Major Bruce P. Crandall's Valor at Ia Drang

Major Bruce P. Crandall demonstrated extraordinary heroism as a Flight Commander in Vietnam while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On November 14, 1965, his flight of sixteen helicopters was tasked with transporting troops for a search and destroy mission from Plei Me to Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley. During the fourth troop lift, enemy fire began targeting the airlift. By the time Crandall's aircraft refueled and returned for the next lift, the enemy had zeroed in on the landing zone.

As Crandall and the first group of eight helicopters landed on the fifth lift, they were met with intense enemy fire, prompting the ground commander to abort the second flight of eight helicopters. Returning to Plei Me, Crandall recognized that the infantry battalion was in dire need of ammunition. In response, he adjusted his base of operations to Artillery Firebase Falcon, reducing the distance for delivering supplies and evacuating the wounded.

Although medical evacuation was not part of his mission, Crandall, displaying complete disregard for his own safety, immediately volunteered for the task. He led two helicopters into Landing Zone X-Ray, still under heavy enemy fire, and personally supervised the evacuation of seriously wounded soldiers. His courageous decision to land under such extreme conditions inspired the other pilots to follow his lead and assured the ground forces that they would receive crucial supplies and medical evacuation.

Throughout the day and into the evening, Crandall flew a total of 22 missions, most under intense enemy fire, only leaving the battlefield after providing all possible support to the infantry battalion. His selfless actions ensured the critical resupply of ammunition and the evacuation of wounded soldiers. Major Crandall's bravery and leadership in the face of overwhelming enemy forces embody the highest traditions of military service, bringing great honor to himself, his unit, and the United States Army.