Winford R Crabb

The database page for Winford R Crabb

14 Nov 2001 I never knew this young man, but my father was his communications chief. Dad didn't talk much about the war but he always remembered his 2 RTO's that got killed on May 9th, 1968. His name wasn't listed on this site and I just wanted him to be remembered. A memorial from a friend. larhondakellison@yahoo.com Visit Charlie Company, 1/5 Cavalry

20 Oct 2004 "WR" was my father's cousin. I was in my 30's before my father ever spoke of him. It was a fluke, we were vacationing in New Mexico and were at the Vietnam Memorial in Angel Fire and they had a computer database of WIA/KIA. I typed in my last name and WR came up. My Dad was looking over my shoulder and told me that he was my cousin. I served a total of five years in the DC area, had been to The Wall dozens of times and had no idea I had a relative on it. I've been in the Navy, serving with the Marines most of my career. To whoever posted my relative here, thank you. Rick Crabb Lieutenant Commander, Medical Service Corps United States Navy rickcrabb@juno.com

24 Feb 2006 This is my Uncle, my father's youngest brother, however we were only 3 years apart in age and seemed more like brother and sister. He seldom lost his temper, rarely spoke ill of anyone, was funny and kind. He loved Boston Terriers and had a couple when he was younger. He was a college student, going to be a Forest Ranger, and was already accepted in a student transfer to Humbolt State College when he was drafted. He decided to go ahead and be drafted instead of keeping his student status so the Army wouldn't "interrupt his life after college". I still miss him, sometimes it seems like it's been forever since he was taken from us, and sometimes it feels like yesterday, with the grace of God I'll see him again. From his niece, Janet (Crabb) Torres torres_janet@hotmail.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall On the night of 08/09 May 1968 the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, was operating in western Quang Tri Province from a temporary base located at grid coordinates YD237678. At 0705 on 09 May the battalion came under attack by North Vietnamese Army forces - initially by mortar fire, then a full-fledged ground attack. One of the first casualties was the morning logistics helicopter, a Huey from A Company, 227th AHB, which was shot down and crashed between the NVA and 5th Cav positions. The cavalrymen were able to rescue two crewmen from the burning wreckage but both pilots were killed in the crash. Charlie Company was cut off from the other companies and bore the brunt of the attack. The NVA were fended off, but not without cost, and the aggressive patrolling which followed brought more US losses. By day's end, 19 men had died: B Company: SGT Daniel G. Gladding, Seaford, NY SP4 George E. Guyett, Springfield, IL C Company: 1LT Robert N. Jones, Delta, PA SFC Albert E. Smith, Clairton, PA SSG Frank W. Elliott, Streamwood, IL SGT Mitchell McGuire, Hanoverton, OH SP4 Robert Alexander, Washington, DC SP4 Robert J. Capanda, Detroit, MI SP4 Carlos W. Cornett, Flatwoods, KY SP4 Winford R. Crabb, Shafter, CA SP4 Ronald N. Koitzsch, Camas, WA CPL Ramiro F. Olivo, Eagle Pass, TX PFC James C. Bang, Minneapolis, MN PFC Freddie J. Cox, Oakland, CA D Company: 1LT John C. Dougherty, Terre Haute, IN SP4 George V. Airey, Ann Arbor, MI HQ Company: CPL William J. Waysack, Orange, CA (Medic with B/1/5) A Co, 227th AHB (UH-1D 66-16784) WO Donald K. McNeil, Seattle, WA, pilot WO Mark D. Young, Sidell, IL, copilot Delta 1/5 Cav lost two more men during patrol operations on 10 May - SP4 Herman L. Taylor of San Diego, CA, and SP4 David G. Thomas of Port Huron, MI.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is a friend. larhondakellison@yahoo.com  14 Nov 2001

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 03/01/2006