FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Ed "Too Tall" Freeman ~ 10 May 2021

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[Kathy in Alaska]

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~ Hall of Heroes ~

Ed W "Too Tall" Freeman

Info from this website.

           

Ed W. "Too Tall" Freeman (November 20, 1927 - August 20, 2008) was a United States Army fixed and rotary wing aircraft pilot who received the Medal of Honor on July 16, 2001 for his actions in the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965. As a helicopter pilot, he flew through gunfire more than 20 times during a single, ferocious battle, bringing supplies to a trapped battalion of United States soldiers and flying more than 70 wounded soldiers to safety. Freeman flew wingman for Major Bruce Crandall who also received the Medal of Honor for the same missions. He is also honored in the film "We Were Soldiers" and is played by Mark McCracken.

Freeman died August 20, 2008 due to complications from parkinsons disease.

Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Captain Ed W. Freeman, United States Army, distinguished himself by numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on 14 November 1965 while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). As a flight leader and second in command of a 16-helicopter lift unit, he supported a heavily engaged American infantry battalion at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. The unit was almost out of ammunition after taking some of the heaviest casualties of the war, fighting off a relentless attack from a highly motivated, heavily armed enemy force. When the infantry commander closed the helicopter landing zone due to intense direct enemy fire, Captain Freeman risked his own life by flying his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire time after time, delivering critically needed ammunition, water and medical supplies to the besieged battalion. His flights had a direct impact on the battle's outcome by providing the engaged units with timely supplies of ammunition critical to their survival, without which they would almost surely have gone down, with much greater loss of life. After medical evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area due to intense enemy fire, Captain Freeman flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing life-saving evacuation of an estimated 30 seriously wounded soldiers -- some of whom would not have survived had he not acted. All flights were made into a small emergency landing zone within 100 to 200 meters of the defensive perimeter where heavily committed units were perilously holding off the attacking elements. Captain Freeman's selfless acts of great valor, extraordinary perseverance and intrepidity were far above and beyond the call of duty or mission and set a superb example of leadership and courage for all of his peers. Captain Freeman's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission!

[luvie]

Sometimes patience is tough. :)

[radu]

Patience is ALWAYS tough. LOL

[E.G.C.]

A very pleasant good Monday morning and ((HUGS)) to everyone at the Canteen and to all our military at home and abroad. Thanks for your service to our country.

How's everyone doing this morning?

[radu]

Howdy, E.G.C. ((HUGZ))

Did you and Gizmo have another fun trip to the lake yesterday? KFC or Sonic for supper?

[E.G.C.]

We had a great visit to Comanche Lake. Yesterday was Sonic Drive Inn Day. Here are the Comanche Lake pics from yesterday:

[SkyDancer]

Whoo!!

[left that other site]

I will be getting a rental today, which is a good thing because it’s Monday, my Hundred-Mile Day, and it’s RAINING.

[luvie]

Howdy, EGC! (((hugs))) So glad y'all had fun at the lake.
I haven't been to Sonic in such a long time.
They make a yummy grilled cheese sammich!
My fave...Gizmo has such a sweet face! 🤎

[luvie]

Goooood mornin' Early Birds!
It's so nice and cool here...58!
Waaay better than the 98 from Saturday! Ugh!
This whole week will be cooler.
I intend to enjoy it while I can.
Hope y'all have the weather you want.
Y'all all have a Mahv'lus Monday!
...and a Wonderful Week!
((((hugs))))

[luvie]

Mine...all mine!!

[dsc]

Too Tall. Now there was a man.

“And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.”