John P Bobo

[Vulture6]

JOHN PAUL BOBO
SECOND LIEUTENANT, USMC


John Paul Bobo, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam in March 1967, was born 14 February 1943 at Niagara Falls, New York. He graduated from Our Lady of Lebanon Parochial Grammar School, and from Bishop Duffy High School in 1961. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve 28 May 1965 at Buffalo, New York, while attending Niagara University. Then he received a BA Degree in History from the University in June 1965 and was commissioned a Marine Corps Reserve second lieutenant 17 December 1965.

Second Lieutenant Bobo completed the Officers’ Candidate Course, The Basic School, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia, in May 1966.

Following graduation, he was ordered to the Republic of Vietnam. There he was assigned duty as platoon commander, Company I, 3d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division. While serving in this capacity, he was mortally wounded while firing his weapon into the mainpoint of the enemy attack on 30 March 1967.

A complete list of his medals and decorations includes: the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, the National Order of Vietnam 5th Class with Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Second Lieutenant Bobo was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Bobo of Niagara Falls, New York, two brothers, and one sister.

Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U. S. Marine Corps Reserve, 3d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF

Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 30 March 1967

Entered service at: Buffalo. New York

Born: 14 February 1943, Niagara Falls, New York

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Company I was establishing night ambush sites when the command group was attacked by a reinforced North Vietnamese company supported by heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire. 2d Lt. Bobo immediately organized a hasty defense and moved from position to position encouraging the outnumbered Marines despite the murderous enemy fire. Recovering a rocket launcher from among the friendly casualties, he organized a new launcher team and directed its fire into the enemy machine gun positions. When an exploding enemy mortar round severed 2d Lt. Bobo's right leg below the knee, he refused to be evacuated and insisted upon being placed in a firing position to cover the movement of the command group to a better location. With a web belt around his leg serving as a tourniquet and with his leg jammed into the dirt to contain the bleeding, he remained in this position and delivered devastating fire into the ranks of the enemy attempting to overrun the Marines. 2d Lt. Bobo was mortally wounded while firing his weapon into the main point of the enemy attack but his valiant spirit inspired his men to heroic efforts, and his tenacious stand enabled the command group to gain a protective position where it repulsed the enemy onslaught. 2d Lt Bobo's superb leadership, dauntless courage, and bold initiative reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.