Gazette Democrat, Union Co. Illinois, January 18,1968

Bobby Crawford Loses Life in Vietnam

 Died in combat on January 10; Final Rites Will be Announced

Sp-4 Bobby Dean Crawford, 22, son of Mr. & Mrs. Donald Crawford of Route 1, Buncombe, is the second Union County man to lose his life in combat in Vietnam since the first if the year.

The parents were informed on Sunday, Jan. 14, of their son's death in Vietnam on January 10, by service representatives who called at the parent's home.

Bobby Dean Crawford is survived by his parents Donald and Mina Gurley Crawford, and a twin sister, Mrs. Barbara Jean Graves and a niece, Kimberly Diana Graves, both of Marion.

He entered the service on September 19, 1966. Before entering the Army, he worked at Florsheim Shoe Company. He was a 1963 graduate of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School and was a member of the Cedar Grove  Methodist Church.

Crawford took his basic training at Fort Lewis, Wash., and graduated from the Airbourne Division at Fort Benning, Ga. He took a 12 week training course with Scout Dogs and was an honor student, winning the Scout Dog trophy for his Platoon.

A copy of a letter which Crawford received from his commanding officer was published in the October 19, 1967 issue of The Gazette - Democrat, and reads in part; "It is a pleasure to officially recognize you for being selected honor graduate of the 12 week Scout Dog Training Course recently completed by the 43rd Infantry Platoon (Scout Dog). The dedicated effort and proficient interest which you displayed through out this program exemplifies the highest standard of conduct and  dedication demanded of each and every member of today's army."       "The unique value of Scout Dog handler lies in the ability of the handler and the dog to work together as a highly efficient team. Of particular note was you ability to grasp the basic principles of day and night patrolling, scout training, and technique and out-post procedures."

Funeral arrangements for SP-4 Bobby Dean Crawford are incomplete and will be announced by Mount Funeral Home of Vienna, when the body is returned to the United States.