Daniel Dean Bruce
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Daniel Dean Bruce (18 May 1950 - 1 March 1969) was a Private First Class in the U.S. Marine Corps who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam. In March 1969, he was on night watch when an enemy explosive charge was thrown at his position, he caught it, held it close to his body, and ran from his position, saving the lives of three fellow Marines.

Bruce was born on 18 May 1950 in Michigan City, IN, where he attended Garfield Grammar School, Barker Jr. High School, and Elston Sr. High School.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in Chicago, IL, on 20 May 1968 and was discharged to enlist in the regular Marine Corps on 17 July 1968.

Upon completion of recruit training with the 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, CA, in September 1968, he was transferred to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA. He completed individual combat training with Company U, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Training Regiment in November, and basic infantry training with Weapons Company, Basic Infantry Training Battalion, 2nd Infantry Training Regiment in December.

On 1 January 1969, Bruce was promoted to Private First Class, and later that month was ordered to the Republic of Vietnam. He was assigned duty as anti-tank assault man with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

While participating in combat at Fire Support Base Tomahawk, Quang Nam Province, on 1 March 1969, he was killed in action. For his gallantry on this occasion, which saved the lives of three fellow Marines, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

The President of the United States in the name of the The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS DANIEL D. BRUCE
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following 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, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 1 March 1969, Private First Class Bruce was on watch in his night defensive position at Fire Support Base Tomahawk in Quang Nam Province 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 two occupants Private First Class Bruce Held the device to his body and attempted to carry it from the vicinity of the entrenched Marines. As he moved away, Private First Class Bruce's indomitable courage, inspiring valor and selfless devotion to duty saved the lives of three of his fellow Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

/S/ RICHARD M. NIXON

Medals and Awards

Medal of Honor
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Honors

A monument to Private First Class Daniel Dean Bruce is located in Harbor Park, Michigan City, IN.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Daniel Dean Bruce has his name inscribed on Panel 31W- Line 099.

Death and Burial

Private First Class Daniel Dean Bruce was killed in action on 1 March 1969. He is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Michigan City, La Porte County, IN.