Historic Hood River
Hometown Hero
Notes
The note on this photo indicates that Ned Crawford was awarded the first Distinguished Service Cross for his service in the American Expeditionary Force in World War I. I can’t verify that he received the first such award, but he was certainly among the earliest, as Congress authorized the award just a few months earlier. Here is the citation for Private Crawford’s award:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Ned Crawford (ASN: 2294889), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company C, 316th Field Signal Battalion, 91st Division, A.E.F., at Epinonville, France, 2 October 1918. When the telephone station in which he was working was struck by a shell, killing two men and injuring five, Private Crawford disregarded personal safety and continued to operate his switchboard in an exposed position, in order that communication might be maintained until a new central could be established in a new location.
Private Crawford served in Company C, 316th Field Signal Battalion, of the 91st Division, American Expeditionary Forces.
l.e.
Residence at time of enlistment was Hood River.
After military service he lived in California but kept in touch with his HR friend Ned Marshall.
An accurate bolt action, which required you to work the action each time you fired.
Thanks for the photo Arthur.
Arlen Sheldrake
a fitting way to honor those that served in our wars and served but didn’t return. I count myself very lucky to have served but "missed" one of our many wars. my flag is up in their honor.
Steve r
Thanks for the post up on this day !
I was at a service today here in WS – and a WS Veteran named Art House made a few well thought out comments in a simple tone and voice.
The one that stuck with me the most was something like- " Memorial Day as a National Holiday is not about … vacations – time off work – shopping sales & camping & picnic’s – it’s about remembering those around us who have served for our freedom. " Well said Art House.
My flag is up also in their honor. Thank you !
Judy
I fly my US Flag all year. Hood River had a very nice ceremony at Idlewild Cemetery today also. I also agree about the picnicking, barbecues, etc. Have them, but do not think of Veteran’s Day as just another fun time. Honor our Veterans first. And men, please remember to TAKE OFF THE DARN BASEBALL HATS, etc. when our flag passes by. Total disrespect….
Buzz
The "thank yous for your service" have definitely increased since Vietnam days and the rhetoric we listened to then, but it would be nice if ever decade or two we wouldn’t have another scandal in the VA. Nothing seems to change in that department. But suppose that would require more than talk. .
l.e.
A few things to help us know Ned Crawford better.
A blog from his grandchild written during Veterans Day 2010.
http://open.salon.com/blog/shiral/2010/11/12/soldier_grandfathers
As the blog says…..
Perhaps most sadly of all, it wasn’t "The War to End All Wars."
Ned passed away April 11, 1967
A photo blog which honors Ned’s daughter Connie, but also includes photos of Ned, his family and a visit to HR with his friend Ned Marshall.
http://bio.fsu.edu/~dhoule/downloads/Through%20the%20ages.pdf
charlott
Once a dedicated soldier, always a dedicated soldier. I was married to one who in the throes of cancer, must do his patriotic commitment . He had for years taken upon himself the job of placing the flags along the streets of our little town. Though very ill, he vowed those flags were his duty, so taking his little 10 year daughter, together they loaded all the flags and poles. He drove his pickup down the streets and his little soldierlet rigged each flag on its pole and got it into the flag hole in the side walk. Then that night they did the same thing to put them away. I had many residents of our town tell me that to see him and that little girl getting those flags out s showed such soldier pride. A father daughter time that my girl will never forget.
Maybe this isn’t the place for this, but considering, I don’t apologize.
Buzz
Good story Charlott. Dick was a tough, scrappy little bastard when we played football together.
l.e.
Thanks for the story Charlott, and yes it is important because it shows how important these days are to our soldiers.
Arthur
I used this image in my 2014 Veteran’s Day address. Ned Marshall was in the audience, and told me he was named after Ned Crawford, his father’s longtime partner. He told me that Ned Crawford’s recollection of receiving the award was that the most memorable part was when the French general kissed him on both cheeks.