No Small Feat

Seeing the look on Crawford’s face, everything seemed pretty normal. But, in reality, it was a very special which has placed Crawford in an exclusive list of people. As, the Us President generally hands over the award in the name of Congress, but this recognition meant that Crawford was saluted by everybody in uniform regardless of the rank as a part of a custom.

Heartwarmingly Humble Hero

As the speaker at the podium, Crawford said, “I was just glad that I was doing my part, I figured it was just a normal call of duty, I happened to be at the right place at the right time.” Crawford’s humble attitude was truly evident in his speech. But, something more was waiting or him as his recognition hadn’t stopped.

Reflection on the Legend

Remember, Col. Jame Moschgat? Yes! the man who was the first one to make this incredible discovery. He gave a very touching speech and said, “Bill Crawford was a janitor. However, he was also a teacher, friend, role model and one great American hero.” He added on by saying that Crawford gave him “some valuable leadership lessons.”

A Full Life

The great man passed away on March 15, 2000. He aged 81 when he died at his house in Colorado, leaving his wife Eileen behind, who passed away in the year 2009. The cemetery box was glorified forever when Crawford became the first man to be buried at the US Air Force Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs, despite having his name in a non-Airforce list.

An Icon Lives On

After Crawford passed away, he was awarded and remembered through some other amazing and respectful acts. As the Governor of Colorado Bill Owens issued a directive to have all the flags in Colorado lowered to half-mast in respect of the veteran. Crawford’s statue was also erected at Hero Plaza in the Pueblo Convention Center alongside the statues of three other Medal of Honor recipients from Colorado.

Timeless Testimony

Moschgat had some very beautiful in the late Crawford. He wrote a book named “A Janitor’s Ten Lessons in Leadership” in which he wrote,“Private Bill Crawford didn’t pursue glory; he did his duty and then swept floors for a living, if Bill Crawford, a Medal of Honor winner, could clean latrines, touch a dirty floor mopping cloth and smile, is there a job beneath your dignity? Think about it.”