He was born in So Paulo, So Paulo, Brazil on July 5, 1998. . Bruces loving family includes his wife, Marge, children: Jill (Art) Cox of Columbia, Missouri, John (Sue) of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Jane (Tim) Zuck of Appleton, Wisconsin, and Jack (Amy) of De Pere, Wisconsin. Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls. His actions provided critical resupply of ammunition and evacuation of the wounded. It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. [3] He was initially awarded the Distinguished Service Cross,[7] but this was upgraded to the Medal of Honor, awarded by President George W. Bush in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on February 26, 2007. [11], Crandall was inducted into the United States Air Force's "Gathering of Eagles" in 1994, one of only seven Army aviators so honored,[9] and the Army Aviation Hall of Fame in 2004. He also identified the grave sites of nearly all the members of the 114th New York State Volunteer Infantry (his great-grandfathers regiment) and those of the 124th New York State Volunteers - the Orange Blossoms of local fame. Save my name for the next time I comment. He served as the City Treasurer for 14 years. Friends may call Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls. call Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Goshen. Born to Dorothy (Taylor) and Joseph Crandall, Bruce was proud to hail from the small town of Earlville, New York. In a display of great inner strength and resiliency, Bruce chose to teach middle school social studies. [10], Crandall has received the following military decorations:[3]. Photos from the Festival of the Arts in OKC. Love Theresa Oakman, Sending love and prayers during this difficult time and as Uncle Bruce transitions. Online remembrances may be made by visiting www.carletonfuneralhome.net. He joined First National Bank in West Union in 1964. Bruces greatest love was his family. Bruce was known as a strong, quiet, gentle giant of a man, and his presence will be greatly missed. He had twelve grandchildren: Jordan (Ashley) Cox, Taylor and Carter Cox, Shaelee Crandall, Kate, Bennett, and Wilson Zuck, Jessie, Jennie, Josie, Michael and Max Crandall. This corruption forced the development of his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, and instilled in him the optimism and enthusiasm that became essential parts of his personality. Visitation will be Friday, December 15, from 5-7 pm at the United Methodist Church, West Union, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Saturday. After his first medical evacuation, Major Crandall continued to fly into and out of the landing zone throughout the day and into the evening. "It was the longest day I ever experienced in any aircraft," he said. Early in his life, he played the drums in a Major Crandall then decided to adjust his base of operations to Artillery Firebase Falcon in order to shorten the flight distance to deliver ammunition and evacuate wounded soldiers. A gathering Bruce was a friend to all and loved by all. Sign up to get the most recent local obituaries delivered to your inbox. His next overseas tours were flying over thousands of square miles of previously unmapped mountains and jungles in Central and South America. The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to all who went above and beyond to provide comfort and ease at this very difficult time. He spent five months in the hospital recovering from a broken back and other injuries, then resumed his career as a student at the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1969. Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. Bruce graduated from Earlville Central School in the class of 1960, was captain of the basketball team and a proud trumpet-playing member of the marching band, dance band,and brass ensemble. On 14 November 1965, his flight of sixteen helicopters was lifting troops for a search and destroy mission from Plei Me, Vietnam, to Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley. Crandall served as an aviation consultant during filming in 2001. As Major Crandall flew back to Plei Me, his base of operations, he determined that the ground commander of the besieged infantry battalion desperately needed more ammunition. Roy Gene Edwards. Born in Olympia. Bruce eventually identified and traced the final resting places of over 3,200 descendants of Elder John who served on both sides during the Civil War. GLENS FALLS Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (to be upgraded to Medal of Honor); Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster; Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal (24 awards); Army Commendation Medal; Purple Heart; National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal (four campaigns); Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device; Presidential