Pilot Gets Medal of Honor 41 Years Later
WASHINGTON (AP) - Bruce Crandall was a soldier once … and young.
As a 32-year-old helicopter pilot, he flew through a gantlet of enemy fire, taking ammunition in and wounded Americans out of one of the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War, Army records say.
Now, a week after his 74th birthday, Crandall will receive the nation’s highest military honor Monday in a White House ceremony with President Bush.
“I’m still here,” he said of his 41-year-wait for the Medal of Honor. “Most of these awards are posthumous, so I can’t complain.”
Crandall’s actions in the November 1965 Battle at Ia Drang Valley were depicted in the Hollywood movie “We Were Soldiers,” adapted from the book “We Were Soldiers Once … And Young.”
At the time, Crandall was a major commanding a company of the 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).
Full Story Here:
Pilot Gets Medal of Honor 41 Years Later
Congratulations to you Maj. Crandall, you guys earned any recognition you can get, even if it is 40 years over due… Better late than never, and as you said, at least you’re still alive to receive it… And to receive the CMH?? That is awesome…
February 24th, 2007 at 10:29 am
better late than never. awesome post.
February 24th, 2007 at 11:03 am
Vietnam Vets in general should be proud that one of their own was finally recognized this many years later. I worry about the fading history of this country and previous wars that we have fought and died in as a nation…
My father was served with the First Cavalry, air mobile, he’s currently in Chicago helping my step mother fight breast cancer. I’ll email him this story. May know or heard of this gentleman/hero.
That’s his favorite movie. I’ve said it before but gets overlooked. My old man served in that conflict, hes lucky to be alive. He just goes on and on about how good of a man that officer was in real life that Mel Gibson played.
Definately better late than never great post…
February 24th, 2007 at 11:07 am
I guess thats the same guy? if it is he knew him them I couldnt remember his name…
This will make his day.
February 24th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
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