PASS IN REVIEW

“Shedding Light On ’s Military History” 2nd Quarter June 2002

PRESIDENT’S since we incorporated and the Museum some new ideas on how to keep the continues to draw many favorable Society and Museum growing in the MESSAGE comments. right direction.

It was with deep regret that the Board Donations continue to come in and Thanks to all the volunteers who have accepted the resignation of Robert there are many items waiting to be made our organization and Museum, Benbough as its Executive Director. catalogued and put on exhibit. what they are today. -Bob Benbough We are very sorry to loose him but Unfortunately, we have a shortage of under his guidance, the Museum has volunteers to process them and develop IDAHO HISTORY made a great deal of progress. exhibits from the material. DAY WINNERS As a result of his resignation, we will The Distinctive Unit Insignia display I begin accepting applications for a mentioned in the March issue of Pass Idaho History Day 2002 was April new Executive Director. We wanted In Review has been completed and is 12th. The theme this year – to give you, our membership, the first up for public viewing. We continue “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in opportunity to apply for the position. our upgrading of the military aircraft History”. This year there were many model and U.S. military firearms more entries than ‘usual’, 30 in the If you are interested in the position, exhibits and on a happy note, we held a Military History Category alone. The please send a resume or letter of fund raising breakfast recently and judges had quite a challenge on their interest to me, in care of the IMHS, at made a couple hundred dollars. hands. After careful consideration and 4040 W. Guard St., Boise, ID 83705 deliberation we are pleased to by 1 July 2002. We have been invited to the Twin Falls announce their decision. th bi-annual air show on the 29 of June. …And The Winners Are.... Bob will be available to help the new We are looking for folks interested in 1st Place - director learn the job for the first two helping run a booth. This will be an $100 Scholarship. weeks of July so time is of the essence. excellent way to let others know about Ian Marshall of our organization and Museum as well Canyon Elementary/ In addition to the new Executive as help replenish our coppers with Cataldo. His project Director position, we are also looking some gift shop sales. Give us a call if was titled, Pearl for volunteers for a number of projects. you can help! Harbor: An I know you have seen this request American made repeatedly in the newsletters but We will also be sponsoring another Revolution, Reaction and Reform. our need is very real. We have projects th th breakfast on July 13 and 14 . Please Ian's project was a documentary; we large and small that we need your help give us a call at the Museum, 422-4841 are working on obtaining a copy for with. Any time that you have and tell us which day you are able to viewing at the Museum. available; we have a project you can help cover. help us with. - Dawana Edwards 2nd Place - $50 I have truly enjoyed my tenure as Scholarship. David Executive Director but feel that it is Phenis of Lowell EXECUTIVE time for someone else to take over the Scott MS. His DIRECTOR responsibility and hopefully provide project was titled,

This will be my last article written to you as your Executive Director. Effective in July, I will be resigning Inside This Issue from the position I’ve held since VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER NEW MEMBERS August of 1996. I do believe that the MOST WANTED th Idaho Military Historical Society has MUSEUM HOSTS WWII 10 MOUNTAIN DIVISION VETERAN come a long way in the last eight years ENDOWMENT UPDATE IDAHO FILE INTO HISTORY – Ed W. Freeman The Official Newsletter of the Idaho Military Historical Society and Museum

PASS IN REVIEW June 2002 -2- The Atomic Bomb: A Revolution in VOLUNTEER OF MUSEUM HOSTS Warfare or the End of the World. THE QUARTER WWII 10TH MTN. David’s project was also a DIVISION VETERAN documentary and a copy is now rd available for viewing at the Museum. On April 23 , 2002, the Idaho Military History 3rd Place - $25 Museum hosted Scholarship. Wally Sterling, Chelsey Parkin of a veteran of the Burley JH. Her 10th Mountain project was titled, Division. German POW Please meet Kay Benbough Camp/Camp (on right) Over 50 people, Rupert. Chelsey’s project is on display Kay began volunteering in the Museum approximately at the Museum. {Camp Rupert will be in 1996 and joined the IMHS in 1998. 28 of who were a subject in a future edition of Pass In She took over the duties of Librarian Civil Air Patrol Review.} when the library moved to the Cadets, heard his remarkable story.

