Airpower legend visits Laughlin

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  An American airpower legend visited Laughlin and spoke with some of America's newest pilots at Anderson Hall Nov. 16.

Oliver "Ollie" Crawford, a World War II P-40 fighter pilot, and all around 'Renaissance Man' spoke with Laughlin's latest class of pilots at their graduation ceremony before taking flight in a T-38 Talon with the 87th Flying Training Squadron.

"The pilots always fire me up," Crawford said, "Just being with them adds ten years to my life."

Crawford, a Texas native, has lived a life of service with a passion for flight, having flown nearly 100 different types of civilian and military aircraft.

After serving as a pilot in the Army Air Corp during World War II, Crawford went on to hold countless different positions and titles in a variety of fields and projects.

He has worked with world renowned publishing houses, Department of Defense contracting companies, been a private investor, business consultant and much more, all the while serving as a member of numerous military support organizations.

"I grew up in the depression, and I didn't set out to do so much in my life," he said. "I just did what I thought people should do."

His work has led to the design and development of a world class aviation and space learning center, aided Army recruitment efforts and spearheaded the construction of the Air Force Memorial in Washington D.C.

In celebration for his accomplishments and awards, Lt. Col. Oliver Bonney, 47th Operations Support Squadron director of operations and Crawford's grandson, invited the legend here to inspire the new graduates from Laughlin's Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training.

"He truly believes in strong airpower, and it is a corner stone of his life," said Bonney. "If there is anyone who can come out and motivate a new batch of pilots, it's him."

In addition to speaking, Crawford had the privilege of being flown in a T-38. While a far cry from his 2009 flight aboard a U-2 at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., which earned him the title of oldest to exceed the "Armstrong Limit", an altitude of 63,000 feet, the trip was no less special.

"Anytime I can get into an airplane is great time for me," Crawford said.

After landing, Crawford thanked Team XL for the opportunity to speak and soar through the skies over Laughlin before returning to San Antonio, Texas.

"It's been a great honor being here and I appreciate you all asking an old fighter like me to be here with you," Crawford said. "You are the future of the Air Force and we need you now more than ever."