Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain William K. Crawford (MCSN: 0-8304), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Cape Torokina Area of Bougainville, Solomon Islands on 7 November 1943. When a large Japanese force landed in an attempted major assault against a flank of the beachhead held by the THIRD Marine Division, Captain Crawford boldly closed with the enemy and led his company against the attackers. Repeatedly risking his life during a five hour battle he exposed himself to heavy hostile fire from mortars, rifles and machine guns only a few yards from Japanese positions to direct the counter attack and, by his forceful leadership, daring initiative and courage, enabled his company to locate and stop the advance of the enemy, thereby making possible the reinforcement of the beachhead flank and contributing in large measure to the ultimate destruction of the entire Japanese landing force. His devotion to duty throughout this perilous engagement reflects the highest credit upon Captain Crawford and the United States Naval Services.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 25, 1945
    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 36945 (October 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain William K. Crawford (MCSN: 0-8304), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division during action on enemy Japanese held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 25 February 1945. With his company hit by intense hostile automatic weapons and mortar fire and suffering numerous casualties, Captain Crawford went forward in the face of withering enemy fire, moving along his assault line from platoon to platoon to rally his men and direct their fire and movement until he fell mortally wounded. By his outstanding bravery and gallant leadership he inspired his men and was instrumental in advancing the attack of his company against tremendous opposition. His fierce onslaught against the Japanese position which proved to be a part of the main line of resistance on Iwo Jima, cause so many casualties among enemy defenders and so weakened the line that a subsequent attack at that point resulted in the capture of the vital ground with comparative ease. His extraordinary courage and heroic conduct reflect the highest credit upon Captain Crawford and the United States Naval Service. Captain William K. Crawford gallantly gave his live for his country.