United States of America
Headstone of John Paul Bobo
Medal of Honor
U.S. Marine Corps · United States United States

John Paul Bobo

1943 – 1967
Medal of Honor - NavyPurple HeartCombat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service MedalVietnam Service MedalVietnam Gallantry CrossRepublic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Wall · Panel 17E

Second Lieutenant John Paul Bobo served in the U.S. Marine Corps. John served in the Vietnam War. John was 24 years old.

How He Died
Manner Combat Death
Place Quang Tri
Keepsakes
Medal of Honor Recipient John P. Bobo
Medal of Honor Recipient John P. Bobo 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
0302: Infantry Officer
QUANG TRI
Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor - Navy
30 March 1967 · Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam · Second Lieutenant · Company I, 3d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein) FMF

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 mainpoint 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.

Awards & Decorations 7

For valor

Medal of Honor - Navy posthumous March 30, 1967 · Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam · Second Lieutenant · Company I, 3d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein) FMF
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 mainpoint 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.

For service and achievement

Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
Memorials
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Panel 17E · Line 70 cut as JOHN P BOBO
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 7, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated September 27, 2026

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Shadow Box
John Paul Bobo
Second Lieutenant
U.S. Marine Corps
3rd Battalion 9th Marines
Second Lieutenant
Medal of Honor - Navy
Medal of Honor - Navy Purple Heart Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Gallantry Cross Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
3rd Battalion 9th Marines - Insignia

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