Read this on fb and wanted to share.
We are saddened to announce that Colonel Bruce Perry Crandall, one of the most courageous helicopter pilots in history, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age of 93.
Born on February 17, 1933 in Olympia, Washington, Crandall enlisted in the US Army in 1953. He earned his fixed-wing and helicopter pilot qualifications by 1954 and went on to serve nearly a quarter century in uniform.
His moment of legendary heroism came on November 14, 1965, during the Battle of Ia Drang in South Vietnam, the first major battle of the Vietnam War. Then-Major Crandall was leading a formation of 16 unarmed UH-1 Huey helicopters into Landing Zone X-Ray when enemy fire became so intense that the ground commander ordered all incoming helicopters to abort.
Crandall went back in anyway.
Along with his wingman, Captain Ed "Too Tall to Fly" Freeman, Crandall flew 22 unescorted missions through walls of small arms fire, mortar rounds, and rocket-propelled grenades. They evacuated more than 70 wounded soldiers and delivered the ammunition and supplies that kept the trapped Americans alive through the night.
The battle was later chronicled in the bestselling book "We Were Soldiers Onceโฆ and Young" by Lt. Gen. Hal Moore and Joseph Galloway, and portrayed in the 2002 film "We Were Soldiers" with actor Greg Kinnear playing Crandall.
He flew more than 900 combat missions during two tours in Vietnam. In 1968, his helicopter was shot down and he was severely injured, but he recovered and returned to service. He retired from the US Army in 1977.
On February 26, 2007, more than four decades after the Ia Drang battle, President George W. Bush presented Crandall with the Medal of Honor at the White House.
He is survived by his three sons and five grandchildren. His wife of 54 years, Arlene, passed away in 2010.
May Colonel Bruce "Old Snake" Crandall rest in peace.
Thank you for your service. ๐บ๐ธ๐บ๐ธ๐บ๐ธ
Pc:Aviation circle on Fb.
@AnthonyM3360@James28071512@Excellentsalvic My Uncle was there and marched out by the mullah troops. He told me first hand what happened and how he got out. Other than that iโm not sure what you are referring to.
@NickRogersBTL Did that same drive heading West. As soon as you cross the State line you not only see the difference but can feel the darkness that has overtaken Colorado. Not to mention it will rattle your vehicle apart.
@MAGAVoice It is a Felony now. The horse is the same as an officer or a canine. Very by state but easy five years in prison. You have to have someone to prosecute.