Unit Citation; Meritorious Unit Citation; Master Army Aviator Badge; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star (three awards) and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He attended the University of Washington in Seattle until being drafted into the United States Army in 1953 during the Korean War. In January 1966, during the first combined American and South Vietnamese Army operation, "Operation Masher," Crandall, while under intense enemy fire and with only a spot flashlight beam to guide him , twice dropped his Huey helicopter through the dense jungle canopy to rescue 12 wounded Soldiers. Special thanks to first responders, police, paramedics, 911 operators, neighbors: Ed and Sue, Lona and Pete, special friends: Paul and Rosie, and Father Tony Childs from St. Michael the Archangel Church in South Glens Falls. Grau Funeral Homes has been honored to serve the families and loved ones of these individuals. Crandall's first overseas flying assignment was to Wheelus AFB in Tripoli, Libya, mapping the desert for two years flying YU-1 Otter, L-20 Beaver, L-19 Birddog and H-23 Raven aircraft as an instructor pilot and unit test pilot. Nemia Tumaque-Holmes-Golden and family; his sisters and brothers, Sheryl Wilson as Spanish language students in preparation for an Aviation and Engineering advisor to Argentina - an assignment that never came. Bruce was born on Oct. 4, 1934, at home in Fayette, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Goshen. Average Age & Life Expectancy Lucille I Crandall lived 13 years longer than the average Crandall family member when she died at the age of 87. Crandall's exploits (along with those of many others) at the Battle of Ia Drang, are depicted in the 1992 book We Were Soldiers OnceAnd Young (by Harold G. Moore and Joseph L. Galloway), and in the related 2002 movie, We Were Soldiers, where he is portrayed by Greg Kinnear. [23] It honors Greg Boyington, Deming Bronson, Bruce Crandall, Robert E. Galer, John D. Hawk, Robert Leisy, William Kenzo Nakamura, and Archie Van Winkle.[24][25][26]. On the fourth troop lift, the airlift began to take enemy fire, and by the time the aircraft had refueled and returned for the next troop lift, the enemy had Landing Zone X-Ray targeted. Bruce E. Crandall, 71, of Glens Falls, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, If you have questions or comments about any of the information found on this page, please let us know by email or telephone. A new version of the original resolution was submitted which called for a memorial to all eight alumni who received the Medal of Honor. Visitation will be on Friday, December 17, at Donovan's Funeral Home in Goshen from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements. They moved to Yonkers, NY in 1992 and then to Goshen, NY in 2003 where he joined the First Presbyterian Church of Goshen. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Post Star newspaper, Hill Electric and Irving Tissue until his retirement. to provide comfort and ease at this very difficult time. survived by his wife of 28 years, Estela Tumaque-Crandall; his sister-in-law, He enjoyed playing football and basketball during high school. Bruce died unexpectedly on December 12, 2021, at the exact age of 79. The University of Washington Medal of Honor memorial was constructed at the south end of Memorial Way (17th Ave NE), north of Red Square, in the interior of a traffic circle between Parrington and Kane Halls (.mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}473926N 1221835W / 47.6573N 122.3097W / 47.6573; -122.3097). This lesson can be completed by students independently, with optional collaboration in a virtual learning environment. Bruce also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends, all of whose lineage is precisely mapped and connected somehow to the Crandall family tree. Bruce and Jean moved to Peekskill in 1969 to raise their two children, Allison and Brian. He passed away April 25, 2023. Bruce was a committed and active member of the Peekskill United Methodist Church for over 20 years. Enter All Death, Burial, Cemetery & Obituaries results for Bruce Crandall. By the end of the Vietnam War, he had flown more than 900 combat missions. On Nov. 14, 1965, Crandall led the first major division operation of airmobile troops into Landing Zone X-Ray in Vietnam's Ia Drang Valley and is credited with evacuating some 70 wounded comrades with his wing man and fellow Medal of Honor recipient MAJ Ed Freeman. He established an annual Kids Fishing Derby at Volga Lake in 1984. