Coach Tharp

Imagine yourself as a 19-year-old individual caught in a dire situation. It is November 14, 1965, and you find yourself critically wounded and on the brink of death in the dense jungle of the Central Highlands of Vietnam, specifically at LZ (landing zone) X-ray. The odds are stacked against your unit, as you are outnumbered eight to one, and the enemy's relentless gunfire from a mere 100 yards away has forced the commanding officer to halt the arrival of MedEvac helicopters. Lying there, you are acutely aware of the enemy's machine guns, and you come to terms with the fact that rescue is unlikely. Your family is located halfway around the world, approximately 12,000 miles away, and you realize that you will never see them again. As the world around you begins to fade in and out, you sense that this is your final day. Suddenly, amidst the cacophony of gunfire, you faintly hear the distinct sound of a helicopter. Looking up, you spot a Huey aircraft approaching. However, something seems amiss as it lacks the customary markings of a MedEvac vehicle. It turns out that Captain Ed Freeman is piloting this helicopter. Despite not being part of the MedEvac team, he overheard the radio call for help and made the decision to fly his Huey into the midst of the machine gun fire, defying the order to cease rescue operations. Captain Freeman touches down in the line of fire and bravely remains there as you and two other wounded comrades are loaded onto the helicopter. He then navigates the aircraft through the hail of bullets, carrying you to the safety of doctors and nurses. Astonishingly, he continues this perilous mission, returning to the battlefield another 13 times. Each time, he retrieves more injured soldiers until all of the wounded are evacuated. Only after the mission concludes does anyone realize that Captain Freeman had been shot four times in his legs and left arm. Thanks to Captain Freeman's selfless and courageous actions, a total of 29 injured soldiers and their comrades were saved that day. Without his intervention, some would not have survived. This exceptional act of heroism earned Captain Ed Freeman the Medal of Honor. Unfortunately, news of his passing at the age of 80 in Boise, Idaho may not have reached everyone. Let us remember and honor this true hero, Medal of Honor recipient Captain Ed Freeman of the United States Army. Please share his story, ensuring that his legacy lives on.