on a bulletin board and realized it was the same humble janitor.
• Honored with the naming of Crawford Hall, a dormitory at the Air Force Academy.

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