Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the Vietnam War in the United States Marine Corps as a Private First Class, Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Fire Support Base Tomahawk, Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam on March 1, 1969. His citation reads “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 3rd 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”. His Medal was posthumously awarded to his family by President Richard Nixon at the White House on February 16, 1971.
Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the Vietnam War in the United States Marine Corps as a Private First Class, Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Fire Support Base Tomahawk, Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam on March 1, 1969. His citation reads “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 3rd 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”. His Medal was posthumously awarded to his family by President Richard Nixon at the White House on February 16, 1971.
Bio by: RPD2
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