THE WALL OF FACES

You have always been my favorite cousin and absolutely adored you even though I was only 9 when you passed. Can't believe it took me so long to find this website. I googled you because I'm watching the Vietnam war documentary on the history channel. Every time I pass Longwood cemetery I say hello to you and know exactly where you are buried under a big old oak tree like you asked your Mom to do.

Rest in peace and thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Love,
Jo

Dear LCPL Edward Bruno, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Silver Star

Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Edward Bruno (MCSN: 72381541), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company F, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 August 1969, during Operation IDAHO CANYON, Company F was approximately eight miles north of the Vandegrift Combat Base when Lance Corporal Bruno led a fire team up a steep hill to plot his unit's position on the map. As the Marines approached the summit of the hill, they came under intense fire from a numerically superior hostile force employing grenades, small arms and automatic weapons. Despite being wounded by the initial burst of fire, Lance Corporal Bruno skillfully deployed his men into more advantageous fighting positions utilizing the jungle growth for concealment, and then requested reinforcements. With the arrival of assistance, he and the other Marines forced the enemy to withdraw. The following morning, he led a squad up the same hill and came under fire from a well-entrenched, company-sized hostile unit. Rapidly assessing the situation, he quickly directed his men in an assault on the enemy position, ignoring the heavy volume of small arms fire and grenades directed at the Marines by the hostile soldiers. During the fire fight, Lance Corporal Bruno observed that one of his men had sustained a serious wound. With complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly crawled across the fire-swept terrain to reach his comrade, returned to a covered position with the casualty, and then rejoined his men and continued to lead the attack. Subsequently, he moved forward of the point element with a light anti-tank assault weapon and boldly destroyed one of the enemy's key positions and the machine gun. Following this aggressive action, Lance Corporal Bruno was mortally wounded by fragments from a hostile grenade. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his courage, fearless leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Bruno upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: August 6, 1969

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

Company: Company F

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 3d Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

Edward is buried at Locustwood Memorial Park in Cherry Hill,NJ. SS PH

*BRUNO, EDWARD (KIA)brSynopsis:brThe President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Edward Bruno (72381541), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on August 6, 1969. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Lance Corporal Bruno upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.brHome Town: Long Beach, New Yorkbrbr