
Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
Vietnam War - U.S. Marine Corps
Daniel Dean Bruce
- Rank: Private First Class
- Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
- Unit/Command:
Headquarters & Service Company, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein) FMF - Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
- Medal of Honor Action Date: March 1, 1969
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Fire Support Base Tomahawk, Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam
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 two 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 three 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.

- Accredited to: Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
- Awarded Posthumously: Yes
- Presentation Date & Details: February 16, 1971
The White House (East Ballroom), presented by Pres. Richard M. Nixon to his family
- Born: May 18, 1950, Michigan City, La Porte County, IN, United States
- Died: March 1, 1969, Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam
- Buried: Greenwood Cemetery (MH) (All Wars Monument Circle-8), Michigan City, IN, United States
- Location of Medal: Disabled American Veterans Post 23, Michigan City, IN