Museum’s annex in Bldg 302, and In addition to their Scholarships, the At the start of World War II, neither 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners were handled the ENORMOUS task of setting up and re-organizing the library the US, Great Britain, nor the Soviet given a one year Honorary Union, had any troops with specialized Membership in the Society. when the Museum moved to Bldg 924.

mountain training. Germany and Italy The judges also chose two Kay also helps out wherever she can however, both had divisions of what HONORABLE both at the Museum and at fundraising they termed Alpine troops. MENTIONS: events. She can be found doing The US decided it must Spenser Rikhoff & everything from answering the phone produce at least one Eric Clausen of at the Museum, to serving at one of our division of mountain Lowell Scott MS. fundraising breakfasts, to helping run a soldiers trained to fight Their project was gift shop booth at a public event. in sub zero weather, in titled, The Gatling As you may have guessed by her last rugged mountain Gun. Their project was a name, she is married to our own Bob terrain, and at documentary; we are working on Benbough. When she isn’t at the extremely high altitudes. The National obtaining a copy for viewing at the Museum, Kay is running her Massage Ski Patrol volunteered to recruit men Museum. Therapy business in Mountain Home, who were capable of this type of Dan Royle of Lowell gardening, or painting a watercolor. training. They figured that it would be

Scott MS. His Kay can be found at the Museum on easier to take a trained skier and make project is titled, Mondays. Stop by and say hello; she'll him into a soldier than it would be to Navajo Code be glad to show you how you can take a soldier and turn him into a skier. Talkers. Dan’s become a librarian's assistant. Õ The Nat'l Ski Patrol contacted the project is on display colleges throughout the northern states at the Museum. NEW MEMBERS looking for experienced skiers, down Special Welcome to: {If you have seen or are contemplating hill racers, winter sports instructors, Õ Karlyn Brown seeing the movie Windtalkers, stop by mountain climbers, and the like, who ÕThomas E. Gilbertz and see this exhibit! He has photos of were outdoor oriented and could Õ Ian Marshall some of the actual Code Talkers.} handle the rigorous training. By the Õ David Phenis winter of 1944, the division was nearly Spenser, Eric and Dan were presented Õ Chelsey Parkin full strength and composed almost with Certificates of Achievement in MOST WANTED entirely of volunteers. addition to the recognition they received at the Idaho History Day Viet Nam Artifacts. We would like to They met their first test when the 87th Event. build an exhibit commemorating the Regimental Combat Team (RCT) was CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL; Viet Nam Conflict but our artifacts are sent to clear the Japanese out of the GREAT WORK!!! limited. If you are looking for a home Aleutian Islands and in February, 1945, And thank you to the IMHS judges as for your Viet Nam memorabilia, we they took on several divisions of Field well. Õ can help. Õ Marshal Albert Kesselring’s crack

