Bobian, Ralph Daniel ., LCpl

NIGHT AMBUSH ENGAGEMENT 5 KM SOUTHWEST OF THE TUY LOAN BRIDGE 19671221
UTM grid reference is AT914663

On December 20, the 1st Battalion went on alert for a possible ground and rocket attack against the Da Nang airfield or another one of the major installations. The Marines mission was to insure that the enemy did not have free access to firing points in the "Rocket Belt" which was an area surrounding Da Nang and would put the enemy's capabilities in range to launch their deadly missiles. Patrols were stepped up to intercept the enemy before he could accomplish his mission and cause some severe damage.

Cpl Smedley was sent out with a squad ot Marines to establish an ambush near the hamlet of Phuoc Ninh (2), in the Hieu Duc District of Quang Nam Province. At approximately 23:00H the Marines observed a large enemy force carrying heavy objects and laden down with equipment, they reported their sighting and engaged the enemy with small arms fire.

With a superior enemy force engaging his Marines the CO of Delta Company immediately dispatched a reaction force and when the battle was over the Marines recovered two rocket launching tubes, a tripod, some small arm weapons and several other items of enemy equipment. Two Marines were killed in the action, one of the casualties being LCpl Bobian as a result of enemy gunshot wounds

Service number 2304829
Tour start date 10/22/1967

 *BOBIAN, RALPH D. Citation: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Ralph D. Bobian (2304829), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 20 December 1967, Lance Corporal Bobian was a member of a nine-man assault unit which ambushed a numerically superior Viet Cong force in the vicinity of Happy Valley in Quang Nam Province. During the ensuing fire fight, he skillfully delivered accurate machine-gun fire which inflicted heavy casualties on the Viet Cong until they fled in panic and confusion. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Bobian joined a reaction force and unhesitatingly pursued the retreating enemy. Suddenly the Marines came under intense small-arms, automatic weapons, and grenade launcher fire from concealed positions on their flank. Reacting instantly, Lance Corporal Bobian aggressively attacked the enemy force, firing his weapon from the hip as he fearlessly advanced across the fire-swept terrain. Observing a wounded comrade lying in an area dangerously exposed to the hostile fire, he ran to the injured man and calmly directed suppressive fire at the enemy while he stood between the casualty and the hostile force, using his body as a shield to protect his fallen comrade. Then, wounded by the hostile fire, he fell to the ground. Despite his painful injury, he crawled forward and propped himself against a bush where he continued to provide protective fire until he was mortally wounded by enemy machine-gun fire. His resolute determination and aggressive fighting spirit in the face of grave personal danger were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his steadfast courage, outstanding initiative, and unfaltering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Bobian upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.