William J. Crawford’s WWII Medal of Honor Action at Bloody Ridge

Dec 13 , 2025

William J. Crawford’s WWII Medal of Honor Action at Bloody Ridge

William J. Crawford’s hands clenched dirt and blood beneath a merciless bombardment. Bullets ripped past, friends fell silent, but he held the line—wounded, burning, relentless. This was no act of glory. It was survival, for brotherhood and the cost of freedom.

Rooted in Faith and Fortitude

Crawford grew up in a humble Kansas home, molded by hard labor and a strict Christian upbringing. A farmer’s son, his faith was steel in his spine. He carried a Bible in every pocket, living by scripture like a warrior prepared for battle long before boots hit dirt.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

This verse wasn’t just words; it was a battle cry. Honor, sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty defined his character before the war ever touched his life. Crawford enlisted in the 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division—known as the “Thunderbirds”—a unit forged in grit and relentless resolve.

The Hill Called Bloody Ridge

October 14, 1944. The Vosges Mountains, France. Enemy fire pinned down the American forces. The Germans pressed hard to break the 157th’s line. Crawford’s platoon was under brutal assault—grenades, machine guns, bayonets scraping flesh.

A mortar explosion shattered his helmet, flames licking at his uniform. Wounded, nearly blinded by smoke, he didn’t falter.

He grabbed a live grenade in mid-air—risking death at his own hands—to toss it back toward the enemy.

His action saved countless lives.

Blood churned thick beneath him as he pulled comrades from the mud. Despite agonizing injuries, he continued fighting until medics forced him away.

Medal of Honor Worthy Valor

For his actions on that hellish hill, Crawford was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 1, 1945.

“Private William J. Crawford’s fearless courage and self-sacrifice exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.” — Official Medal of Honor citation, U.S. Army

His commander, Major General Eugene M. Landrum, called him the “epitome of the fighting soldier.” Men who survived the battle spoke of Crawford’s calm in chaos—a rock when everything fell apart.

He never sought the spotlight. Instead, he humbly credited his squad and faith for carrying him through.

The Lasting Scar and Sacred Legacy

Wounds from that day left Crawford with a limp but never dimmed his warrior spirit. After the war, he returned home but never stopped bearing the invisible scars alongside the visible.

He dedicated his life to veteran causes, reminding all who’d listen that courage isn’t born in moments of glory—it’s forged in pain and perseverance.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21

Crawford’s story is a testament to the cost of freedom and the endurance of the human spirit amid hell.

His sacrifice is carved into the land he fought for and the hearts of those who fight still.

Years later, when dawn breaks over quiet fields far from the roar of battle, hear the echo of a man who stood when others fell. William J. Crawford did not just survive war—he defined what it means to be a true brother-in-arms. His life is a prayer, a promise: that sacrifice honors those who walk secure in the shadows of their valor.