By the time Ed W. Freeman was deployed to Vietnam in 1965, he was already an experienced helicopter pilot and was appointed second-in-command of a unit of 16 helicopters. He served as a captain in Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Captain Freeman’s bravery on November 14, 1965, distinguished him with numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry.