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I knew Ed Bradley as a very tough competitor and as a compassionate human being. He arrived in Vietnam for CBS about a year after I joined the staff of NBC News in Saigon. If you were up against Ed on a story, you were on your toes because you knew he was always looking for ways to hammer the opposition. When Saigon was about to fall to the communist North Vietnamese in April 1975, both Ed Bradley and I had volunteered to go back to cover the end of the Vietnam war for our respective networks.
On April 29, as the word came that Americans were being evacuated from Saigon, Ed tried to tie up all the outgoing long-distance phone circuits from the besieged capital so that the other networks would have problems filing live reports by telephone. One of my NBC News colleagues almost got in a fist fight with Bradley, who protested his innocence.
Bradley was also capable of acts of great kindness. There were plenty of stories about how he came to the aid of people wounded in battle. The most famous example of Bradley's compassion occurred in 1978 when he and his camera crew were photographing the "boat people" escaping from Vietnam. Many of the boats, overloaded with men, women and small children, were foundering in the South China sea. At one point, Bradley waded out into waist-deep water and hauled the boat to safety on shore.
Some fellow journalists criticized Bradley for getting personally involved in the story. But as a journalist, Ed Bradley was also a human being who could not stand by while fellow humans drowned.
Today, as I was sharing memories of Ed with others, one thing emerged: He was a giant in this business and a helluva class act.
Read more from George Lewis
Navigating the memories of a veteran
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I love watching 60 Minutes simply to watch Ed Bradley's pieces. He was such a classy man - from the first day I watched him in the early 70's. I just felt so proud to see a "brother" doing so well so publicly. And he was a "class act" to the end. My sympathies to his family and thank you for sharing him with us. God Bless you Ed.
Pat F., Toronto, Ontario Canada (Sent Nov 29, 2006 12:16:12 PM)
I remember watching Ed Bradley from early on with my family. My mother, aunt, sisters and brother would all gather around the TV on Sundays waiting for 60 minutes and Ed Bradley. Watching Ed was inspiring. Ed could bring any subject to a higher lever for his audience. I will miss Ed Bradley like I miss so many of my friends that have passed..
Ruben Teen, Lenexa, Ks. (Sent Nov 21, 2006 9:30:26 PM)
MAY THE PEACE OF GOD BE WITH THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME. HE IS NOT FORGOTTEN. GOD GAVE US SUCH A EXTROADINARY MAN WHO WAS WILL VERSED IN HIS FIELD, WE APPRECIATE ALL THAT MR.BRADLEY GAVE THIS COUNTRY. ALL OUR LOVE FROMM PA.HOSPITAL, PHILADELPHIA
(Sent Nov 14, 2006 11:01:42 PM)
From here on the caribbean island of Barbados ,i watched in awe every sunday night as Ed Bradley made journalism the greatest profession it aught to be.Heartfelt sympathy to his sorrowing relatives.
ART Husbands (Sent Nov 14, 2006 4:40:27 AM)
Thank-You Mr. Bradley for everything.
Roosevelt Glover Denver, Colorado (Sent Nov 14, 2006 2:41:47 AM)
Mr Bradley will be missed. As we mourn his loss, know
that God has said. "Well done, good and faithful servant: you have been faithful." You will always be remembered as one "Class Act" and you have made me
an (African American Woman) proud....May the peace of the Lord comfort his wife, family and friends.
God's Blessings
Valerie Daniels, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, (Sent Nov 14, 2006 1:57:46 AM)
Ed Bradley's greatest professional skill was his deft communication ability. He was articulate, succinct, informative, interesting and never boring. His combined a reporter's tenaciousness to get at the heart of a story or profile with a warm, very human kind of style.
You believed that he was truly interested in the subject matter, whatever it was, and that his goal was to share it all with you - in an almost personal way.
The color of his skin was both significant and incidental. He was a great journalist, and - from all I've seen and read in recent days - a great guy.
(Sent Nov 13, 2006 6:29:53 PM)
My family and I have watched 60 minutes for years and we will miss Mr. Bradley, a true professional.
Peace and God's blessing to Mr. Bradley's wife and family.
Karin Lott, Pikesville, MD (Sent Nov 13, 2006 3:14:11 PM)
All the footage from all over the airwaves should be bottled and labled, "Inspiration: Here young brothers. Take this and drink deep. Excellence is the key to everywhere. Don't settle for mediocrity. It is not your destiny. Focus, substance and style are your heritage. You are. So be. You belong. So prepare yourself for your contribution in whatever area you're destined to achieve." OK, so some of the mustard seeds may fall on concrete. That though is no reason to truncate dreams, visions and belief in one's capacity to thrive.
(Sent Nov 13, 2006 1:28:34 PM)
I grew up as a young black male in Philly looking up too and admiring Ed Bradley. I wanted to be a journalist cause of him. I watch him anchor the CBS Sunday Night News so impress by the fact he was anchoring. I watch and saw many of his CBS Reports, his 60minutes work of course. I watch him be a floor correspondent at the National conventions how impress i was this journalist this man this black man working a convention, always prepared. I was impress often when i saw him subsituting for Dan Rather on the CBS Evening News. His career was second to none,impeccable. He died to early but no one can question God. He did well Ed you did so well lived a life most of us can never have so REST IN PEACE YOU EARNED IT. YOUR LEGACY LIVES ON FOREVER A WASTED LIFE YOU WERE NOT.
