Medal of Honor: Bruce P. Crandall – Vietnam War, November 14, 1965

Bruce Perry Crandall
Major, U.S. Army
Conflict: Vietnam War
Unit: Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
Date of Action: November 14, 1965
Location: Landing Zone X-Ray, Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action:
In the crucible of the Ia Drang Valley — the first major battle between U.S. forces and the North Vietnamese Army — one man flew into hell, not once, but over and over again.

On November 14, 1965, Major Bruce P. Crandall led a flight of sixteen helicopters tasked with inserting American troops into Landing Zone X-Ray. During the fourth lift, the enemy unleashed a storm of firepower. By the time Crandall’s aircraft returned for the fifth wave, the enemy had zeroed in, turning the LZ into a death trap. When the second wave was aborted under direct fire, Crandall knew the troops on the ground were now cut off — low on ammo, surrounded, and bleeding.

He made a choice. He wouldn’t abandon them.

Relocating his base of operations to the closer Artillery Firebase Falcon, Crandall reduced turnaround time and immediately began flying resupply and medevac missions — despite medevac being outside his assigned role. Under heavy and accurate fire, he descended again and again into the cauldron, personally supervising the evacuation of the wounded. Where others hesitated, he led.

Through 22 flights over the course of the day — nearly all under fire — Crandall kept the lifeline open. His helicopter became the only link between the embattled infantry and survival. His courage inspired others to return to the sky. His actions saved countless lives.

When night fell over the valley, the battle was far from over. But thanks to Bruce Crandall, those left fighting had ammo in their rifles, hope in their hearts, and wounded brothers already on their way home.

Medal of Honor Citation:
*"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Major Bruce P. Crandall distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism as a Flight Commander in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On 14 November 1965, during the battle of the Ia Drang Valley, his flight of sixteen helicopters was lifting troops for a search and destroy mission from Plei Me to Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley.

After successfully completing the first four troop lifts, the enemy began to direct intense fire at the landing zone. The first eight helicopters of the fifth troop lift came under such devastating fire that the ground commander ordered the second eight to abort the mission. When Major Crandall learned that the ground commander urgently needed more ammunition, he took immediate action to meet the need. He adjusted his base of operations to a closer location, which enabled him to carry out resupply missions and medical evacuations.

Although medical evacuation was not his mission and his helicopter was not equipped for it, he began extracting the wounded. He made flight after flight under withering fire, in which his unarmed helicopter was hit repeatedly. His actions greatly inspired the men of the 1st Cavalry Division and resulted in saving the lives of many soldiers. His extraordinary heroism and selflessness are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."*