The Official Newsletter of the Idaho Military Historical Society and Museum

-3- June 2002 PASS IN REVIEW german troops in the mountains of sentence using the actual Navajo Code IDAHO FILE Italy. At the battle of Mt. Belvedere, you can try to decipher. INTO HISTORY several assaults made by General Mark Clark's 5th Army had failed. The 10th It was a very educational and Mtn. Division attacked at night, scaling interesting evening. Thank you to the sheer walls of Riva Ridge using everyone who made it possible. Õ climbing rope and steel pitons. The AN ENDOWMENT Germans, never expecting an assault UPDATE from the rear, and at night, were Since our last update, we have received completely surprised. additional donations to our endowment The 10th Mtn. Division participated in from: 3 major campaigns and in 9 major Ms Dawana Edwards battles. They successfully completed Mr. Garth Holmes every mission that was assigned to Ms Caroline Kreiger them and they earned more decorations This brings our Endowment balance up than any other division in the to $24,598.68. We have also received Mediterranean Theatre of Operations. updated letters of support from General They also paid a heavy price; 1,000 Kane, Adjutant General of the Idaho Ed W. Freeman men killed and 4,500 wounded. This National Guard, Attorney General represents a casualty rate of over 50%. Lance, Governor Kempthorne and Mr. Rank: Captain Richard Jones, the new Administrator Service: U.S. Army Wally's medals of the Division of Veterans Affairs. Unit: Company A, 229th Assault and ribbons Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Please consider making a donation to Division (Airmobile) Wally Sterling, a our Endowment and tell your friends Served as: Flight Leader long time Boise and relatives who may be thinking of Battle or Place of Action: Landing resident, was a their estates or are looking for ways to Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley, member of the 87th RCT, one of the few make tax deductible donations. Republic of Vietnam units in the American army to fight If you would like a form, there is one Date of Action: 14 November 1965 against both the Japanese and the on the back on this newsletter and there Germans. Wally was wounded and is also one you can download on our Citation: Captain Ed W. Freeman, received the , the Bronze website. If you desire to remain , distinguished Star, and the Combat Infantry Badge. anonymous, we will honor your himself by numerous acts of Following Mr. Sterling’s presentation, request. conspicuous gallantry and visitors had the privilege of meeting extraordinary intrepidity on 14 This endowment will allow us to two of the Idaho History Day winners November 1965 while serving with operate the museum with one full-time and viewing their Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter staff member and provide adequate projects. The Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division funds for development and video produced by (Airmobile). As a flight leader and enhancement of our exhibits, David Phenis, The second in command of a 16-helicopter Reference Library, and Educational Atomic Bomb: A lift unit, he supported a heavily Outreach programs. Revolution in engaged American infantry battalion Warfare or the End of the World was Contact any Board member and we at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia shown and will help you plan a gift to the IMHS’ Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. Endowment Fund. The infantry unit was almost out of Dan Royle ammunition after taking some of the presented his project “I strongly encourage your support of heaviest casualties of the war, fighting Navajo Code Talkers the Idaho Military History Museum by off a relentless attack from a highly contributing to the endowment fund. to the Museum. motivated, heavily armed enemy Your generosity will make it possible to force. When the infantry commander If the movie preserve and properly display Idaho's Windtalkers peaked military heritage while ensuring that the closed the helicopter landing zone due your curiosity, stop by and see this sacrifices of those Idahoans who have to intense direct enemy fire, Captain exhibit. Along with photos of some of served so faithfully are never forgotten." Freeman risked his own life by flying the actual Code Talkers, there is a - Dirk Kempthorne, Governor his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire time after time,

The Official Newsletter of the Idaho Military Historical Society and Museum

PASS IN REVIEW June 2002 -4- delivering critically needed He served in Germany for 4 years and President Johnson committed over ammunition, water, and medical when hostilities broke out in Korea, the 500,000 troops and in July 1965, Ed supplies to the besieged battalion. His Army sent him to Korea. He rose to Freeman joined the effort. flights had a direct impact on the the rank of 1st Sergeant of Bravo battle's outcome by providing the Company, 36th Engineer Battalion. A new fighting force had been engaged units with timely supplies of Then came that day in April 1953 and a developed. The brain-child of LTG ammunition critical to their survival, place called Pork Chop Hill. He was James M. Gavin, a veteran of WWII's without which they would almost "one of 14 men in his 257-man 82 Airborne. His idea was to utilize surely have experienced a much company who survived the opening the helicopter and develop a "bigger, greater loss of life. After medical stages of the fight for Pork Chop Hill. faster, and better" helicopter "that evacuation helicopters refused to fly His lieutenant's bars were pinned on by could carry the infantry into battle, into the area due to intense enemy General and, at forever freeing it of the tyranny of fire, Captain Freeman flew 14 Freeman's request; his first assignment terrain and permitting war to proceed at separate rescue missions, providing was as commander of Bravo Company. a pace considerably faster than that of a man walking. life-saving evacuation of an estimated Freeman reconstituted the unit and led 1 30 seriously wounded soldiers -- some it back up Pork Chop Hill." The helicopter, Gavin believed, held

