William E. Crouch

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Andy Chacon on March 5, 2014:

William Edward Crouch, Jr. Born May 28, 1928 -- Died September 19, 2013 William Edward "Bill" Crouch, Jr. was born in Laurel, Delaware on 28 May 1928 and was appointed to West Point on a Senatorial appointment. His West Point classmates recall: "Coming to West Point after prepping at Steward Field, Bill was well prepared to meet the onslaught of the Tactical and Academic Departments. Will working diligently during his four years, Bill won many friends with his consistent good nature, sincerity, and ready wit. An understanding of human nature and a will to win will bring success to this ex-Air Force file in the Armored Cavalry." During his cadet days Bill was with the Weight Lifting Club plebe and first class years; with the French and Radio Clubs cow and first class years; and was a Cadet Supply Sergeant his first class year. Upon graduation Bill surprised everyone and went in the Artillery and after completing the Basic Artillery Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma reported to the 319th Airborne Field Artillery Battalion with the 82nd Airborne Division and served until 1952 when he reported to the 48th Field Artillery Battalion of the 7th Division in Korea; served until 1953 and was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy. In 1959 Bill earned a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Mississippi State University and on completion was assigned to the Army Aviation Board where he served from 1960 to 1963. In 1964 Bill attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and on completion was assigned to Advance Research Projects Agency, Office, Secretary of Defense in the Republic of Vietnam where he served until 1965. Next Bill went with the Army Combat Development Command (Aviation), Fort Belvoir, Virginia and served until 1966. From 1966 to 1968 Bill served with the Army Aviation Test and then was appointed Commanding Officer of the 9th Aviation Battalion and Executive Officer of the 17th Aviation Group, Republic of Vietnam where he served until 1969 and was decorated with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. In 1971 Bill attended the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania and then was appointed Commanding Officer of the 101st Aviation Group, Republic of Vietnam where he served from 1971 to 1972. On completion of this assignment he was awarded a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. Next Bill was appointed Division Chief, Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Research and Development where he served until 1977 and was awarded a third Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. Bill's last military assignment was as Commanding Officer of Aircraft Development Test Activity, Fort Rucker, Alabama and served from 1977 to 1981 when he retired from the United States Army after a distinguished career of thirty years as a Colonel. After retirement Bill accepted a position as Office Manager with McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Division from 1981 to 1991. Bill and his wife Betty Jane made their home in Panama City, Florida.

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