You’re an 18 or 19 year old kid.
You’re critically wounded,
and dying in the jungle in the
Ia Drang Valley, 11-14-1965.
LZ Xray, Vietnam.
Your Infantry Unit is outnumbered 8 – 1,
and the enemy fire is so intense,
from 100 or 200 yards away,
that your own Infantry Commander
has ordered the Medi-Vac helicopters to stop coming in.
You’re lying there,
listening to the enemy machine guns,
and you know you’re not getting out.
Your family is 1/2 way around the world,
12,000 miles away,
and you’ll never see them again.
As the world starts to fade in and out,
you know this is the day.
Then, over the machine gun noise,
you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter,
and you look up to see a Huey,
but it doesn’t seem real,
because no Medi-Vac markings are on it.
Ed Freeman is coming for you.
He’s not Medi-Vac, so it’s not his job,
but he’s flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire,
after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come.
He’s coming anyway.
And he drops it in,
and sits there in the machine gun fire,
as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.
Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire,
to the Doctors and Nurses.
And, he kept coming back…… 13 more times…..
and took about 30 of you and your buddies out,
who would never have gotten out.
Medal of Honor Winner Ed Freeman died yesterday Aug 20
at 80, in Boise, ID.
None of that is Hollywood fiction!
God Bless Ed Freeman.
——————————–
Medal of Honor
FREEMAN, ED W.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion,
First Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
Place and date: Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam, 14 November 1965
Born: 1928
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, First 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 infantry 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 underseige 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 experienced a 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 estimates 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.
—————————————-
Bush awards Medal of Honor to Vietnam helicopter pilot
WASHINGTON (CNN) — President Bush on Monday, July 16, 2001, presented the nation’s highest military honor to an Army chopper pilot who is credited with evacuating wounded soldiers and delivering supplies to a battle zone during the Vietnam War.
Thirty-six years ago, Capt. Ed W. Freeman, a flight leader and second-in-command of a 16-helicopter lift unit, flew his unarmed helicopter through enemy fire to deliver ammunition, water and medical supplies to an infantry battalion engaged in battle in what was then the Republic of Vietnam.
“He served his country and his comrades to the fullest, rising above and beyond anything the Army or the nation could have ever asked,” Bush said.
The president draped the Medal of Honor around the neck of Freeman, of Boise, Idaho, in a brief ceremony before other medal winners, Freeman’s family, government officials and members of Congress.
According to the citation, Freeman “supported a heavily engaged American infantry battalion” in the la Drang Valley.
The infantry 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,” the citation reads.
“When the infantry commander closed the helicopter landing zone, due to intense direct enemy fire, Capt. Freeman risked his own life.”
According to the citation, “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 experienced a much greater loss of life.”
The citation said 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.”
Monday’s ceremony was the first time Bush has handed out the Medal of Honor.
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33 Comments, Comment or Ping
Nolan Raborn
God bless men like Captain Ed Freeman. There are not nearly enough of them left in this once great nation and we dearly need more of them. Rest in peace Captain.
Brad B. Rininger
Captain Ed Freeman is a Man whom in spite of policial wars turned ugly and physical, chose to ignor all improprieties, wrong motives and wrong doing and unfairness, but to elevate the importance of life even beyond his own. Long shall he live in heaven aside the one he so rightfully portrayed. God bless Mr. Captain Ed Freeman and his family.
Brad
ron langley
truely an american hero and there were many.
Tom Barrett
Can anyone out there send me an Ed Freeman bracelet? I have two other bracelets, but this would have the greatest meaning.
Tom Barrett
32275 SW Arbor Lake Drive
Wilsonville, OR 97070
Thank you.
Homer R. Steedly Jr.
I have talked to several helicopter pilots and their crew members who flew for me in Vietnam. They all thought we grunts were the brave, heroic ones. Let me correct that! We were hidden, often below ground, out of direct sight and fire. You guys were up in the air, where every enemy soldier could clearly see and shoot at you. YOU ARE THE HEROES!!! God bless each and every one of you.
Bravo and Delta Companies 1st of the 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, August 1968 – March 1970. We owe you our very lives.
Robert Granger
Having served with Capt. Steedly on Hill 467, there are a large number of us grunts that would not be enjoing life, if it were not for the brave pilots and crews of those ships.
May good bless them all.
Darryl Curtis
My father served in Vietnam with honor and was wounded three times. I am sure it was brave men like the Captain who brought him to safety. I truly admire honor, but I believe it was the Captain’s love for his fellow comrades which motivated him to display such intense courage. I only wish that given the cicumstances I could show such love for my comrades. May God bless the Captain and his family.
Jerome Taylor
We give thanks to God Almighty, for the men and women who put others before themselves. Thank you, and God’s Presence always be with you.
God cares for you.
Al Snider
Thank the LORD there were men like Captain Ed Freeman, he was a true hero. I’m glad we have men like him and many more of them serving everyday in the United States Military. This makes me proud to be a citizen of the United States of America. We are all proud of selfless men like Capt. Freeman, may he live forever in our hearts and minds. God bless him.
Rich Peterson
Ed knew there was a job to do and it was up to him to do it. He was selfless. So many in our society are selfish instead. Ed was and is a great role model. Thanks Ed.
Bud Seamon
Thank You and God Bless You Sir
SFC Aaron Jesko
CPT Ed Freeman is a man who reflects all that is good in man. An innate sense of being like our creator and His son Jesus. I know that there are brave men and women who give so much of themselves for this country. May God Bless them with His grace and mercy. There is NO greater gift than a man who is “willing” to lay his life down for others. May God’s will be done.
