August 13, 2004
Never Forget
On August 21, 1944, two B-24 bombers in a training squadron out of Pueblo, Colorado, crashed over the southern Colorado town of Model. Eighteen crewmen perished, including my uncle, Malcolm Robin Crawford.
Next week, on the 60th anniversary of the crash, a bronze plaque will be erected on the Model roadside. This memorial is due to the good efforts of the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway, the Trinidad Historical Society, and a gentleman named Larry Carpenter of Estes Park, Colorado.
Bob was my father's older brother, and his idol. At the time of Bob's death my father was in an Army Intelligence unit, supposedly based in Gander, Newfoundland, but conducting forays against German radio installations in Greenland. My uncle was 21. My father was 19.
Bob and Dad's younger brother is making the trip out for the dedication. I believe my brother is going as well. This is great stuff, and I wish my father was alive to see this fine acknowledgment rendered.
I think back to 1944, and the uncle I never met, and it jars me to realize my grandparents, at the relatively tender ages of 41 and 42, were burying their eldest son, had another in a war theater they knew not where, and a four year old running around. That is sacrifice I'll never know.
At any rate, I wish I could make the dedication, however I will make the trip to see the plaque as soon as possible. I'll also stop by Estes Park and shake the hand of Larry Carpenter, who was the true driving force behind this memorial.