Good Lifestyle

A sudden change

This concierge has devoted most of his time to the military family. Cadets would prepare for their exams and sports events while the old concierge would be busy taking care of all the trivial things to the academy. As he had an introverted nature, Mr. Crawford has never been involved with any of the children. He was known to be silent and would not talk to less than spoke. The only thing he did all day was swept away, clean the toilet and empty dust. While he was going to do all that is necessary to be done, the surprise unveiling of his past took place unexpectedly ...

A shocking discovery

On Saturday afternoon, the old concierge was busy cleaning his daily tasks while the cadets had a review. Moschgat, who was a cadet then, just passed through the pages of a book that concerned the World World War II and the Allied Group in Italy. It was then that he saw something that made him scream, "sacred cow! He trembled with disbelief and even written later," the words on the page knew to me. "He was there for Filling one's dreams of becoming a F-16 pilot but fell on a ginner secret that Mr. Crawford was hiding from everyone.

The connection

While he returned to the pages, he saw a person with the name "Private William Crawford" printed in big bold letters. He knew he had heard about this name before, but could not put it immediately on a face. But then he remembered the old concierge of his academy. He started wondering if Janitor William Crawford had a link with this person named "William Crawford Private" he saw in the book. After a few days, the whole lot was intrigued to know if "old grandfather" was at all affiliated to this soldier ...

A story of courage

Moschgat was about to cope with his exams so he had to prepare them. It was then that he fell unexpectedly on that name. He read a battle that took place 30 years ago. The story he read was a battle of the US Army infantry division to life with enemy forces near Altavilla. The story quoted a particularly courageous soldier by the name of Private Crawford that has been described as "facing an intense and overwhelming fire ... without taking into account personal safety ... on his own initiative, Crawford Privét attack he alone fortified enemy positions. "

A chef

When he read through the pages, Moschgat was determined to determine if the guardian of the Air Force Academy was in any way linked to the private heroic crawford. He planned to ask if Mr. Crawford was the same man. Server no time, Moschgat and his roommate sought in the halls to confront the concierge with the story book of his hand. When asked about it, the concierge looked uncomfortable and was reluctant to join the conversation. For a moment, he did not answer the question. The two cadets were not about to leave it alone and resorted to him the book. At that time, Mr. Crawford's face changed ...

Truth reluctantly

Mr. Crawford remained silent as soon as he was holding the book. He glanced through the pages of the book carefully and surprised the cadets with his answer. The concierge finally admitted: "Yes, it's me." This response triggered only growing curiosity among boys. It is rare to find a man who prefers to keep his historical achievements in the dark as Mr. Crawford. When we finish with his reasons to keep things a secret, he replied, "It was a long time and a day of my life". It was only the beginning of Mr. Crawford's tale and it was about to give the shock of their life to the two roommates.

Returned to the past

Crawford was inducted into the US military in July 1942. After a year, he and his boys are graduated from the private position. He started with the Division of the 142nd Infantry Regiment Infantry 36 on the front lines of southern Italy. As of September 13, 1943, he became a Scout Squad after attacking the enemy position at Hill 424 near Altavilla Silentina. The enemy was well equipped for not going down without fighting. American troops had underestimated the rival group and had to think quickly. They ended up in an epic battle where the crew of Mr. Crawford had to give all their all ...

Bravery insane

His other teammates defended their lives but not Mr. Crawford. He went forward and attacked the enemies without fear. He showed superhuman courage and instruction crawford landed a grenade in the base of the enemy who proved to be a success, which resulted in a victory for American troops. It was not everything, Crawford actually charged in the territory of the enemy. To avoid bullets, he crawled with the German machine gun nestled and demolished them entirely. He was confronted with something unexpected even after all that.

Announced as mia

His courage was the main reason why American troops could be the enemy. Crawford has threatened the condition of the three giant positions created. However, just after that, Crawford another tragedy hit the group! The original place he used to intimidate the enemies had been occupied by them. Crawford took place in hostage now. After bombarding the three leading positions, Crawford was in captivity of enemies. It was announced as Mia and was considered dead by his comrades. This would serve as an incident that really made his straight out of the life of an action movie.

Tragedy and honor

The US government held CRAWFORD credible actions in high esteem and inflicted it posthumously with the medal of honor, the highest American military decoration. His price was received by his father that Crawford has already been declared dead. Everyone came in Crawford terms was now a German prisoner of war who had to be dead now! The awards ceremony was "a brief and impressive ceremony" and the medal was handed over by the Allen Majmen Terry to Father George de Crawford.

