During World War II, Ray Crawford became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He left service after the war and gained fame as an automobile race driver, placing first in the 1954 Pan Am Road Race, and driving in the Indianapolis 500 in 1955 and 1956. Serious injuries received during a crash at the 1959 Indianapolis 500 curtailed Crawford’s driving career.
Sponsored by:
Ray
Crawford
October 26, 1915
–
February 1, 1996
Born:
Roswell
,
New Mexico
Home:
,
California
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Batallion:
97th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
82d Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Ray Crawford (ASN: 0-730393), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 97th Fighter Squadron, 82d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.