Ed W. Freeman | |
|---|---|
 Freeman in 2001 | |
| Nickname(s) | Too Tall |
| Born | November 20, 1927 Neely, Mississippi |
| Died | August 20, 2008 (aged 80) Boise, Idaho |
| Buried | Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, Boise, Idaho |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Navy (1944–46) United States Army (1948–67) |
| Years of service | 1944–1946 1948–1967[1] |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Medal 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.