RICK CASTINADO, CALIF
I just received an e-mail about ED Freeman,a true AMERICAN HERO In a world that we live in today, we need more people like ED. This was a man of god who risk his life for others GOD BLESS HIM !
Nathan Bennett
He died in 2008, but I’m still seeing this e-mail a lot lately. God Bless Ed Freeman.
Tom Greer
God bless Ed. I want to share this story with the local newspaper here in Belen, NM, with NBC and Fox News and the ABQ Journal as Ed represents the character of a true American who gave unselfishly to others.
A better story doesn’t exist for the upcoming Memorial Day.
Brent Bachman
A simple man who did special things, a true American hero. Another
brother called home to eternal rest. God Bless you Ed Freeman, Rest In Peace with the Lord.
Sue Macdonald
God Bless Ed and his family. Truly a hero, someone just sent me this story and i just felt the need to comment on such a self-less man and to say thanks.
Troy Morrison
In today’s world some think that a sports star is a Hero. Here’s to a true Hero, ” God Bless Ed Freeman and His Family
Stephen Lepki
God must have created Ed in his own image, for as his son offered up his life to save others, so did you. May God be your co-pilot on your final flight to be eternally with the Creator. It would have been a blessing to have met you. Forever will your memory be with us.God Bless Ed’s Family.
Armand Rossetti
I remember once while riding a horse, I stopped to rest and tied the horse in a grove. After a while, I heard stamping hooves. The horse was surrounded by hundreds of hornets. My first impulse was to save the horse, so I ran toward it, not caring about the swarming hornets. A friend of mine warned me not to go into the grove, but to leave the horse there. I did not take heed, but ran in, grabbed the reins and led the horse to safety. Providence was with me, because I did not receive one sting, and the hornets did not follow us.
With all of that said, I showed a mere fraction of the courage that Ed Freeman displayed, but I do remember that horses look of relief when he was out of trouble. The thanks that those soldiers felt when Ed save them was as priceless Ed’s selfless act.
When I think of all of the praise we so lightly trhow at public figures and personalities these days, I feel so badly that people dod not realize who the true heroes are. Ed Freeman was one of those rare heroes.
God will always hold men like Ed in the highest esteem as human beings.
Elizabeth Boles
Truly a great man.
calvin pidgeon
“Too Tall”, a warrior, a patriot, he served his fellow man, and defended his friends. he is a brother to those who wore the uniform in vietnam. Mr.freeman fought communism, not all who were called to do so, went. i thank you Ed, and to your love one’s and friends, i’m sure that you are all proud of him. i’m a native american veteran, and the next pow-wow i go to, when they honor the veterans, i will along with all the other veterans there, remember and honor Ed “Too Tall” Freeman. american patriot, warrior , CO A 229th AHB. wa-do.
Bob Camp
Mr Freeman was a truely blessed man. Blessed with the compassion and courage to help his fellow man in need.The people whom he knew were blessed to know such a wonderful person.
Those acts don’t come from training, but from the heart, truely compassion for fellow man.
The world was very lucky to have a man like Mr. Freeman and thanks to his family for sharing him with the world. He is truely a natural hero.
May he rest in peace.
Andree
My brother was killed in Afghanistan in August of O9. The tour before the one he was killed, several members of a fellow team were trapped in a valley under heavy enemy fire. The rest of the men were ordered to abort. My brother committeed what the army deemed “mutiny” at the time. He and several others on his team disobeyed command and saved the men who were pinned down. His team was disbanded and they were sent home. It wasn’t until after his death that he recieved that bronze medal. Amen to the soldiers who truly take Libre de Opresse to heart. Sev is having a beer with Too Tall in heaven tonight. Two men of honor made of the same mold. Two true American Heroes.
Jim Hittle
God Bless you “Too Tall”, and may you rest in peace. Same goes to all those who served and are currently serving. This great nation only remains great because of people like you.
Brian LaBonte
Thanks Ed
peggy o'neil
it is true you don’t hear of hero’s like ed freeman, those hero’s you do not hear about. the one’s that save a life and risk there own, but you sure hear about people like micheal jackson. dont get me wrong, it was a shame how m.j died but ed freeman saved our service man and he should of been rewarded then when he did his service with our country not years later. the people that serve our country do not get the credit that they should. i love them all and thank them very much for giving me a safe country.
Bernice Banks
It’s January, 20l0, and I’m just now reading about Captain Ed Freeman. What a wonderful hero he is! I’m so happy that President Bush awarded him the highest of all honors. My thanks to his family; how proud they must be!
Lynda Larkin
Many thanks to an American unsung hero!
ermond nathanson
thanks ed freeman you saved a lot of good men just like patton at bastone we need more of you rip you earned it yours truly ermond nathanson
Judy Swanger
It is so inspiring to be reminded of brave, dedicated, unselfish heros like Ed Freeman. The pettiness in our lives today pales in the light of such courage. Thank you sir.
Sharon McKeever
I cried when I read the article on Captain Ed Freeman. What determination to save our soldiers. Thank you for your bravery. I will continue to pray for our soldies,their families and the sacarifices that they make.
Wes Hazlett
Medal of Honor recipient Ed Freeman exemplifies what is great about America. What a luxury to have this hero as a role model for our kids.
Reply to “In memory of Ed Freeman. Medal of Honor winner.”