Bobby D. Lain

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Bobby D. Lain (0-77695), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer, Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in Vietnam on 19 February 1967. During Operation STONE, the battalion encountered a main force Viet Cong battalion. Company B was assigned the key mission of closing the last route of escape available to the enemy. Although suffering from a wound in the foot from a punji stick, Captain Lain refused evacuation and gallantly led his company through 5,000 meters of heavily mined and booby-trapped terrain to completely surround and entrap the enemy battalion which suffered more than 250 casualties. While aggressively advancing against the enemy to establish final contact with a friendly company, Captain Lain was critically wounded by an enemy mine, causing the ultimate loss of both lower limbs. Although stunned by the severity of his wounds, he thoroughly briefed his executive officer as to the situation and only after insuring that the company’s tactical integrity was maintained and the entrapment of the enemy force complete, did he relinquish command of his unit. By his indomitable courage, superb leadership and valiant fighting spirit, Captain Lain served to inspire his men to heroic endeavor in their successful elimination of the enemy battalion as a fighting force. His great personal valor reflected the highest credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.