SSGT Seeber Crawford

At 7:30 hours on Christmas Day, 18 German tanks, supported by infantry from the 77th Grenadier Regiment, smashed through the positions of Able and Baker Companies, 3rd Battalion, 327th Glider Infantry Regiment (the 1st Battalion, 401st Glider Infantry Regiment was attached to the 327th as its 3rd Battalion). The enemy then headed through the forest in the direction of Champs and Chateau Rolle, where the Screaming Eagles of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment were holding the line. After a hard-fought battle, it turned out to be another failed attempt of the Germans to make a breakthrough and reach Bastogne.

That day, December 25, 1944, SSGT Seeber “Buck” Crawford of Able Company was killed in action. When the enemy tanks and accompanying infantry broke through the front line, SSGT Crawford was hit by small arms fire while he himself was firing at the enemy. He died instantly.

Another Screaming Eagle had soared to the ultimate height. 🦅

Born in Lake Butler, Union County, Florida, on May 16, 1917, SSGT Crawford died at the age of 27. He left behind his mother, Mrs. Daisy (Brannen) Crawford, four sisters, and a brother. Two other sisters and one brother had died in infancy. His father, John D. Crawford, had passed away in 1927.

SSGT Seeber Crawford was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery, Grand Failly, France, at Plot I, Row 12, Grave 284. He rests eternally at Midway Cemetery in his hometown of Lake Butler. He was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal.

Lest we forget! 🇺🇸

The sources used for this article are known to the author and available on request.