On Feb 19, 1967 the Marines from B.Co 1/1 came against a reinforced NVA battalion in the Quang Nam province.
Their company commander, Capt. Bobby D. Lain, was wounded in the foot early in the battle when he stepped on a punji stick. Despite his wound, he continued to lead his men under heavy fire and managed to kill over 250 of the enemy. He then led his company in an advance to destroy the remaining enemy forces when he stepped on a landmine.
The explosion resulted in the traumatic amputation of both of his legs. Over the radio, the BN Commander was requesting a sitrep and Lain calmly replied: "I'm sorry, sir. I've lost my legs."
Lain then ordered his Marines to maintain fire superiority on the enemy and briefed his XO on the situation, relinquishing his command when he was sure victory was imminent.
When the medevac helicopter arrived, Lain made sure the other wounded were loaded on the helicopters first.
Lain was finally taken to the Navy hospital at Da Nang where he would begin his long recovery.
Realizing his Marine Corps career was over, he decided to go back to school, earning a Master Degree and becoming a college professor for over 25 years.
He would eventually receive the Navy Cross for his leadership and courage.
Lain never let the loss of his legs interfere with his life. He did roof repairs on his home, built his own three-wheel motorcycle, traveled all across the country, got married and raised a family.
#warrior #vietnamwar #leadership #stayzero #zerofoxtrot