Crosby receives Spirit of Freedom Award

Len Crosby of Post Falls is one of 16 Idahoans U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo recognized with the 2023 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award.

“I thank this year’s award recipients for their caring hearts and devotion to serving the Idaho veterans community," Crapo said, in a news release. "We must continue to show our gratitude to the men and women who bravely served our country.”

Crapo created the award in 2002 to recognize Idaho veterans and volunteers for their outstanding service to our country and its veterans. Since the award’s creation 21 years ago, 387 Spirit of Freedom Awards have been bestowed. 

The only Kootenai County resident to receive the award this year, Crosby was nominated for the honor by the Idaho Military Order of the Purple Heart. 

He served from 1964 through 1970 as a captain in the United States Army. He served as an Infantry Platoon Leader with the 4th Infantry Division and as Infantry Company Commander with the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army. He also served in the 5th Army Headquarters. 

Crosby received numerous medals and awards for his service. They include the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars for Valor, two Purple Hearts, an Army Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Ranger Tab, Air Assault Badge and Combat Medic’s Badge.  

After his military service, he worked for more than 45 years in real estate development and commercial banking and served in a number of leadership positions with national and international companies.  

Crosby is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Military Officers Association of America, Idaho Veterans Assistance League, American Legion Honor Guard, Kootenai County Veterans Commission, American Legion Post 154 and Disabled American Veterans. He and his wife, Mary, have two sons and two grandchildren.