An 'American Hero'
COEUR d'ALENE — Len Crosby's military service in the Army from 1964 to 1970 was marked, literally, by courage under fire.
Consider just some of his awards: Silver Star; two Bronze Stars for Valor; two Purple Hearts; Army Commendation Medal; Air Assault Badge; Combat Medic’s Badge and Soldier’s Medal.
During his career, he was infantry platoon leader with the 4th Infantry Division; infantry company commander with the 101st Airborne Division; served in the 5th Army Headquarters; two tours of duty in Vietnam, participating in the Tet Offensive; wounded twice, once by shrapnel and once by an enemy sniper.
It explains why the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber, along with presenting sponsor Idaho Central Credit Union, named the Post Falls man the Military Hero of the Year for the American Heroes Parade in Coeur d'Alene on July Fourth.
Crosby, while pleased, said the honor doesn't belong to him alone.
"I don't think it's mine," he said Monday.
Rather, he said it's for all veterans, who have served and are serving, to be recognized for their service to the country.
"I take this as a representative of those people," he said.
Linda Coppess, president and CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber, said Crosby's numerous accomplishments, combined with his love for the community and service to fellow veterans, made him the perfect choice for the award.
"He is a treasure in our community, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor," she said.
A press release described Crosby "as a tireless advocate for veterans," playing a pivotal role in bringing the Post Falls Veterans Home to the area.
His post-military career was equally impressive.
He worked nearly 50 years in real estate development and commercial banking and held leadership positions with national and international companies.
He also served on local and state commissions and nonprofit boards and has been active in organizations such as the Military Order of the Purple Heart, 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.
Crosby said he volunteered to go to Vietnam and had the privilege of leading infantry and airborne divisions.
"All the accommodations I received are really a result of the men I served with and their bravery," Crosby said. "I was there to give them some direction and protect them as best I could."
Crosby and his wife, Mary, have two sons and two grandchildren.
"We chose Len Crosby as our military hero for the extensive role he played in getting the Post Falls Veterans Home to our area to help our aging and infirm veterans get the care they so well deserve," said Roxanne Kusler, ICCU community development officer.
The American Heroes Parade begins at 10 a.m. July Fourth in downtown Coeur d'Alene.
Len Crosby was named the "Military Hero of the Year" for the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber's American Heroes Parade on July Fourth.