AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Bruce P. Crandall for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 14 November 1965 in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as Aircraft Commander and Flight Commander of twenty-five UH-1D helicopters on a combat assault and volunteer medical evacuation mission. Major Crandall's flight was lifting troops on a search and destroy mission from Plei Me, Vietnam to a landing zone in the Ia Drang Valley, approximately ten miles to the west of Plei Me. Four successful airlifts had been completed with no enemy activity. On the fifth and final troop lift, the landing zone came under intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and rocket fire, as the first eight helicopters landed to discharge troops. The troops on Major Crandall's aircraft suffered six casualties, three wounded and three killed as they were exiting his aircraft. The remaining aircraft waiting to land were ordered to abort due to the intense fire. Upon returning to his base of operations, Major Crandall learned that a request for medical evacuation had been received. He immediately sought volunteers and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he immediately took off and led two aircraft to the area despite the fact that the landing zone was still under intensive enemy fire. He landed and proceeded to supervise the loading of the seriously wounded soldiers aboard his aircraft. Major Crandall's bravery and daring courage to land under the most extreme hostile fire instilled in the pilots the will and spirit to continue to land in the landing zone under intense enemy fire and in the ground forces the realization that friendly wounded would be promptly evacuated. This greatly enhanced morale and will to fight at a critical time. After his first medical evacuation, Major Crandall continued to fly into and out of the landing zone throughout the day and into the early evening. He completed fourteen landings on medical evacuation and resupply missions under intense enemy fire and his helicopter oftentimes being the target of fire. He retired from the battlefield only after all possible service had been rendered to the infantry troops.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Bruce P. Crandall extraordinary heroism and gallantry while participating in aerial flight. Major Crandall distinguished himself by heroism in action on 23 March 1967, while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 229th Aviation Battalion (assault helicopter) during an emergency extraction of a heavily engaged infantry unit near An Khe, Republic of Vietnam. While performing the extraction, the first two lift helicopters of his flight came under heavy enemy fire. As the hostile fire became more intense, Major Crandall, with complete disregard for his own safety, maneuvered his aircraft between the enemy positions and the landing zone, enabling the small friendly force to be boarded. Although his aircraft was receiving enemy hits, Major Crandall placed accurate suppressive fire on the +hostile force, which allowed the lift helicopters to safely depart the area. Major Crandall's display of personal bravery and concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army