of whom would not have survived had the possibility of making the battlefield he not acted. All flights were made After the Korean conflict ended in 1953, he applied for flight training truly a three- into a small emergency landing zone dimensional within 100 to 200 meters of the school. After witnessing the war on the sea and on the ground, he wanted to nightmare for an defensive perimeter where heavily get up in the air. However, at 6 feet 4 enemy committed units were perilously 3 inches, the Army told him that at he commander." holding off the attacking elements. was 4 inches too tall to be a pilot. In 4 Captain Freeman’s selfless acts of CPT Ed Freeman 1955 the Army changed its rules. They great valor, extraordinary Captain Freeman perseverance, and intrepidity were far needed more pilots and the height limit became a part of above and beyond the call of duty or was raised to 6' 4". Ed learned to fly that force as a mission and set a superb example of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. He member of the 229th Assault leadership and courage for all of his also picked up the nicknames "Too Tall to Fly" and "Big Ed." Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry peers. Captain Freeman’s Division (Airmobile). Traveling extraordinary heroism and devotion to One class ahead of him in flight school aboard an aircraft carrier for 29 days, duty are in keeping with the highest was an individual by the name of Ed, the other members of the unit, and traditions of military service and Bruce Crandall. Ed and Bruce 'chased the helicopters arrived in Viet Nam. reflect great credit upon himself, his each other' across the globe and End of Ed was also reunited with his friend unit, and the United States Army. became very good friends. Together Citation Bruce Crandall. they flew “the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa, and the jungles The North Vietnamese commanders Ed W. Freeman was born 20 of Central and South America on wanted their foot soldiers to learn how November 1927, in Neely, Mississippi. mapping missions for the Army."2 the American weaponry worked and At the age of 13, he saw thousands of Their assignments even took them to find ways to neutralize them. "Their men on maneuvers pass by his home in Iran. orders were to draw the newly arrived Mississippi. He knew then and there Americans into battle and search for that he wanted to be a soldier. While Ed was stationed at Ft. Benning the flaws in their thinking {and Georgia, he met a lady on a blind date weaponry}”5 When WWII broke out, two of Ed’s by the name of Barbara. She was from brothers joined the service and Ed Glenns Ferry, Idaho and was visiting They got their chance at a place called followed suit. He interrupted his high- her brother. They later married. Ia Drang in November 1965. Captain school education and enlisted in the Freeman was one of many helicopter Navy. It was a two-year hitch and he In 1963, Ed’s assignment brought him pilots who ferried men, ammunition, spent most of the time in the South to Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho as an water and other supplies into the area Pacific. He was discharged in Long Aviation and Engineer Advisor to the known as Landing Zone X-Ray, LZ X- Beach California, returned to his Idaho Army National Guard. This was Ray for short. The entire area was hometown, Neely, Miss., and finished his to be his retirement assignment but about the size of the BSU stadium. last year of high school. The Navy wasn't world events changed everything. A as glamorous as Ed had thought it would Police Action in an obscure country The fighting very quickly became be so he enlisted in the Army in 1948. called Viet Nam was heating up. desperate. The American commander LTC Harold G. Moore believed he was

