Boise Medal of Honor recipient passes away

[NYVet]

http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-aug2008-freeman.179363f0.html


BOISE - His exploits in the Ia Drang Valley in Vietnam were featured in a book and on film, and for his heroism, he was awarded the nation's higest honor.

This morning, Major Ed Freeman, known as "Too Tall," passed away at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. He was 80 years old.

Freeman's youngest son, Doug Freeman, says his father died from health complications due to Parkinson's Disease.

Freeman was a helicopter pilot, who flew multiple missions under heavy enemy fire to re-supply the 7th Cavalry in the Ia Drang Valley, and evacuate wounded troopers.

The 1965 battle was the subject of the book "We Were Soldiers Once, and Young" by Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, and the Mel Gibson movie adaptation "We Were Soldiers."

Freeman was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Vietnam War by President George W. Bush in July of 2001.

Lt. Col. Tim Marsano, with the Idaho National Guard, says funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday. Freeman will then be buried at the Idaho Veterans Cemetery in Boise.