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For those interested in military history, we recommend the documentary “Combat Machines,” which explores the vehicles used during the Vietnam War. Magellan TV provides over 3,000 documentaries covering history, science, space, and more, all without commercial interruptions. New users can enjoy a one-month free trial by visiting try.magellantv.com/simplehistory.
John P. Bobo was a dedicated Marine who served during the Vietnam War. Born on February 14, 1943, in Niagara Falls, New York, Bobo was driven by a strong sense of duty to serve his country. While studying history at Niagara University, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve and later became a second lieutenant.
After completing his training at Quantico, Virginia, Bobo was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. In June 1966, he and his unit were deployed to Vietnam, where they participated in Operation Prairie III. This operation aimed to eliminate the North Vietnamese Army’s presence in the Quang Tri Province.
During the operation, Bobo’s unit faced increasing enemy attacks. On March 30, 1967, India Company was on patrol near the capital combat base, setting up ambush positions. Under the cover of night, the North Vietnamese Army launched a surprise attack on the company command group and the second platoon, led by Bobo.
Despite being outnumbered, Bobo organized his men into a defensive position and moved between positions to encourage them. He even used a fallen soldier’s rocket launcher against enemy machine guns. During the battle, a mortar shell severely injured his right leg.
Refusing to leave his men, Bobo used his web belt as a tourniquet and continued to fight, providing cover for his platoon to reposition. His actions allowed the unit to repel the attack with the help of helicopter gunships. Tragically, Bobo was mortally wounded during the battle.
John Bobo’s bravery and leadership were instrumental in saving his fellow Marines. For his actions on March 30, 1967, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. He also received a Purple Heart, a Combat Action Ribbon, and two South Vietnamese medals: the National Order of Vietnam Medal and the RVN Gallantry Cross Medal.
Bobo’s courage and dedication exemplify the highest traditions of the Marine Corps, ensuring his legacy as a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
Explore the military strategies and tactics used during the Vietnam War. Focus on the operations similar to Operation Prairie III, where John P. Bobo served. Prepare a presentation that highlights the challenges faced by soldiers and how they adapted to the unique combat environment of Vietnam.
Analyze John P. Bobo’s leadership during the battle on March 30, 1967. Identify key leadership qualities he demonstrated and discuss how these can be applied in modern professional settings. Prepare a written report or a group discussion to share your insights.
Watch the recommended documentary “Combat Machines” on Magellan TV. After viewing, participate in a group discussion about the role of military technology in the Vietnam War and its impact on the outcome of battles. Reflect on how technology influenced the strategies employed by soldiers like John P. Bobo.
Write a short story or a diary entry from the perspective of a Marine during the Vietnam War, inspired by John P. Bobo’s experiences. Focus on the emotional and physical challenges faced by soldiers. Share your story with peers to gain feedback and insights.
Conduct a comparative study of Medal of Honor recipients from different conflicts. Examine the common traits and actions that led to their recognition. Create a presentation or a report that highlights the similarities and differences in their acts of valor, including John P. Bobo’s heroic actions.
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If you’re already a member, here’s our documentary recommendation: “Combat Machines.” The show is great for military vehicle and weapon enthusiasts. Check out this episode on the Vietnam War for an analysis of the vehicles used by the Viet Cong to move along the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the American combat machines used to stop them.
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Now, let’s talk about John P. Bobo, a Marine during the Vietnam War. John Bobo was not someone who was content with sitting at home waiting to be drafted; he desired to serve his country without being asked. Born on February 14, 1943, in Niagara Falls, New York, John was an exemplary young man, and it would be his unflinching resolve that made him stand out and ultimately made him a hero. While still a student at Niagara University, John Bobo enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. After completing his studies with a degree in history, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
After receiving his commission, he immediately went to Quantico, Virginia, for Marine Corps basic training and officer candidate course. In June 1966, after the course was finished, Bobo was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. That same month, along with the rest of his unit, he was deployed to Vietnam. John Bobo’s unit was one of four battalions engaged in Operation Prairie III from March 19 until April 19, 1967. The operation aimed to eliminate the North Vietnamese Army’s presence in the Quang Tri Province, south of the demilitarized zone.
In the opening phase of the operation, they experienced only light contact with the enemy, but the situation changed after just a few days. Soon, the Marine patrols found themselves severely hampered by heavy attacks followed by intense mortar shelling. On March 30, 1967, India Company of the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines was on patrol six miles northwest of the capital combat base. Their mission was to establish platoon ambush positions for surprise attacks on enemy units. Just as the first and third platoons had established their ambush positions, the NVA attacked the company command group and the second platoon under the cover of night.
Even though the North Vietnamese prevented the first and third platoons from returning to help their comrades, the first attack was repelled by U.S. troops. However, the second assault was more devastating, as the NVA attacked with full company strength followed by mortar fire. John Bobo, as the commander of the second platoon, organized his men into a defensive position. Even though they were outnumbered, he jumped from one position to another, encouraging his men to keep fighting. If they gave way, the entire command post would have been overrun.
Bobo and his men fought valiantly, and at one point, he even picked up a rocket launcher from a fallen soldier to use against the enemy machine guns. While running between positions, a mortar shell exploded near him, inflicting a severe injury to his right leg below the knee. The platoon’s medic rushed to evacuate him, but Bobo refused to leave the combat area. Instead, he insisted that the medic help him position himself to provide cover for the rest of the group and allow them to move to a better position to engage the enemy. He used his web belt as a tourniquet and continued to fight off the enemy from his position until he was mortally wounded.
His unshakable courage in the face of the enemy helped the rest of the unit reach a protective position from which they managed to repel the attack with the help of helicopter gunships. The battle ended with 16 Marines killed and 47 wounded. Once the firing stopped, the Marines evacuated to their combat base, carrying along the body of their second lieutenant, John Bobo. His body was later returned to the United States and buried in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Lewiston, New York.
For his bravery shown in combat on March 30, 1967, John Bobo was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he also received a Purple Heart, a Combat Action Ribbon, and two medals awarded to him by the South Vietnamese government: the National Order of Vietnam Medal and the RVN Gallantry Cross Medal. Because of John Bobo’s courage and bravery, his men lived to fight another day. As noted in his Medal of Honor citation, his bold initiative reflected the highest traditions of the Marine Corps.
Military – Relating to the armed forces or to soldiers, arms, or war – The military strategies employed during World War II significantly altered the course of history.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs – Understanding the history of ancient civilizations provides insight into modern societal structures.
Marine – Relating to the sea; naval forces – The marine operations during the Normandy landings were crucial to the success of the Allied invasion.
Vietnam – A Southeast Asian country known for its history of conflict, particularly the Vietnam War – The Vietnam War had a profound impact on both American and Vietnamese societies.
Battle – A sustained fight between large organized armed forces – The Battle of Gettysburg is often considered a turning point in the American Civil War.
Operation – A military action or mission – Operation Desert Storm was a successful campaign during the Gulf War.
Honor – High respect or esteem; adherence to what is right – Soldiers are often awarded medals of honor for acts of valor in combat.
Legacy – Something handed down by a predecessor – The legacy of the Roman Empire can be seen in modern legal systems and architecture.
Courage – The ability to do something that frightens one; bravery – The courage displayed by the troops during the D-Day invasion was remarkable.
Duty – A moral or legal obligation; a responsibility – Serving one’s country is often seen as a duty of citizenship.
