Major Ed Freeman

A True American Hero

11/20/1927 — 8/20/2008

RIP

Major Ed Freeman, often known as "Too Tall" due to his height of 6'4" (which initially led to his rejection from flight school), was a man of extraordinary courage and dedication. His actions during the Battle of Ia Drang in November 1965 during the Vietnam War were nothing short of heroic. Despite being told to cease his operations due to the intense enemy fire, Freeman chose to risk his life, flying his unarmed helicopter on 14 separate missions into the combat zone to rescue wounded soldiers. His bravery under fire saved the lives of many and earned him the highest military honor, the Medal of Honor, which he was awarded in 2001, decades after his valiant actions.

But his heroism didn't start or end in Vietnam. Freeman was a veteran of three wars. He enlisted in the Navy in 1944 at the age of 17, serving in the final stages of World War II aboard the USS Cacapon, a fleet oiler. After the war, he transitioned to the Army in 1948 and went on to serve in the Korean War. However, it was during the Vietnam War that his actions would become legendary.

Freeman's bravery extended beyond the battlefield. After retiring from the military, he continued to serve his community for 20 years as a helicopter pilot for the U.S. Forest Service, fighting wildfires and conducting search and rescue operations.

Major Ed Freeman's life is a testament to the power of courage, dedication, and service. At iHEART Veterans, we hold Major Freeman in the highest esteem. His extraordinary heroism and unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers deeply resonate with our mission. It is with immense pride and heartfelt gratitude that we inducted Major Ed Freeman into the iHEART Veterans Hall of Fame, a recognition of our profound love and respect for this true American hero.

His legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the extraordinary feats one can achieve when driven by duty and a desire to protect others. In the words of President George W. Bush, who presented Freeman with the Medal of Honor, "He was the kind of person whose courage and heroism is the stuff of legend." Indeed, Major Ed Freeman's life was a shining example of bravery and selflessness, a true American hero.