He was most noted for his time spent in the Arizona Territory under General George Crook in the United States Cavalry.

By 1860, the family had been split, with Emmet, Zachariah, and Jemima showing up in the 1860 census living separately but still in Philadelphia.

While Emmet continued to have contact with Charles and his mother, he only remained close to his brother Zachariah (or Zachary T Crawford).

The war's ending found Crawford assigned to the 13th Colored Artillery in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Crawford was recommended for retention of service and, in February 1866, accepted an appointment as second lieutenant in the 37th Colored Infantry in Wilmington, North Carolina.

In early summer 1876, the 3rd Cavalry under General George Crook was sent to Montana Territory as part of a three-pronged effort to force the Sioux back to the reservation.

In September 1882, General Crook assigned Crawford to San Carlos as military commandant, where he was to work with the civilian agent to maintain peace and help the Indians become self-supporting.

This led to Crawford's requesting a transfer to Texas, but a month later, he was recalled to deal with Geronimo.

The next morning started with an attack by Mexican irregular troops under the command of Mauricio Corredor at Teopari, District of Sahuaripa.

Corredor had shot and killed the Apache, Victorio, six years earlier at the Battle of Tres Castillos (29.91°N 105.82°W).

Dutchy, one of the Apache scouts, pulled the mortally wounded Crawford to safety, and then killed the Mexican who had shot him.

Crawford's death nearly sparked a second war between the United States and Mexico, but after an official hearing, no further action was taken.

Later, Crook stated his belief that if Crawford had not been killed, he would have been successful in obtaining Geronimo's surrender and ending the Apaches' bloody raids.

Crawford's body was exhumed and reburied in Kearney, Nebraska, where his younger brother Zachary lived.