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved David E. Crandall of Middleport, New York, born in Geneva, New York, who passed away at the age of 92, on August 11, 2021. A celebration of Bruces life will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in West Union, Iowa. He was born to Grace (Swale) and Theodore Crandall. He and Jean Moss Crandall would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this week. Bruce is survived by his wife Joyce; sons Dan (Beth) Crandall, Jim (Deb) Davidson, Duff (Natalie) Davidson; daughter Mickey Davidson; sister Carole (Russ) Larson; grandchildren Anthony, Maddie, Anna, Maria, Sarah, Livia, Hanna, Amelia, & Charlie; and his beloved dog, Itsy Bitsy. Soon he was back in Vietnam, this time flying Huey gunships - "a big improvement" -- supporting the 1st Bn., 9th Cavalry Squadron, 1st CAV Div. follow the service on Tuesday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery in Granville. He never spoke an unkind word, and was a shining example of how to love. Later that year, he would command the 1st Cavalry Division's Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion at An Khe, Vietnam. [17] Ashley Miller said that the University of Washington already had many monuments to "rich, white men"; she claimed to have partial Sioux ancestry. Bruce was an active member of Camp 124 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, an organization dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the heroes who fought to save the Union. All-American baseball player in high school. Bruce C. Vernon, 78, passed away April 19, 2023. GLENS FALLS - Bruce E. Crandall, 71, of Glens Falls, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences. Twelve of these fourteen flights (another source reports 18)[6] were made after the Medevac unit refused to land in the landing zone which was under intense fire. After five months in the hospital, with a broken back and other injuries, he resumed his career as a student earning a bootstrap degree through the University of Nebraska in 1969. Bruce was a committed and active member of the Peekskill United Methodist Church for over 20 years. After service . [9], Crandall refueled and flew to the area. Born on June 25, 1944 to Keith & Florence (Wannarka) Crandall in St. Peter, he went on to graduate from Monticello High School in 1962. Friends may He subsequently served as deputy chief of staff, deputy installation commander, and commander of the 5th Engineer Combat Bn., all at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. The movie, based on the book "We Were Soldiers Once and Young" was released in 2002. BRUCE PERRY CRANDALL II, 24, loving son, family member, and friend passed away January 30, 2023. He and his wife, Arlene, then moved to Mesa, Ariz., where he served in the Public Works Department for 13 years, the last four as the public works manager. As a 32-year-old helicopter pilot, he flew through a gantlet of enemy fire, taking ammunition in and wounded. Major Crandalls daring acts of bravery and courage in the face of an overwhelming and determined enemy are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army. CITATION Funeral service is Saturday April 29, 2023 10:30 am at Greenbrier Church. [1] He attended the June 24, 2013 unveiling of Medal of Honor recipient Leroy Petry's statue in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Arrangements by Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen. "Providing guidance and support in your time of need". This week's America250 salute is Army Veteran Bruce Crandall, who a helicopter pilot who rescued 70 wounded soldiers during the Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam. That day he completed a total of 22 flights, most under intense enemy fire, retiring from the battlefield only after all possible service had been rendered to the Infantry battalion. and celebration of life will follow the burial at the VFW Post 1653, 9 North Bruce also spent part of every weekday at the Mad Science of the Mid-Hudson office, where his laughter would brighten the day for his son and daughter-in-laws office staff. We pride ourselves in providing you experienced, professional and dedicated funeral home services. Crandall was promoted to colonel on April 15, 2010, more than 30 years after retiring from the army, in recognition of his accomplishments and receiving the Medal of Honor. They moved to Yonkers in 1992 and then to Goshen in 2003 where he joined the First Presbyterian Church of Goshen. Following high school, he was employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C. for a year. