06/01/2026
RIP Snake (Colonel Bruce P. Crandall)
Read his amazing story here: https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/crandall/
Colonel (then Major) Crandall was portrayed in the 2002 movie We Were Soldiers, which is a film about the first American attack on the Vietnamese at Landing Zone X-Ray during the 1965 Battle of Ia Drang.
Colonel Crandall retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and was later promoted to Colonel in conjunction with his Medal of Honor ceremony.
The 1st Cavalry Division mourns the passing of Medal of Honor recipient Col. (Ret.) Bruce Crandall, a true American hero and a legend of the .
On November 14, 1965, during the Battle of la Drang, then-Major Crandall led a flight of sixteen helicopters carrying Soldiers into Landing Zone X-Ray in the la Drang Valley. As enemy fire intensified, follow-on aircraft were ordered to abort their mission. Recognizing that the infantry battalion on the ground desperately needed ammunition and that wounded Soldiers remained trapped under fire, Bruce made a decision that would define his legacy.
Though resupply and medical evacuation were not part of his assigned mission, he voluntarily returned to the embattled landing zone. With complete disregard for his own safety, he organized volunteer crews and repeatedly flew his unarmed helicopter into one of the most dangerous battlefields of the Vietnam War. Throughout the day and into the evening, he completed 22 flights through relentless enemy fire, delivering critical ammunition, evacuating wounded Soldiers, and inspiring fellow aviators to continue flying missions into the fight.
His actions saved dozens of lives and provided critical support when his fellow soldiers needed it most. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2007 for his extraordinary heroism.
The First Team honors his legacy of bravery, leadership, and dedication to his fellow Troopers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.