06/01/2026
Some heroes are known because Hollywood told part of their story. But Bruce Crandall’s real legacy was written in the lives he saved.
Portrayed by Greg Kinnear in We Were Soldiers, Medal of Honor Recipient Bruce “Snake” Crandall showed the world what courage looks like on November 14, 1965, during the Battle of Ia Drang. While Landing Zone X-Ray was under intense enemy fire, he kept flying in when others could not, helping evacuate more than 70 wounded soldiers alongside Major Ed Freeman.
For more than 16 hours, he returned again and again, even as helicopters were damaged, because his brothers needed him.
Today, our nation mourns his passing. We lost a man who risked everything so others could live. With his passing, our nation now has 63 living Medal of Honor recipients.
Rest easy, sir. Your courage, humility, and sacrifice will never be forgotten-Jason Boatwright
Personal note, was honored to host him at the HALO For Freedom Gala around 2015-2016. Really nice man.
