The Univerity of Washington - Seattle, WA
Visions of Valor returned to the Pacific Northwest in the spring of 2007, for a special exhibit at the University of Washington (UW).
Cullen White, President of the Associated Students of the University of Washington welcomed the group of active-duty military, veterans, students and members of the business community at a special ceremony on April 4. White gave a brief background on the UW’s long and proud history with the Medal of Honor; with the exception of military service academies, the UW has had more alumni receive the Medal of Honor than any other post-secondary institution. The UW Foundation had recently announced its fundraising efforts for an on-campus memorial to all seven MOH recipients who were UW alumni.
The event’s emcee, Vice Provost for Student Life Eric Godfrey, introduced the special guests, Medal of Honor recipients Tommy Norris, Bruce Crandall and UW alum John "Bud" Hawk.
Tommy Norris, a retired Navy SEAL, received his Medal of Honor for his integral role in the rescuing of two downed airmen in enemy territory during the Vietnam War. Following his military career, Norris achieved a life-long goal of joining the FBI. He now enjoys a much-deserved retirement in Idaho.
— C. Branch, Phoenix, AZ
On November 14, 1965, Bruce Crandall flew 22 missions in his assault helicopter, most under intense enemy fire, bringing much-needed ammunition and supplies to troops on the ground, and evacuating the wounded. A resident of nearby Manchester, WA, Crandall attended the UW before ultimately receiving his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska.
John "Bud" Hawk was wounded in the Falaise Pocket in France in 1943, but refused to be hospitalized, choosing to stay with his unit. After being wounded again, in Germany, he returned home to Washington and ultimately received his Medal of Honor in 1945 from President Harry Truman. Hawk later graduated from the UW and went on to teach in local elementary schools for 31 years.
TriWest President and CEO, David J. McIntyre, Jr., a native of the Seattle area, recognized each honored guest and congratulated the student committee on their dedication to building the Memorial. Earlier that day, on Kirby Wilbur’s KVI 570 AM radio broadcast, McIntyre announced TriWest’s $25,000 donation to the Memorial and challenged listeners to donate as well. In total, more than $15,000 was raised by listeners calling in that morning. During the Visions of Valor ceremony, Craig Stewart, president of the Apex Foundation, announced that Apex would match TriWest’s $25,000 donation to the UW Memorial. By the end of the day, the UW Foundation had reached nearly 90% of its fundraising goal.
The exhibit, which featured Medal of Honor recipients from the Pacific Northwest, remained on display through April 24 before moving across town to Seattle’s Museum of Flight.