THE WALL OF FACES

Sgt. Crawford: It was my honor to play TAPS at your graveside service. Your advice to me on the firing range led me to join the USAF and kept me out of that tree in North Vietnam as a sniper.

He was my ROTC sgt at Lafayette High School..St. Joseph, Missouri in '63 and '64...gave me my sgt stripes...taught me about honor and service....a good man

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Dean Grimes is moving. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever....

I remember Sgt. Crawford as my company ROTC advisor, at Missouri Military Academy for the school year '65-'66, my junior year. He was only there one year. He had his 20 in when he received orders for VN, and could have declined. He felt it his duty to go. He left the school in July '66, and was killed in Nov. His wife asked the Academy to perform the Military Honors at his funeral in Savannah. I was a member of the firing squad that gave him his last salute. The sound of Echo Taps, played by our Academy buglers brings tears to my eyes to this day.

Dear MSGT Billy Crawford,
Thank you for your service as an Infantry Senior Sergeant. It is Presidents' Weekend, and good time to remember those who serve. It is so important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.