United States Army Officer
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Key moments and achievements from Bruce Crandall's life.
Bruce was born
· Tempe, Arizona, United States
Award
Recognized as a high school standout in Olympia, Washington. He dreamed of playing for the New York Yankees and later attended the University of Washington on a baseball scholarship before being drafted into the Army.
Award
Recognized as a high school standout in Olympia, Washington. He dreamed of playing for the New York Yankees and later attended the University of Washington on a baseball scholarship before being drafted into the Army.
Promotion
Commissioned as an officer after graduating from Engineer Officer Candidate School. This marked his transition from a student athlete to a professional soldier, leading to his training as a pilot and instructor.
Promotion
Commissioned as an officer after graduating from Engineer Officer Candidate School. This marked his transition from a student athlete to a professional soldier, leading to his training as a pilot and instructor.
Combat Action
Led 16 helicopters into a landing zone under heavy enemy fire to evacuate wounded soldiers. He completed 22 missions and saved more than 70 men, switching aircraft three times after two helicopters were disabled.
Combat Action
Led 16 helicopters into a landing zone under heavy enemy fire to evacuate wounded soldiers. He completed 22 missions and saved more than 70 men, switching aircraft three times after two helicopters were disabled.
Injury
His helicopter was shot down during a rescue attempt, resulting in a broken back. This event effectively ended his combat flying career after he had completed over 900 missions during two tours of duty.
Injury
His helicopter was shot down during a rescue attempt, resulting in a broken back. This event effectively ended his combat flying career after he had completed over 900 missions during two tours of duty.
Retirement
Retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after more than two decades of service. He subsequently moved into civilian administration, serving in city management roles in California and Arizona.
Retirement
Retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after more than two decades of service. He subsequently moved into civilian administration, serving in city management roles in California and Arizona.
Film Release
The film 'We Were Soldiers' was released, featuring actor Greg Kinnear as Crandall. The movie brought his heroic actions at Landing Zone X-Ray to a global audience and renewed interest in his military service.
Film Release
The film 'We Were Soldiers' was released, featuring actor Greg Kinnear as Crandall. The movie brought his heroic actions at Landing Zone X-Ray to a global audience and renewed interest in his military service.
Award
Received the nation's highest military award from President George W. Bush at the White House. During the same year, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel, 41 years after his actions in Vietnam.
Award
Received the nation's highest military award from President George W. Bush at the White House. During the same year, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel, 41 years after his actions in Vietnam.
Bruce Crandall passed away
