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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army 2LT Robert John Hibbs.
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2877 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army 2LT Robert John Hibbs and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story about Hibbs in the Black Hawk County history on the North Iowa University website that was submitted by Josh Duey.
Army Second Lieutenant Robert John Hibbs, a 22-year-old from Cedar Falls, Iowa, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Vietnam on March 5, 1966.
Leading a platoon from the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Hibbs was tasked with disrupting a Viet Cong ambush near Don Dien Lo Ke. During the night, Hibbs and his men discovered a large enemy force. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Hibbs initiated a surprise attack to protect his unit and buy time for reinforcements.
In the chaos of battle, Hibbs personally led two charges against enemy positions. Despite heavy fire, he destroyed key enemy weapons and inflicted significant damage. As the enemy regrouped, Hibbs spotted two injured soldiers trapped under enemy fire. Without hesitation, he ordered his men to withdraw, but he stayed behind to rescue his comrades.
Carrying one soldier to safety, he returned for the second. In the final moments of the rescue, Hibbs was struck down by enemy gunfire. His selfless actions saved the lives of his fellow soldiers, though it cost him his own.
For his extraordinary bravery and devotion to his men, Robert John Hibbs was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy endures as a symbol of courage and sacrifice, embodying the highest values of the U.S. Army.
Listen to Episode 2877 and discover more about Army 2LT Robert John Hibbs and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.