The Official Newsletter of the Idaho Military Historical Society and Museum

-5- June 2002 PASS IN REVIEW engaged with at least two People’s the aircraft's exposure on the Army battalions. The reality was, ground."14 there were three. "The soldiers ran into about 10 to 1 odds of Regular CPT Freeman logged 14 1/2 flight Army North Vietnamese attacking hours that day without shutting down them from 3 sides."7 The medivac the engine. "We landed, off-loaded the wounded, then refueled with our pilots refused to fly in to evacuate 15 the wounded, it was too ‘hot’ for engine still running." Using what them. It was hot all right; it was also is referred to as hot refueling, which around 100°. saves considerable time, 1400 pounds of fuel was pumped into the LTC Moore had to close the landing helicopter. Freeman explained: zone. Freeman's commander, MAJ "We'd park, shut the helicopter down Bruce Crandall "called his pilots to a flight idle and turn the radios together and briefly discussed the off." Once while ground crews situation. He outlined his plan to serviced his Huey, he remembers a take back into the LZ two ships partial meal of a C-ration can of loaded with ammunition and asked beans & franks. He doesn't recall for volunteers. …Captain Ed being concerned about his Huey Freeman, my friend for a dozen malfunctioning during those long years who had been leading my hours. If it had, Freeman said his second flight all morning, said he attitude had been, "That's the way it was taking that flight. Big Ed is." 16 “Death was everywhere.” MAP of Viet Nam showing location of Ia misunderstood. I only wanted a Drang6 volunteer crew for the second bird. I The sound of the enemy bullets what I had on board, and he intended to lead the flight myself. I hitting his chopper was akin to being in acknowledged they needed the ammo. planned to leave Ed behind in charge a hail storm with a metal wash tub over That made it mandatory for us to go in, of resuming the troop lift as soon as your head. Ed doesn't know how many no matter the consequences … times his chopper was hit during the 14 Colonel Moore opened the door to the 8 hours; in fact he wound up flying two LZ." We started receiving heavy fire on our helicopters that day. Even with self- approach. I notified Big Ed and he What Crandall didn’t understand is that sealing fuel tanks, which are designed calmly came back with: 'Roger. What Big Ed did understand. Ed had been do you want me to do about it, Snake? listening to the radio and had heard the I kind of thought this might happen.'"12 desperate call for help. "I had about 30-40 pilots standing around, wide "Moore's people laid down covering eyed of course 'cause they had just fire for us, and as we broke over the been there, and I said 'we need a trees into the clearing I could see Hal volunteer to go into Landing Zone X- Moore standing up at the far end of the Ray to take in ammunition, water, LZ, exposing himself to enemy fire in supplies and haul some wounded out.' order to get us into the safest position They all kind of turned and kicked possible in the LZ. I landed where he rocks down the dirt strip runway we directed and our crews and his people Photo of Landing Zone X-Ray, taken had there, which I didn't blame 'em, began pitching the ammo boxes off the by CWO "Pop" Jekel as he was flying and I said, ‘well, I guess that leaves aircraft as fast as they could. At the into X-Ray on 14 Nov 65.17 me.’"9 "I put them there, and I wasn't same time, the wounded were moved about to let them die."10 up and loaded aboard."13 to allow the pilot to retain 1/3 of a tank of fuel so he can make it back to base, MAJ Crandall: "Big Ed and I discussed LTC Moore: “The Huey crews there comes a time when the helicopter the mission for a few seconds, and performed magnificently, running a just can't take any more damage and knowing that arguing with him was a gauntlet of enemy fire time and time the pilot has to switch to a different waste of time, I decided we both would again. They never refused to come ship. fly the mission."11 "Big Ed and I took when called. In turn, we did our best off and headed for the LZ. We picked to call them in only when fire was To Ed, the entire 14 hours was a blur. up radio traffic and knew things hadn't lightest, and we tried to have teams "The whole day was on fast forward", improved. About five minutes out I standing by to unload supplies and load and it was a very long day. But there contacted Colonel Moore, explained the wounded in record time, to reduce was one event that stands out in his