Joseph Bazley, Philadelphia,PA (Sent Nov 13, 2006 8:58:38 AM)
Ed Bradley will be missed. He was such an inspiration, it was wonderful to watch TV and see someone in the news of my skin color. I could count on seeing him on 'CBS' and '60 Minutes.' He was outstanding in the terrific job that he did in news, I trusted his word and I trusted him, I simply admired him, he didn't fail us in the work that he did and presented to us. May his replacement to CBS and 60 Minutes be someone of color (African American)and of the same professionalism and stature. I am close to Mr Bradley's age (62), but we have young people who are watching and who continue to need to be inspired. My prayers are with the Ed Bradley Family and the CBS Family during their time of sorrow.
Sincerely, Karen V. White
Karen V White Fayetteville, NC (Sent Nov 13, 2006 6:45:58 AM)
Ed Bradley, what can be said that hasn't been. When ever he aired a story he brought a sense of life that you knew you were going to enjoy his guess and his story. He was so cool, so calm and down to earth. There's no such thing as "replace." 60 minutes and the rest of us are at a great lost.
Darryl R. Robinson, Lakewood, CA (Sent Nov 13, 2006 6:17:05 AM)
Our deepest sympathies go out to his friends and family. As we honor a great journalist, and a giant of a man. You will be missed very much and remembered for ever. May we meet in heaven as we never had the opportunity to meet on earth. God Bless!!!
Pete Lopez , Trabuco Canyon, Ca (Sent Nov 12, 2006 8:34:40 PM)
From a fellow Philadelphian , you gave the "brotherly Love" a special meaning, rest in peace Mr. Bradley, You did well
charles bernstein 662 Magnolia Court Bensalem PA 19020 (Sent Nov 12, 2006 1:52:00 PM)
I will miss seeing him on 60 minutes. He had such a way of interviewing that seemed so effortless. I saw a tribute to him on Larry King that brought me to tears. What a class act. May he rest in peace. Blessings to his family and friends.
Carla Dale, Eddyville, Oregon (Sent Nov 12, 2006 1:45:11 PM)
I will miss Ed Bradley when I watch 60 minutes. He had such class. I enjoyed his interviews so much. My prayers are with his family and friends. 60 minutes has a big hole to fill. Such a loss, but what a legacy he is leaving behind
Sue Piccoli, Peoria, IL (Sent Nov 12, 2006 9:46:08 AM)
I love and respect a man of color who surpassed every human accomplishment jut sby him being himself. What a monumental contribution to the world. He diffentlay was an added contribution to my life, each day I am more inspired to contibute to mankind because of ED BRADLEY. To his Wife and family God Bless and lots of love.
Taylor Akron, Ohio (Sent Nov 12, 2006 9:28:57 AM)
A very classy guy who gave you very intelligent interview. I shall miss his perspective on things. I feel he is someone I would liked to have met
(Sent Nov 12, 2006 7:09:41 AM)
Thanks Ed. You did your part with class.
Rose Forbin, Houston, Texas (Sent Nov 12, 2006 12:46:18 AM)
Being in the news business and you heard the words, Ed Bradley, you were hearing the "best of the best". We are all so fortunate to have been in his presence. God bless
Ed, his wife and family.
Ron Gordon, Morrisville, PA (Sent Nov 11, 2006 11:50:27 PM)
I was out of the country on vacation when I heard the news of Ed Bradley's passing. Like many who have commented, I enjoy watching 60 minutes just to see Ed Bradley's story - the one about the Duke lacrosse players was outstanding! My condolensces to his family. He will be missed and 60 minutes will not be the same for me.
Gladys, Orlando, FL (Sent Nov 11, 2006 10:44:22 PM)
I am saddened to learn about demise of Ed Bradely. I have a good memories of him.
Nothing can bring him back, but nothing can erase the lives he led, the difference he made, he had adventurous spirit a generous soul.
At this time of sorrow, I would like to extend my sincere heartfelt sympathy to his entire family, relatives, friends and CBS team. Hoping they will find comfort in their memories and strength from those who share their sorrow.
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with their family, and they will over come this moment of grief. I share their grief, their pain is unimaginable, but we cannot undo it. That is God's work.
His loss is irreplaceable, his presense deeply missed, but the joy of God will be their strength and his presence your comfort during lonely times. Keep in mind that he is not here, but in a far better place.!!!!!
AKBER A. KASSAM. NEW-YORK CITY, N.Y. (Sent Nov 11, 2006 7:50:31 PM)
I am saddened to learn about demise of Ed Bradely. I have a good memories of him.
Nothing can bring him back, but nothing can erase the lives he led, the difference he made, he had adventurous spirit a generous soul.
At this time of sorrow, I would like to extend my sincere heartfelt sympathy to his entire family, relatives, friends and CBS team. Hoping they will find comfort in their memories and strength from those who share their sorrow.
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with their family, and they will over come this moment of grief. I share their grief, their pain is unimaginable, but we cannot undo it. That is God's work.
His loss is irreplaceable, his presense deeply missed, but the joy of God will be their strength and his presence your comfort during lonely times. Keep in mind that he is not here, but in a far better place.!!!!!
AKBER A. KASSAM. NEW-YORK CITY, N.Y. (Sent Nov 11, 2006 7:46:27 PM)
Ed - from all your feelow Cheyney Alumni....we will miss you!
Ky'a Jackson, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Nov 11, 2006 7:00:36 PM)
My family and i will miss seeing Ed Bradley on 60 minutes. He was a great guy to listen to. Always did a fine job reporting. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family. You are at peace Ed Bradley. You will be missed!!!
C. Engesser, Monroe, wi. (Sent Nov 11, 2006 10:33:12 AM)
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