Medal of Honor: Daniel D. Bruce – U.S. Marine Corps – Vietnam War
An explosive charge in the dark. He caught it — and carried it away from his Marines.
March 1, 2026
Name: Daniel D. Bruce
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Headquarters and Service Company, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Place: Fire Support Base Tomahawk, Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Chicago, Illinois
Born: 18 May 1950, Michigan City, Indiana
Summary of Action
In the early morning darkness at Fire Support Base Tomahawk, Private First Class Daniel D. Bruce stood watch in his night defensive position.
He heard movement ahead.
Seconds later, an enemy explosive charge arced toward his position.
He reacted instantly.
Catching the device, he shouted a warning to alert the Marines around him. He immediately recognized the danger — especially to the adjacent position occupied by two fellow Marines.
There was no time to throw it clear.
Clutching the explosive charge to his body, Bruce moved away from the entrenched Marines, attempting to carry the blast away from them.
As he stepped from the position, the charge detonated.
He absorbed the full force of the explosion.
His instantaneous decision and complete disregard for his own life saved three fellow Marines from certain death or grievous injury.
Private First Class Daniel D. Bruce’s indomitable courage, selfless devotion, and extraordinary valor reflect the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Medal of Honor Citation
BRUCE, DANIEL D.
