The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Dale A. Crawford (MCSN: 888062), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Commander of Company A, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 11 May 1945. Observing a friendly tank capsize in an attempt to cross a stream while advancing in his own tank beyond the front lines, Corporal Crawford immediately maneuvered his vehicle into position and, after dismounting to attach a towing cable to the overturned tank despite intense enemy mortar fire, skillfully directed its removal. Realizing the immediate necessity for other tanks to cross the stream at the same place he remained at the crossing with his tank and under continued heavy fire screened the approaching vehicles with smoke grenades and on foot repeatedly guided them over the difficult crossing. By his outstanding initiative and coolness under fire Corporal Crawford contributed materially to the success of the attack and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.