He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on 26 September 1951 and underwent recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina.

Upon completion of his training, he was assigned to the 1st Marine Division in Korea, where he served as a rifleman and artillery man until July 1953.

In June 1956, Crawford was assigned to his first tour of duty as a drill instructor at Parris Island where he remained until October 1958.

He returned to drill instructor duty, this time at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, until February 1964.

Crawford joined the 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa in February 1965, and the following month sailed for Vietnam.