Ed Freeman

Ed W. Freeman
Freeman in 2001
Nickname(s)Too Tall
Born(1927-11-20)November 20, 1927
Neely, Mississippi
DiedAugust 20, 2008(2008-08-20) (aged 80)
Boise, Idaho
Buried
Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, Boise, Idaho
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Navy (1944–46)
United States Army (1948–67)
Years of service1944–1946
1948–1967[1]
RankMajor
UnitCompany A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
Battles/wars
AwardsMedal of Honor
Distinguished Flying Cross (3)
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Air Medal (16)

Ed W. "Too Tall" Freeman (November 20, 1927 – August 20, 2008) was a United States Army helicopter pilot who received the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War. During the battle, he flew through machine gunfire 14 times, bringing supplies to a trapped American battalion and flying dozens of wounded soldiers to safety. Freeman was a wingman for Major Bruce Crandall who also received the Medal of Honor for the same missions.

  1. ^ "Veteran Tributes".