Crowder, Raymond D. Jr

Raymond D. Crowder Jr. was born on May 10, 1946 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. 

Ray was assigned to K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse). 

Army Specialist Fourth Class Raymond D. Crowder Jr. was Killed In Action June 19, 1967 in Phouc Tuy Province. 

Exerpt from SGT Wayne Thomas Schumacher, Leader of Crowder’s Patrol.

"I was with Raymond the night he was killed on Sgt. Schumacher's patrol." Schumacher reported movement shortly before the lager (a night defensive perimeter) was hit by a ground attack. When the VC pulled out, they overran the ambush and all were killed or wounded.

An Army friend of Ray's named Farrell shared the following: 

Ray was a good going young man, caught up in a place that none of us wanted to be in, but he didn't reject his duty.  He did the job he was asked to do and he was a good GI. The war in Vietnam brought all of us together and then tore most of our friends apart.  I'll never forget him.

Raymond D Crowder

Raymond was posthumously awarded the Bronze Medal with the following citation: 

For heroism in connection with the military actions involving an armed hostile force and Republic of Vietnam specialist for Crowder by valorous actions one 19 June 1967 while serving in as a rifleman in an ambush patrol in the jungles of Vietnam distinguished himself.  Suddenly, specialists Crowder alertly detected an enemy movement and unhesitatingly directed devastating volley of highly accurate suppressive fire upon that the positions. As the fire fight intensified specialists Crowder was critically injured by burst of hostile fire.  Disregarding his wounds specialists Crowder greatly crawl through the heavy insurgent fire to a wounded comrade.  Rapidly applying first aid Specialist Crowder simultaneously suppress all enemy movement in with his weapon.  Observing that the hostile force was mounting an assault upon his position specialist Crowder courageously exposes himself in a fearless attempt to repel insurgents.  At that moment Specialist Crowder was again struck by enemy fire but refused to leave his position.  Although weakened by his wounds, specialists Crowder gallantly resisted all enemy advances into a burst of fire worked with mortally wounded him.  For Crowder’s personal bravery and devotion to duty or in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself his unit and the United States Army.

Ray is buried at Siloam Methodist Church Cemetery in Bethel Township, Delaware County.


Research by Don Wambold, WCMSC