After 43 years my brother, Capt. Herbert C Crosby has received the Purple Heart, posthumously. His helicopter went down January 10, 1970. He and his Firebird Nine One crew were MIA. His remains along with his crew were all eventually identified, and buried in American soil. It took 37 years for Herby to finally be identified, a long 37 years for our family. However, we are one of the lucky families, a success story for the National League of Families. Many are still MIA, but they are not forgotten. No, not forgotten then, and not now.
The award was presented to Capt. Crosby’s 94-year old mother on March 28, 2013. She was happy to know he received the award for his ultimate sacrifice. She said, “I wish it were him instead of this. He deserved it though. Took them [Army] long enough.” Yes, he did deserve it.
The U.S. Army Memorandum stated,
“We have determined that Captain Crosby is entitled to the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60” Device and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device.”
The family is in the process of obtaining the additional medals he is entitled to.
US Army Capt. Tweedy, Marylou, and Mom
Firebird Nine One 