JBLM holds ceremony for local Medal of Honor recipient

An Olympia native is being honored Friday and was recognized for his service during a ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Col. (Ret.) Bruce P. Crandall received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in the Battle of Ia Drang.

“He was a Master Army Aviator in both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters assigned to A Company, 1-229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile),” officials said.

Crandall also led over 900 combat missions during two tours in Vietnam.

Cox Media Group