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. While working at the Gettysburg College dining hall, he reprimanded a beautiful woman for the offense of sneaking an extra salad. Bruce E. Crandall. Bruce Perry Crandall (born February 17, 1933) [2] is a retired United States Army officer who received the Medal of Honor for his actions as a pilot during the Battle of Ia Drang on November 14, 1965, in South Vietnam. late Dorothy (Harding) Gamache. Major Crandall's voluntary decision to land under the most extreme fire instilled in the other pilots the will and spirit to continue to land their own aircraft, and in the ground forces the realization that they would be resupplied and that friendly wounded would be promptly evacuated. Bruce was born on October 4, 1934, at home in Fayette, Iowa. Lives in Manchester. He began his college career at Upper Iowa University transferring to Iowa State Teachers College in 1956. He was living proof that those who are willing to work can be successful. your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. [3] In his final army assignment, he served as senior engineer adviser to the California Army National Guard. During the battle he flew 22 missions(in one of the aircraft, then flew 6-8 different aircraft for a true mission total of 70-80 missions) in an unarmed helicopter into enemy fire to bring ammunition and supplies and evacuate the wounded . "[20] A burial was held on Tuesday, April 18th 2023 at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery (1 - 99 North St, Granville, NY 12832). He was also a member of the West Union Industrial Development Corporation which was instrumental in bringing in new business and jobs to West Union. He was happiest when serving others and spending time with his family. In Bangkok, Thailand, he would become a Facility Engineer managing 3,800 people. Crandall retired from the Army in 1977 as a lieutenant colonel. In a display of great inner strength and resiliency, Bruce chose to teach middle school social studies. From his back deck or from his golf cart, Bruce loved to watch children and adults playing at the park. accomplishments included working at General Electric Co. in Fort Edward, the You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. cousins and close friends. GLENS FALLS - Bruce E. Crandall, 71, of Glens Falls, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. www.donovanfunerals.com, Published in Middletown Times Herald-Record. He was drafted into the Army in 1953. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. [3], South America was to be his next assignment, and he and his wife Arlene attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, as Spanish-language students in preparation. Born to Dorothy (Taylor) and Joseph Crandall, Bruce was proud to hail from the small town of Earlville, New York. Grau Funeral Homes, Inc. 2018 All Rights Reserved, Our professional and caring staff is dedicated to working with your family to provide assistance in selecting high quality and affordable funeral services, Our professional and caring staff is dedicated to working with your family to provide assistance in selecting high quality and affordable funeral services during a time, Betty Jean Converse, Postville, Iowa, December 28, 2022, Donald Maynard Larson, Elkader, Iowa, April 21, 2023, Kenneth Edwin Mittelstadt, Elgin, Iowa, April 21, 2023, Arlene Miller, West Union, Iowa, April 21, 2023, Donald Dean Webster, Elgin, Iowa, November 24, 2021, Joseph Anthony Vlazny, Farmersburg, Iowa, February 5, 2021, Dorothy J. Anderson, Elgin, Iowa, February 22, 2021. Bruce also had a huge heart for his country and his community. Assignments: Infantry Basic; Engineering Amphibious Training; Leadership School; Engineer Officer Candidate School; fixed wing flight training at Gary AFB, TX; 1st graduating class of advanced flight school at Camp Rucker, AL; 30th Topographic Group, Presidio of San Francisco; 30th Topographic Group, Arctic Slope; Helicopter School, Gary AFB, TX; Advanced Helicopter Training, Camp Rucker, AL; 30th Topo Gp at Presidio of San Francisco; Wheelus AFB, Libya; 4th Eng Battalion, 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Lewis, WA; Engineer Advanced Course at Ft. Belvoir; back to 4th Engineer Battalion; Interamerican Geodetic Survey at Howard AFB, Panama; Interamerican Geodetic Survey at Costa Rica; 11th Air Assault Division platoon commander helping develop Army's new "airmobility" concept; 18th ABN Corps liaison for air assault in the Dominican Republic Expeditionary Force; Company Commander of A Company of the 229th as the 11th Air Assault Division (Test) became the 1st CAV (Airmobile), Ft. Benning, GA; 229th at An Khe, Vietnam, in support of eight battalions; Commander of Special Troops at Ft. Carson, CO; Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, VA; HQ 1st CAV at An Khe; 1/9 CAV at An Khe; University of Nebraska; Bangkok, Thailand as a Facility Engineer; Deputy Chief of Staff for Ft. Leonard Wood, MO; Commander, 5th Engineer Battalion also at Ft. Leonard Wood; Defense Language Institute, Monterey, CA. Here is Bruce Crandall's obituary. The Medal of Honor Foundation sponsored the first Medal of Honor Values poll. Born in 1933, Crandall grew up in Olympia, Wash., where he played baseball and became a high school All American.
