HIBBS, ROBERT JOHN

Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division

Place: Don Dien Lo Ke, Republic of Vietnam

Date: 5 March 1966

Entered service at: Des Moines, Iowa

Born: 21 April 1943, Omaha, Nebraska

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life
above and beyond the call of duty.

2nd Lt. Hibbs was in command of a 15-man ambush patrol of the 2nd Battalion, when his unit observed a company of Viet Cong advancing along the road toward the 2nd Battalion's position. Informing his command post by radio of the impending attack, he prepared his men for the oncoming Viet Cong, emplaced 2 mines in their path and, when the insurgents were within 20 feet of the patrol's position, he fired the 2 antipersonnel mines, wounding or killing half of the enemy company. Then, to cover the withdrawal of his patrol, he threw hand grenades, stepped onto the open road, and opened fire on the remainder of the Viet Cong force of approximately 50 men. Having rejoined his men, he was leading them toward the battalion perimeter when the patrol encountered the rear elements of another Viet Cong company deployed to attack the battalion. With the advantage of surprise, he directed a charge against the Viet Cong, which carried the patrol through the insurgent force, completely disrupting its attack. Learning that a wounded patrol member was wandering in the area between the 2 opposing forces and although moments from safety and wounded in the leg himself, he and a sergeant went back to the battlefield to recover the stricken man. After they maneuvered through the withering fire of 2 Viet Cong machine guns, the sergeant grabbed the dazed soldier and dragged him back toward the friendly lines while 2nd Lt. Hibbs remained behind to provide covering fire. Armed with only an M-16 rifle and a pistol, but determined to destroy the enemy positions, he then charged the 2 machine gun emplacements and was struck down. Before succumbing to his mortal wounds, he destroyed the starlight telescopic sight attached to his rifle to prevent its capture and use by the Viet Cong. 2nd Lt. Hibb's profound concern for his fellow soldiers, and his intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: HIBBS
First name: ROBERT JOHN
Home of Record (official): CEDAR FALLS
State (official): IA
Date of Birth: Wednesday, April 21, 1943
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Single

--- Military ---

Branch: Army
Rank: 2LT
Serial Number: O5326413
Component: Reserve
Pay grade: O1
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 1542

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Thursday, September 16, 1965
Date of Casualty: Saturday, March 5, 1966
Age at time of loss: 22
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Misadventure (possibly friendly fire) (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Unknown/Not Reported
The Wall: Panel 05E - Row 118

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