My walk today was dedicated in honor of :
Marine 2LT John Paul Bobo, Age 24 of Niagara Falls, NY.
KIA Mar. 30, 1967 Vietnam
He is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on Panel 17E, Line 70.
2LT Bobo is buried in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.
Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the war in Vietnam as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Reinforced), FMF. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery and sacrifice at Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on March 30, 1967. His citation reads “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Company 1 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 curtain 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”. His Medal was awarded to his family posthumously.
We had a great 6.69 Mile walk today. We stopped at the War Memorial Park and read a few of the names on the wall. We will NEVER forget. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping me honor this hero.
Marine 2LT John Paul Bobo will not be forgotten !
