Marines

SECOND LIEUTENANT
JOHN PAUL BOBO, USMCR (DECEASED)

 

Medal of Honor Citation

John Paul Bobo, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam in March 1967, was born 14 February 1943 in 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. 

Vietnam War 1965-1973 Medal of Honor