Bobby D. Lain

Bobby Dave Lain (April 2, 1937 - July 4, 2012) was a highly decorated United States Marine Corps major. During the Vietnam War, he suffered the loss of both of his legs and was awarded the Navy Cross, the Marines' second-highest decoration for valor in combat.
Early life and career
Bobby D. Lain was born on April 2, 1937 in Haskell County, Texas. In 1955, he graduated from A. C. Jones High School in Beeville, Texas. Lain then attended the University of Texas on an NROTC scholarship. Upon graduating in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in geography and history, Lain was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps.
In 1963, Lain met his wife, who was also a Marine officer, while he was stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina.
On February 19, 1st Battalion became engaged with a North Vietnamese Army battalion. Lieutenant Colonel Van D. Bell directed Lain's company to cut off the enemy's last available route of escape. Lain was wounded in the foot early in the battle when he stepped on a punji stick. Despite his wound, he refused to be medically evacuated and proceeded to lead his company over approximately three miles of heavily mined and booby-trapped terrain.
During the assault, Lain gave constant updates to Bell about his company's progress. Lain's company played a decisive role in the operation, trapping the NVA and inflicting over 250 enemy casualties. He then led his company in an advance to destroy the remaining enemy forces when he stepped on a landmine.

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