The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Captain Bradford D. Bramhall (MCSN: 0-10617), United States Marine Corps, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Captain Bramhall attempted to take off from the field at the Naval Air Station, Inyokern, California, on 9 March 1944, in an R-50 airplane. After attaining a speed of sixty miles per hour mechanical difficulties, which have not been determined to date, caused the plane to ground loop through about 180 degrees and burn. Flames developed about the port motor and Captain Bramhall ordered all hands to abandon ship. Captain Bramhall escaped from the plane through the pilot’s escape hatch while the passengers left the plane by the regular cabin door. Although superficially burned about the face, Captain Bramhall made a hurried check of his passengers and could not locate the co-pilot, Major John W. Ryland, USMC. Captain Bramhall knew that Major Ryland had previously injured his leg and was not as active as a normal persona. Believing that the co-pilot was still in the burning craft, Captain Bramhall entered the craft at great risk to his own life in an effort to effect the rescue of Major Ryland. The fact that Major Ryland had previously cleared the airplane does not lessen the commendable intent and courageous conduct of Captain Bramhall to effect the rescue of personnel under highly dangerous circumstances.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Bradford D. Bramhall (MCSN: 0-10617), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon and New Hebrides Area from 9 May 1943 to 24 May 1943. Captain Bramhall completed forty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainAction Date:
December 28, 1942 – January 12, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Bradford D. Bramhall (MCSN: 0-10617), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon and New Hebrides Area from 28 December 1942 to 12 January 1943. Captain Bramhall completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.