Incredible update

The heroic history of Crawford has touched so many times that several months have passed. The question of whether he was dead or alive is still prevailed ... his family and friends had a lot of questions in their minds about Crawford's destiny, but he was not there to clarify things, but when we At least expected something incredible happened! When a group of American soldiers was released from German captivity, Crawford was one of them! He was finally at home after spending time in prison for his courageous attempt to overcome his enemies. He was still unconscious because he had won a prestigious price and followed soon ...

Go home

Crawford was now free again for he started living a civilian life and married Eileen Bruce in January 1946. But as he loved so much the military life, he was again readmitted in the army. His wedding had a little over a year when he decided to be rehabilitated. He ended up serve the country for more than 20 years and retired in 1967 only as a chief sergeant. He then moved to Palmer Lake, Colorado where he worked as director of the Museum Lucretia Vaile and a concierge at Airforce Academy!

A real patriot

This concierge is really a humble soul as he was barely seen footing his Medal of Honor while he served in the army because he felt unworthy of the great honor. This explains his lot a nature because he took a job as a concierge. It is rare to see someone who has received such honor to work a modest job like this. Mr. Crawford makes sure he does his job perfectly like his time as a soldier. Everyone at the Academy soon heard of heroic stories of their "ordinary concierge". His story really changed the perspective of the people of him and the way they dealt with.

Attitude Adjustments

The courageous tale of this "concierge" spread like a forest fire in the academy. The cadets who initially left him unnoticed unnoticed were now eager to hear about his epic stories. Crawford was also a man changed after his story was overthrown. He was now more confident and will answer the "Hello" wishes he received in a bold tone with his signature Crooked Smile. He now calls the cadets by their first names, leaving an impact on each of them. The Moschet trial wrote: "Although no one has ever officially recognized change, I think we have become Bill's cadets and his squadron."

No expectations

Since the cadets warmed himself to him, Crawford has also opened slowly. A concierge at the Academy was now one of the most popular faces. It was present to other functions of the squadron carrying its dark costumes. He was certainly a favorite among the cadets. Crawford also revealed to his new friend of his regrets not to physically attend his ceremonial medal of honor entrusted by the president because he was considered dead. Was there anything that could be arranged for this poor heroic soldier?

A huge surprise

Crawford has received an invitation to join the Air Force Academy Graduation Day of 1984 as a guest. He did not expect to attend something extraordinary that day. Thousands of guests had arrived at Colorado Springs Falcon Stadium to join the start festivities of this historic ceremony. It was going to be a memorable day for the 66-year-old concierge. This day was a day celebrating and honoring dedicated cadets who have worked for months to arrive so far. So, what was it in store for Mr. Crawford?

A small recognition

The stadium was packed with general, cadets, personnel and their loved ones, former students and President Ronald Regan. The commander-in-chief included the incredible leadership, humility and respect for Crawford in the speech he gave. The people present there all locked up with the concierge as the speech was happening. The President had even congratulated the formed war hero who acted "above and beyond the call of duty." He then came up time for a changing event to life in Crawford's life.

Attacking acknowledgment

The President concluded his speech and had a special note. He then said, "Now there is something I want to do that means a lot for me and, I'm sure, I will mean a lot for you." Then the president talked about Crawford's achievements in the Second World War. He considering the Crawford service in Europe and its imprisonment.

Long expected

The president even spoke of Crawford's inability to be present at his ceremonial medal of honor because of the custody of the German troops during this period. After Reagan announced something shocking, "Well, almost 40 years old have passed, and it's time to do it properly." As he ended his speech, he called Crawford to join him at the end of the podium. Then, the president medalized Crawford with the medal of honor to make his dream of life reality ...

The honor

All those present there were delighted to see that the beloved concierge receives a medal that had been expected for a long time. The people who knew his epic battle and his stories were also affected by this event as much as Crawford was. Bill Crawford then received the honor of this infectious smile of his all the world knew so well. Crawford and the president were both deeply affected. The viewers were heavy with the applause and Crawford could not be happier. He felt that all his efforts during the war had now paid.

Great achievement!

Crawford was not one to boast of his achievements. He had always kept a secret and until then, he had never attended an official ceremony or his gratitude for his medal price. However, he ended up receiving himself on behalf of the Congress. After receiving this honor, Crawford was now part of some people who won respect for the army and the public.

A humble hero

Crawford finally received the recognition he needed and desired to do a commendable job. His modesty was something we can all learn. He confessed, "I was just glad I was doing my part" and even added, "I thought it was just a normal duty call." He still believes that he is compensated for honor: "I would be in the right place at the right time," he insists.

