Opinion: We need leaders to cultivate American spirit, restore integrity

Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who sacrificed their lives in service to our country in time of war/conflict. What does that really mean?

Sending U.S. forces into combat is an awesome responsibility for a president and Congress to undertake. The reasons better be good ones. Troops (individuals) are put in harm's way. They need to have the support of the leaders and the people. They need to have the necessary training, equipment and planning to complete the mission. If you take your eyes off the mission, you're heading for failure.

Participating in war/combat is not easy, and things change - just like the weather. If you don't have good intelligence, you don't know what you're up against. Command and unit leaders are dealing with people and personalities. That's where training and responsibility come into play. One of the main lessons that was pounded into our heads during nine months of initial training at Quantico as Marines in 1965/66 was to take the information you have and make decisions. "Indecision is a decision." You have to do that based on information you have at the time. Plus, you have to learn how to depend on each other.

People die or are wounded in war performing their jobs. Some perform heroic acts. People die in war zones due to firefights, snipers, grenades, rockets, recon teams, plane/helicopter crashes, air attacks, horrific conditions, etc. A war zone is not a safe place.

As a Marine Vietnam veteran, I can cite specific cases that are close to me personally and exemplify what Memorial Day is all about. From my 38th OCC/Basic Class at Quantico, we had 33 killed in action in Vietnam. One case stands out. Second Lt. John Bobo was killed on March 30, 1967. For his actions, John received the Medal of Honor. It was awarded posthumously to his family in 1968. He was 24 years old.

His citation reads:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at 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. 2nd 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 his right leg below the knee, he refused to be evacuated and insisted on 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 his leg jammed into the dirt to contain the bleeding, he remained in position and delivered devastating fire into the ranks of the enemy attempting to overthrow the Marines. 2nd 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 to gain a protective position where it repulsed the enemy onslaught. 2nd 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."

John is buried in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Lewiston, New York. He was 24 years old.

Two statements by surviving members of his platoon speak volumes:

1 - "Want to thank you John for giving your life and saving mine and the others who were with you. Thank you for being a true leader."

2 - "John was my first 1/3/9 platoon commander in July 1966. I served as a squad leader for John and was one of the Marines who survived the Battle of Getlin's Corner, due to his heroic actions on 3/30/67. John's devotion to his fellow Marines on that terrible day is hard for me to explain to anyone who doesn't understand what happens to men in combat. John's bravery, as evidenced by his Medal of Honor, was only surpassed by his love for his family and his fellow Marines of India Company. I owe my life to John and his brothers in 'The Flaming I.' I honor his memory every day and will continue to do so as long as I live. I was with him when he was killed.

Semper Fidelis"

Another platoon commander from my Basic School platoon was injured in that same battle.

In October, my OCC/Basic class will hold our reunion at Quantico, where we all began 58 years ago. We will hold a ceremony in honor of John, the 32 other KIAs from Vietnam and our brothers who have passed on over the years.

As I write this, I'm looking at two framed Norman Rockwell prints on my wall. They are two of the "Four Freedoms" he painted. One is "The Freedom of Speech." The other is "The Freedom of Worship." In today's fractured society with weak leadership, I pray that we can protect these valuable freedoms. We need leaders to cultivate the American spirit and restore the integrity of institutions. Heroes like John Bobo deserve it.

R. E. (Bob) Richardson lives in Sumter.