The Official Newsletter of the Idaho Military Historical Society and Museum

PASS IN REVIEW June 2002 -6- mind. One of the men who help take was submitted, the package was 2 the dead and wounded off of the inches thick. choppers was "a huge black enlisted man, clad only in G.I. shorts and boots, On June 13, 2000, the Senate passed hands bigger than dinner plates."18 Senate Bill S. 2722. Ed received a "He looked kind of like the guy in The phone call. The wife of a fishing Green Mile. He reached into the buddy told him, "Ed, you're on helicopter and picked up one of the television". "What am I doing?" dead soldiers and cradled him like a "Congress just awarded you the Medal young child. He looked into his face of Honor!" It was C-Span that had broadcast the news. By the time Ed the entire time as he carried him away The photo above Ed's stairwell. That's 24 th and laid him out and covered him up. I his chopper in the foreground. got the T.V. turned on, the 106 was never so moved."19 Congress had moved on to another back to Vietnam. “I’d figured out early piece of legislation. As it turned out, Ed had been flying nonstop since 6 on that it was another Korea…I had the award ceremony was not two kids and a wife from Glenns Ferry, a.m. through the lights, mortar fire and 25 immediately scheduled. everything else that takes place during …I decided to come home.” a battle. The last trip was made at In 1976 LTC Moore, the And so it was, in 1967 with the rank of ground commander at Ia 10:30 at night. “The Colonel told me Major, and a combined service of 23 he had adequate ammunition and Drang, and Joe years; twenty-one years in the Army Galloway, the UPI supplies to last him until daylight. He and two years in the Navy, Ed Freeman said, 'Don't come back.’”20 reporter covering the retired. He had 3 Distinguished Flying battle, agreed to write a Crandall and Freeman finally shut Crosses, 1 Bronze Star, and 1 Purple book about Ia Drang. In down their Hueys at a large helicopter Heart to his credit. He also received 1992 now LTG (Ret) Moore & Joe pad referred to as the Turkey Farm. the South Vietnamese Cross of Galloway published the book entitled Crandall: “The aviation unit had quite Gallantry and 15 Air Medals. All of Once…And Young. a day. We had not suffered a single these he earned in Viet Nam. “The The book became the 1993 Marine fatality and we had not left a mission only thing I received in Korea was Corps Commandants Choice book and undone. When our infantry brothers frost bite.” (And a Battlefield spent 17 weeks on the New York called, we hauled. The standard for Commission!) Times Bestsellers list. combat assaults with helicopters had 21 Three years after retiring, Ed and his Hollywood took an interest in the story been set.” The battle at LZ X-Ray family moved to Boise and Ed went to lasted 3 days & 2 nights and claimed and began work on a movie called We 22 work for the Department of the Interior Were Soldiers, scheduling it for release the lives of 79 servicemen. The and became the Northwest Area lasted a total of 34 in the spring of 2002. Mel Gibson was Director of Aircraft Services. Ed cast as LTC Moore, and an individual days and claimed the lives of 305 retired from that job on January 3, American service men.23 by the name of Mark McCracken who 1991. He hasn't flown since but is 6' 5" was cast as CPT Freeman. In Ed Freeman saved nearly 30 men that between the Army and the Interior preparation for the role, Mark spent day. A photo of his and Crandall's Department, Ed logged about 18,500 several hours talking to Ed picking his helicopter flying into LZ X-Ray hangs hours of flying time in helicopters and brain and learning more about the man in his house over his stairwell. Ed says 8,000 hours in fixed wing. Over 1,000 he was to portray. They became good he never passes by without looking at of those hours were in Viet Nam. friends. it. Ed and his wife Barbara live in Boise, Because of political differences, For his efforts that day in Landing Idaho. They have two sons, one of scheduling conflicts and a change in Zone X-Ray, Ed was awarded the whom served with the Air Force in Presidential Administrations, it began Distinguished Flying Cross. His Desert Storm. Ed and Barbara also to look like the movie would be commanding officer and other have 4 grandchildren. End of the released before Ed received his medal. witnesses always believed he deserved story? Not even close! Fortunately, that turned out not to be an even higher honor. the case. In June 2001, Ed finally A statute of limitations had been imposed on awards of the Medal of received word that the long awaited Ed continued his service in Viet Nam presentation would be made. until 1966. After Viet Nam, he went to Honor but in 1995, Congress lifted it. Mineral Wells, Texas, as a flight Bruce Crandall told Ed he was going to To aid MAJ Freeman for that most instructor. He served in Texas for 18 nominate him for the Medal and began momentous of occasions, the Army months and then the army ordered him work on the nomination. By the time it sent MSG Eric Godbolt to escort MAJ

