Bruce P. Crandall

Bruce Perry Crandall is a retired United States Army officer who served as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. He is most famous for his actions on November 14, 1965, during the Battle of Ia Drang, where he flew 22 missions in an unarmed Bell Huey helicopter into intense enemy fire. His courage allowed for the evacuation of over 70 wounded soldiers and the delivery of critical ammunition and supplies to besieged U.S. forces, actions that were later portrayed in the film We Were Soldiers.

Throughout his service in the Vietnam War, Crandall flew more than 900 combat missions. His extraordinary valor during the Battle of Ia Drang ultimately led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States military's highest decoration for valor. In addition to his primary combat actions, his career was marked by numerous achievements and command positions within military aviation.

After a distinguished career, Crandall retired from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel. Following his military retirement, he worked in public administration and safety roles across several states before returning to his home state of Washington and later settling in Arizona, continuing to represent the legacy of the Medal of Honor.