[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 98 (Monday, July 16, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       MEDAL OF HONOR, ED FREEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. C.L. ``BUTCH'' OTTER

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 16, 2001

  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Idaho's great 
citizens. Ed Freeman, 73, of Boise, who will be awarded the Medal of 
Honor today by the President for his acts of valor during the Vietnam 
War. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action 
against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving 
in the Armed Services of the United States.
  On November 14th, 1965, Captain Freeman risked his life more than 
once to deliver ammunition and supplies to 450 men who had been 
surrounded by more than 2,000 North Vietnamese. In addition, each time 
he delivered supplies, he carried out wounded U.S. military personnel 
to safety.
  On November 14th, 1965, Captain Freeman voluntarily flew his Army 
Helicopter on 14 missions to the Ia Dang battle zone in less than 14 
hours. For each trip, he risked his life to save and supply his fellow 
countrymen.
  Without the courage of Captain Freeman and his crew, the 450 men in 
the Ia Dang Valley would have been quickly overrun by the North 
Vietnamese. By the end of the day Captain Freeman had saved an 
estimated 30 soldiers.
  Mr. Speaker I am pleased to salute Captain Freeman today for his act 
of bravery in 1965 and I congratulate him for receiving the highest 
military honor anyone can receive, the Medal of Honor.

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