Good-bye to an American Hero

Last week America lost a hero but you probably didn’t hear about it. His name was William Crooks. He was a husband, a father and a US Marine.

WWII Fighter Pilot

He was a fighter pilot in the South Pacific and the Philippines Islands during WW II and in Peking, China following the war. For service in WW II he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, five Air Medals, the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation with one star, Navy Occupation Medal, China Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific campaign medal with two stars, the Philippine Presidential unit Citation and the Philippine Liberation Medal with one star.

Korea

During the Korean War he was awarded his third Distinguished Flying Cross, sixth through eighth Air Medals, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the National Defense Service Medal with one star.

Vietnam

For service in Vietnam, 1968-69, he was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat V, the Joint Services Commendation Medal, the Vietnamese Medal of Honor 2nd Class, the Vietnamese Psychological Warfare Medal, and the Vietnamese Service Medal with three stars.

My last visit with “Uncle Bill” and “Aunt Bobbe” in 2011

Despite his rank as a colonel and all his medals I simply knew him as Uncle Bill. In reality he was much more than an uncle to me.Since all my grandparents died before I was 10 Uncle Bill took on the role of grandfather for me and my siblings.

He was more than just a military hero, he was a hero at home. He faithfully loved one woman for nearly 67 years!  His family was always a priority and he exemplified honesty and decency in every other aspect of life too.

After spending time with him I always left his presence feeling as if I was standing a little straighter, more confident and ready to do things right. He had that kind of positive effect.

Uncle Bill lived his life in way that is rarely seen today. He didn’t offer excuses, he just did what was right. He didn’t wait for others to do the hard work for him, he stepped up and got the job done and then helped those around him. He held to a higher standard of decency and respect for all men. He was the kind of man you wanted to have around when times were tough but he was also just as enjoyable to be with when times were good.

We need more William Crooks in this world! He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by our family!

Questions: How do people feel after they have left your presence? What do you want to be remembered for? What will you be remembered for?