Reflecting on a national hero

Colonel Moschgat said the old concierge was a source of inspiration to tell him in his test, "Bill Crawford was a concierge. However, he was also a teacher, friend, role model and a great American hero. "This test ended up touching a lot of hearts on the Internet and this legend has been appreciated even more. Colonel Moschgat had to blame for bringing this identity hidden to light and announce that Crawford taught him" valuable leadership leadership ".

Life after retirement

Despite being awarded the "Medal of Honor", the humble recipient always wanted to work as a concierge of the Academy. This level of humility is something really rare, is not it? He then retired to Colorado, his indigenous state. So what does this man have received the medal of honor continues to do in the small town he moved after retirement?

Keep safe

The humble concierge expired on March 15, 2000 to 81 years. He spends the majority of his time on the land serving his country and dies at his residence in Colorado where he and his wife Eileen lived. He made the story even after death. His incredible dedication was enough for him to be buried at the American Cemetery Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, making it the first enrollment of the non-air force to reside there in the Air Force Academy. In 2009, Eileen died too and was buried next to him.

His legacy

The day of Crawford's death, all Colorado flags have been lowered half-masts to show mourning and honor the famous veteran. Governor Bill Owens issued an order for that while he respected a lot Crawford. There was a bronze statue made of him who stood next to Raymond G. Murphy, Drew Dennis Ten, and Carl L. Sitter, who were all recipients of the medal of honor of the same city.

Food for thought

Crawford taught us to be humble, determined and brave. Moschgat talked about Crawford in his essay proclaiming it that "the lessons ten is a leadership Janitor", where he clearly describes it, "Private Bill Crawford did not pursue glory; He did his duty and swept stages to make a living, "adding:" If Bill Crawford, a winning honor medal, could clean the latrines and smile, is a job under your dignity? Think about it. "

Many valuable lessons

Moschgat was on the spot on how he described Crawford in his essay. His admiration was flagrant in his words he used in his test. His essay wrote, "A wise person said, "It's not life that is important, but those you encounter along the way that make the difference. The bill was the one that made a difference for me. Although I did not see Mr. Crawford in more than twenty years, he would probably be surprised to know that I often think of him. Bill Crawford, our concierge, taught me a lot of value, unforgettable leadership lessons "

Delayed dedications

Was this story about the veteran toughing of war for you? Then you will be happy to know that Crawford was not the only man in history to receive the medal of honor years after his achievements. There is a list of men and one of them is known as Vernon Baker who received his honor in 1997 for his act of return from Bravoure on April 5, 1945. This Wyoming soldier managed to destroy two German bunkers, two observation posts of the enemy and a network of third reich telephone lines alone.

A brave leader

Castle Aghinolfi is located in Apennines of Italy which was a crucial point for the Germans during the strategic battle. Allied forces needed to take control of this castle. Baker and 25 other Fantassels on April 5, 1945 that all they could dodge the bullets, skip obstacles and crawl under the barbed iron fences to get closer to the castle where the Germans.

Down to earth

Vernon Baker was now 77 and addressed the walls of the White House. He revealed, "I thought about what was going on on the hill that day, I am an angry young man. We were all angry. But we had a job to do, and we did it. My personal thoughts were that I knew things would go better, and I'm happy to say that I am here to see it ". Something more was there for Baker.

A historic place

Even if the medal of honor is the highest military decoration, the opportunity was different because Baker became the first African American of the First World War to get this honor. A study conducted by a student from the Shaw University in 1992 on black ill-treatment leads this veteran from the war to include in this distinguished service cross.

Lone legend

Vernon Baker was the only man to have received the medal of honor by President Clinton that night. The other eligible soldiers for the price were Edward A. Carter, Jr., John R. Fox, Willy F. James, Jr., Ruben Rivers, Charles L. Thomas and George Watson had already lost their lives.

Strength and inspiration

"The Combatative Spirit of Second Lieutenant Baker and the bold leadership were a source of inspiration for his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the armed forces," was the medal citation of honor for Baker. Vernon Baker was indeed intended to receive this distinction. He had already defeated the back of cancer in the year 2004.

His inheritance persists

This war hero took his last breath on July 13, 2010. He died in the comfort of his own house in Idaho and was 90 years old. His burial was held at the famous National Cemetery of Arlington in Virginia and his military colleagues. He is someone who will live in the hearts of soldiers and Americans forever.