This is the most fascinating and touching stories about the POW/MIA bracelet with my brother’s name on it. Dedication to cause and self a thousand times above and beyond, yet deep in the heart.
Paul Bartlett, a member of the Rattler-Firebird Association, who served in my brother’s Battalion and Company (a few years prior Herby’s tour) makes Heliplaques as seen here. He had just started this venture and when he heard that one of his own comrade’s remains were being buried he decided to honor him with a plaque for the family.
He had all the he needed to mount on the plaque except for a bracelet. He thought it sure would be nice to have the bracelet, and super to have one with Herby’s name on it. Like finding a needle in a hay stack. Who would know?
He searched the internet for POW/MIA bracelets and found the Ohio Chapter for the National League of Families and thought he’d start there. He dialed the number, a lady answered and he told her he was looking for a bracelet with a specific name on it. He told her he knew it would be a miracle to find it but he was going to try. She asked him what was the name he was looking for and he said, “Captain Herbert C Crosby.” She was silent for a split second and replied, “He’s on my wrist right now. I have his bracelet.”
Miracle answered right on the spot! The lady was Liz Flick, State and Regional Coordinator for the National League of Families (Ohio Chapter). She sent the bracelet to Paul. He mounted it on the plaque and presented it our family at Herby’s memorial service the evening before the funeral. I was, as all remaining family members, overwhelmed. We were overwhelmed with so much during this time. So many more stories. But back to this most important one.
Paul also gave me a note from her that tells her story about the bracelet which follows here.
My Connection with Captain Herbert Crosby, USA by Liz Flick
In 1972, with no relative serving in Southeast Asia, I purchased a POW/MIA bracelet from an organization called VIVA in California. The man whose name was on my bracelet returned home in February 1973 and I immediately purchased another bracelet. The name on this bracelet was Capt. Herbert Crosby, with a date of 1-10-70. I later learned he was a member of the United States Army.
I wore this bracelet continuously until his remains were returned a few months ago. The bracelet came off my arm only once when I had to have an MRI and, yes, I showered with him every day! I constantly fight with security people at airports and other locations who always want me to remove my bracelets. I refuse and promptly get “wanted” and patted down!
In 1973, I became friends with Jacqueline McGouldrick, and purchased a bracelet for her husband, Colonel Francis J. McGouldrick USAF, missing since 12-13-1968. He and Captain Crosby have “served” together on my arm all these years.
At a regional meeting in the Boston area many years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Crosby and showing her the bracelet I was wearing. I am so pleased to be able to return this bracelet to her and want her to know I have faithfully supported and worked for her son all these years.
She added: When I purchased my bracelet for Captain Crosby, I was not yet a citizen of the United States—became one in May of 1973. When I placed the first bracelet on my arm, I knew I wanted to do more than just wear a bracelet and went looking for a group in Ohio with whom I could work. I volunteered my services with [another lady], then coordinator for the Ohio Chapter POW/MIA.
In 1984, I was elected State Coordinator for Ohio, and later became a regional coordinator for the National League of POW/MIA Families—holding both positions ever since! The Ohio Chapter POW/MIA supports the League financially, and by distributing flags, T-shirts, bracelets, literature, etc. literally world wide. It seems I have become a full-time volunteer for the League! On top of running the Ohio Chapter, I also handle all registration material for the annual meeting in DC, as well as being dinner chairman for the event.
Through his bracelet, Captain Crosby has met some fantastic people over the years, and traveled over a good part of this globe. May he now rest in peace back in the land he loved.”
I can’t express how much her story touched me, and our family. The plaque is proudly displayed in my home along with other items given to us at the funeral and afterward. I see that bracelet every day. I tell this story to everyone I meet who ask about my brother.
From all the people who have given back a bracelet they had, Liz is the only one who wore it continuously until Herby’s return. Absolutely Amazing!!! Not even our family wore one every day. We all had a bracelet, some specially made for us, and wore them a lot, many times, but not continuously as she did.
Thank you Liz! Doesn’t seem enough, but thank you for caring, volunteering and never forgetting. You certainly deserve a Medal of Honor for your service to our country and our POW/MIAs. We will never forget you.
Firebird Nine One 