Daniel Dean Bruce was born on May 18, 1950 in Michigan City, Indiana. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve on May 20, 1968 and transitioned to the active duty Marines in July that year.
He began a combat tour in Vietnam on January 24, 1969 with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment - part of the storied 1st Marine Division. Just five weeks later while in his nighttime defensive position, he sacrificed his own life to save those of his fellow Marines in a single, selfless act of incredible courage. His heroism was obviously worthy of our Nation's highest honor.
*BRUCE, DANIEL D.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps, Headquarters and Service Company, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st
Marine Division. Place and date: Fire Support Base Tomahawk, Quang Nam Province,
Republic of Vietnam, 1 March 1969. Entered service at: Chicago, 111. Born: 18
May 1950, Michigan City, Ind. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as a mortar man with Headquarters and Service Company 3d Battalion,
against the enemy. Early in the morning Pfc. Bruce was on watch in his night
defensive position at fire support base tomahawk when he heard movements ahead
of him. An enemy explosive charge was thrown toward his position and he reacted
instantly, catching the device and shouting to alert his companions. Realizing
the danger to the adjacent position with its 2 occupants, Pfc. Bruce held the
device to his body and attempted to carry it from the vicinity of the entrenched
marines. As he moved away, the charge detonated and he absorbed the full force
of the explosion. Pfc. Bruce's indomitable courage, inspiring valor and selfless
devotion to duty saved the lives of 3 of his fellow marines and upheld the
highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his country.
Many such selfless warriors who have smothered explosions have been so honored and I am honored to have retold their stories in this space. I find Daniel Bruce's story to be particularly awe inspiring since he first caught the explosive device and ran with it to clear the area.
He rests today in his hometown's Greenwood Cemetery. A monument to his heroism was also erected in Michigan City's Harbor Park. His name appears on Panel 31W, Line 99 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in our Nation's capital.
3rd Battalion, 5th Marines continues to serve as part of the 1st Marine Division from their home base of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California in defense of liberty and our great Nation.
Thank you very much for honoring my father so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteStacey Bruce-Nolan
(comment edited to remove personal contact information)
So honored you found your way here Stacey. I hope you find some happiness in that there are those of us out here who won't let the sacrifices and courage of men like your dad be forgotten.
ReplyDelete