BRUCE, DANIEL D.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Headquarters and Service Company, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines Division, 1st Marine Division

Place: Fire Support Base Tomahawk, Quang Nam Province,
Republic of Vietnam

Date: 1 March 1969

Entered service at: Chicago, Illinois

Born: 18 May 1950, Michigan City, Indiana

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.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: BRUCE

First name: DANIEL DEAN

Home of Record (official): BEVERLY SHORES

State (official): IN

Date of Birth: Thursday, May 18, 1950

Sex: Male

Race: Caucasian

Marital Status: Married

--- Military ---

Branch: Marine Corps

Rank: PFC

Serial Number: 2485891

Component: Regular

Pay grade: E2

MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 0351

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Friday, January 24, 1969

Date of Casualty: Saturday, March 1, 1969

Age at time of loss: 18

Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died

Reason: Other explosive device (Ground casualty)

Country: South VietNam

Province: Quang Nam

The Wall: Panel 31W - Row 099

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Medal Of Honor Recipients