The Official Newsletter of the Idaho Military Historical Society and Museum

-7- June 2002 PASS IN REVIEW Freeman to Washington DC. On July One of the individuals who attended the MAJ and Mrs. 15, 2001, they flew out of Boise. presentation was Mark McCracken. Ed W. Freeman “This is fantastic; this is the icing on the at Boise As MAJ Freeman put on his Dress Airport.34 cake! To be able to be invited to the 30 Blues in preparation for the ceremony, it's wonderful!” Then, He even took presentation, he commented that "It's White House security closed off one of his going to be along day; I didn't get Pennsylvania Avenue and President Washington DC much sleep last night…It's been a long Bush, MAJ Freeman and the other 50 escorts fly- 26 time since I stood inspection." He recipients posed for a fishing when passed his first inspection with flying photograph in front of the White House. she personally colors; his wife Barbara asked him if “It's such a great honor, it was just delivered a White House photo album of he wanted to get married again. Ed's presentation to Ed and his family. overwhelming and it's humbling. I didn't "That's how he looked when I married have any idea it would be like this,”31 him."27 In March 2002, Ed was invited to the said MAJ Freeman. MAJ Freeman spent White House along with several cast about a week in the nations capital. He members, the authors of the book, and was inducted into the “Hall of Heroes” in their wives to a special preview of We and he helped lay a wreath Were Soldiers. When President Bush at the Tomb of the Unknown in spotted Major Freeman in the hallway, he Arlington National Cemetery. “snapped to attention and saluted”.35 Colin Powell also saluted him. Ed goes on to say, “I had a nice chat with the vice president and his wife, met Donald Rumsfeld and got 30 minutes one-on-one with the President. When the movie ended, the president said 'good show, President Bush Presenting the Medal 36 of Honor To MAJ Freeman28 Too Tall.'” “The whole helicopter operation was underplayed,” according to Before the ceremony, MAJ Freeman Ed, “But you have to remember that the was able to spend about 30 minutes General Shinseki, MAJ Freeman, and book was written by guys who were on CSM Tilley at the Pentagon’s “Hall of with President Bush and even met 32 the ground. They wrote it the way they Heroes” 37 members of his cabinet. Ed was very saw it.” impressed with President Bush and "…those pilots, God bless them - - meant Mike Keckler and a news crew from calls him “a tremendous human being.” the world to us. They came in, time after Boise’s Channel 2, accompanied MAJ Then, the moment came. On July 16, time, under rocket and withering Freeman to Washington DC and filmed 2001, in the East Room of the White machine-gun fire, providing fire support, much of the story as it unfolded. Many House, with over 50 of his fellow bringing in supplies, and taking out our people who saw the story Medal of Honor Recipients looking on, wounded…Many soldiers my age have requested copies. felt the sting of battle, and we owe a lot President George W. Bush, placed the MAJ Freeman holding to men like Ed Freeman. We understand 38 Medal of Honor around his neck. his medal. first-hand what his unblinking, "Today, for the first time, I will present unhesitating acts of courage meant to the Mike Keckler is in the 33 process of preparing a the Medal of Honor. It's a unique men of LZ X-Ray. " - General Eric K. video; proceeds will be donated to the privilege to present the nation's highest Shinseki, The Chief of Staff of the Army newly founded Veterans Cemetery in military distinction to Ed Freeman, of at '"Hall of Heroes" induction. Boise. A release date has not been set; Boise, Idaho. This moment is well- Ed Freeman returned to Boise to a we will keep you posted. deserved and it's been long in Heroes welcome. A throng of friends coming…Years pass, even decades, but and well-wishers met him and cheered as Editors Note: A very special thank you the memory of what happened on he and Barbara walked down the to MAJ Ed Freeman for sharing his story November 14, 1965 has always stayed concourse. with us. Although MAJ Freeman has 29 with them." lived in Idaho for the past 30+ years, was Ed now spends his time as a 'professional attached to the Idaho National Guard President Bush credited Sen. John grandfather', answering the numerous prior to leaving for Viet Nam, and was McCain, also a decorated Vietnam requests for autographs, attending living in Idaho when he received the veteran, with persuading Congress to reunions, fishing and playing an award, his medal is officially accredited approve the award. Ed also credits occasional game of poker with his pals. to Hattiesburg, Mississippi as that is Idaho's Senator Craig. where he entered the service. Õ

The Official Newsletter of the Idaho Military Historical Society and Museum

PASS IN REVIEW June 2002 -8-

(A complete footnote listing will be available on our web page and at the Museum) 8 HomeofHeroes.com, Article By PETER BOLTZ, Express Staff Writer 1 Moore, Harold G, Galloway, Joseph L, We Were Soldiers Once…And Young, 9 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/07/20010716.html {Paperback edition} 10 HomeofHeroes.com, Article By PETER BOLTZ, Express Staff Writer 2 Center of Military History 11 http://www.army.mil/leaders/csa/speeches/20010716%20MoH%20Induction.doc 3 Mike Keckler, Channel 2 news story 12 Photo courtesy of SFC Ric Holmes, Idaho National Guard 4 Idaho Statesman, 17 Jul 01 5 http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jul2001/n07232001_200107232.html 6 http://www.lzxray.com/24.htm and CWO "Pop" Jekel. Used by permission. Produced By: Idaho Military Historical Society 7 www.Idahostatesman.com Editor & Production: Gayle Alvarez, [email protected] Comments or article suggestions are welcome, e-mail us or contact us at 422-4841 or visit our web site at: http://inghro.state.id.us/museum/

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Heroic Past…Proud Future