![]() When they touched down on their last flight, Major Crandall and Captain Freeman had spent more than 14 hours in the air. Yet he kept flying until every wounded man had been evacuated and every need of the battalion had been met. Two were damaged so badly they could not stay in the air. He made those flights knowing that he faced what was later described as an "almost unbelievably extreme risk to his life." Over the course of the day, Major Crandall had to fly three different choppers. Fourteen times he flew into what they called the Valley of Death. ![]() If Major Crandall had stopped here he would have been a hero. They carried out more of the wounded, even though medical evacuation was really not their mission. They delivered desperately needed supplies. In their unarmed choppers, they flew through a cloud of smoke and a wave of bullets. So Major Crandall decided to fly back into X-Ray. But he knew that soldiers on the ground were outnumbered and low on ammunition. At that point, he had fulfilled his mission. Major Crandall flew the men back to base, where the injuries could be treated. But instead of lifting off to safety, Major Crandall kept his chopper on the ground - in the direct line of enemy fire - so that four wounded soldiers could be loaded aboard. On Major Crandall's next flight, three soldiers on his helicopter were killed, three more were wounded. After several routine lifts into the area, the men on the ground came under a massive attack from the North Vietnamese army. On the morning of November 14, 1965, Major Crandall's unit was transporting a battalion of soldiers to a remote spot in the la Drang Valley, to a landing zone called X-Ray. His radio call sign was "Ancient Serpent 6," which his men shortened to "Old Snake." (Laughter.) Or sometimes, they used a more colorful nickname - (laughter) - which we better not pronounce. He earned their admiration with his remarkable control over a Huey. Two years later, he arrived in Vietnam as a major, and as a commanding officer in the 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion.Īs a leader, Major Crandall earned the respect of his men with his honesty and his humor. In 1963, he reported to Fort Benning to help lead a new unit that would become known as the air cavalry. His early career took him on mapping missions over Alaska, and North Africa, and Latin America. He was commissioned as an officer, trained as an aviator. (Laughter.) His dream was to be drafted by the New York Yankees. 612 for the league champs - I think we better check the scorecards. (Laughter.) A teacher once observed that he had "a unique ability to get into trouble and out of trouble without any trouble at all." (Laughter.) At Olympia High School, Bruce was named an All American in baseball. Growing up, Bruce was a gifted athlete and a bit of a handful. The journey that brought Bruce Crandall to this day began 74 years ago in Olympia, Washington. David Hicks, thank you for your blessings. I appreciate the family, friends and comrades of Bruce Crandall. I particularly want to say thanks and welcome to the Medal of Honor recipients who are with us today: Harvey "Barney" Barnum, Bob Foley, Jack Jacobs, Joe Marm, Bob Patterson, Al Rascon, Gordon Roberts and Brian Thacker. I thank all the other members of the military who joined us. Fran Harvey, Secretary of the Army General Pete Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Pete Schoomaker, Chief of Staff of the United States Army. Congressman Jim Marshall, Congressman Patrick Murphy, we are glad you're here. Congressman from Colonel Crandall's district. Congressman Norm Dicks, who happens to be the U.S. I appreciate members of the United States Congress who have joined us, starting with the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Ted Stevens, the Senator from Alaska. I appreciate the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Jim Nicholson, welcome. Secretary, you're always welcome here at the White House. I appreciate Secretary of Defense, Bob Gates, joining us today. And this afternoon, 41 years after his heroic actions in Vietnam, America recognizes Bruce Crandall with our highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. I'm especially pleased that some of Bruce's comrades have joined us.Īs an officer, Bruce always put his men before himself. (Laughter.) I also am glad that their three sons and three of their grandchildren are here. I congratulate you on 50 years of marriage. I welcome Bruce and his wife, Arlene, back to the White House. ![]() Today I am proud to bestow this medal on a daring pilot, a devoted soldier and a selfless leader, Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Crandall. This medal is awarded for actions above and beyond the call of duty. The medal is the highest military decoration a President can confer. Presenting the Medal of Honor is one of the great privileges for the President. I am pleased that you all are here on a very special day. President Bush awarding the Medal of Honor to retired Lt.Col. ![]()
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