Vietnam Vet finally to be awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

Fort Pierce man to be awarded Distinguished Flying Cross
By Joe Crankshaw
Posted June 9, 2011

FORT PIERCE — Forty-three years after a desperate battle in the jungles of Laos, three survivors of that fight gathered at the National Navy UDT/SEAL Museum Thursday morning to celebrate their perseverance and courage.

"Without that man," said retired Army Maj. Richard Chapman, 65, of Fort Pierce pointing at former medic and retired Army Sgt. Richard Crawford, 69, of Lakeland, "I would not be here. He saved my life."

Although Chapman credits Crawford for heroism, it's Chapman, who co-piloted a helicopter for the 101st Airborne Division in that battle during the Vietnam War, who will receive a Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions later this year.
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Fort Pierce man to be awarded Distinguished Flying Cross