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Subscribe to RSSThe U.S. Army Specialist will posthumously receive the award for his actions in the Vietnam War in 1970. NBC's Brian Williams reports.
A soldier who repeatedly charged at North Vietnamese forces during an ambush in Cambodia, forcing a retreat, will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the White House announced on Monday.
It was May 10, Mothers Day in 1970, when Army Spc. Leslie Sabo Jr. was in a platoon pursuing North Vietnamese forces in the Se San River valley in Cambodia. When a larger force ambushed the platoon, Sabo immediately launched an attack at the enemy and killed several soldiers.
Then, according to the White House, Sabo rushed at another oncoming flanking force and drew fire away from American troops. The North Vietnamese had to retreat.
As he was re-supplying ammunition, a grenade landed nearby. Sabo picked it up, threw it and shielded a fellow soldier with his own body. Wounded from the blast and enemy fire, he continued to fight, storming an enemy emplacement and throwing another grenade. The grenade explosion silenced the enemy, but also ended Sabo’s life, the White House said.
“His indomitable courage and complete disregard for his own safety saved the lives of many of his platoon members,” a news release from the White House said.
According to his hometown newspaper, the Ellwood City Ledger in Pennsylvania, Sabo’s body was shipped home in a body bag marked “Remains Unfit for Viewing.” His father and namesake died seven years later without knowing the precise circumstances of his son’s death.
President Obama will present the Medal of Honor, the military's highest award for combat valor, to Sabo's family on May 16 at the White House. Sabo’s widow, Rose Sabo-Brown, and his brother, George Sabo, will attend the ceremony.
"It's a tremendous legacy to leave to our grandkids and let them know that sacrifices all these guys made," George Sabo told the Ledger.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the records of Sabo's heroics, along with a citation recommending him for the Medal of Honor, were lost in military bureaucracy. The records re-emerged in 1999 when a writer for a military association magazine was researching Vietnam-era Medal of Honor winners at the National Archives.
The writer, Alton "Tony" Mabb, contacted Sabo's widow and met with her and other members of his platoon at the Vietnam Veteran's War Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 2002, the Post-Gazette reported. Mabb also contacted U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, who wrote the Defense Department requesting that Sabo's actions be recognized. In 2006, Sabo was recommended for the Medal of Honor by the secretary of the Army.
Still, it took an act of Congress to extend the time limits for the medal. The extension was included in the 2008 defense authorization bill.
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thats amazing but why so long? what a hero!!! at least his story got out
Better late than never. Hats off - guys like this truly humble the rest of us. RIP.
Makes you wanna wince whenever you hear somebody described as "heroic" for taking some political stand or other, sinking a basketball at the buzzer, or kicking a game winning field goal with seconds left in the 4th quarter.
@tina2989, my thoughts exactly...why so long? Amazing valor.
Finally a story I am proud to read, RIP brother.
Doug, I couldn't agree with you more. In today' society that is filled continuously with greed, self-worth, and lust for power even if it destroys everything all veteran's have fought for and in many cases died for, it is amazing to hear of a story of such courage, selflessness, and honor. In all I read today and for so long, this is by far the most rewarding article in a long time. May you rest in peace my fellow veteran and may you know your nation is proud of you and your sacrifice. It is nice that the world and particularly your family found out how truly special you really were.
wtf?33 years for this to come out. i'd get the delay if it was a classified specops mission but damn. he earned it but his family could not bury him with the MOH. damn. i hate when politics gets in the way of things like this.
I only heard the stories from my grandad about Sabo's bravery and at the age I'm at now I not only look at him in awe but also as a man who knows what it means to help a friend in need no matter the cost. I salute you Leslie Sabo Jr. May you always be remembered as a real hero.
What is sad about this is that Obama is only getting involved in this to stir up some votes and look like and eagle instead of a dove. Very sad indeed but expected because of his failed Presidency.
Or it could just be he's doing something that has been put off for a long time mosin. I don't like obamas rule but he's been getting things done so he's......iffy in my books
What is sad about this is people keep bringing Obama into things for no good reason. Obama wanted to take advantage of a MOH right now? Geez, who awards the thing? Congress. Hmm is the election even in full swing? If the all-powerful muslim warlord Obama really wanted to ride the MOH train, surely he would've waited for a better time. Not waaay before the RNC and right after he's riding a high where the latest poll shows him with a 9% lead. Maybe next time he should hold off on all military awards so sensitive conspiracy theorists would know it's on the up-and-up.
SMH
For those of us that served during the 1970s, it was not unusual for Firebases to be overrun, or come under mortar and rocket attacks. With the result being that the Award Recommendation paperwork being destroyed. Also no one knew when the Vietnam War would end, so many believed that they would be stuck at Vietnam forever, so getting anypaperwork done was a very low priority versus just surviving to the next day, since the North Vietnamese started to really push hard heading south, the Ho Chi Minh Trail (Super Freeway) going from North Vietnam into Cambodia and Laos then coming back into Vietnam near Plei Can with US Army LRRP/Ranger Teams calling in Artillery and Airstrikes until 1975 (unofficial 1976).
Specialist Leslie Sabo Jr. was a Hero, he knew from training what the consequences would be if he did not assault the ambush and what his chances for survival were not. During the 1970s BCT (Basic Combat Training) you were taught (Immediate Action Drills) to assault an ambush at a designated direction (clock hour screamed out by whoever is left that is in charge) so that some of you would survive instead of all of you dying in the ambush, in reality most would be eating dirt and hugging the ground (and not returning fire) with that moment of hesitation getting everyone killed. So to be 100% honest, how many of you would come forward and testify that while you were hugging the ground you glanced up and saw Specialist Leslie Sabo Jr. assault the ambush. Years later a Study was conducted that indicated that during Firefights at Vietnam only 1/4 of US Military in the Firefight returned fire, of the 1/4 most were not aiming (head down, not looking, individual weapon held overhead, from around a tree, corner of building, or top of wall, pointed in a direction firing on full auto without aiming, from film footage.).
So years or decades, later someone finds out that an Award was recommended by the deceased Commanding Officer, Platoon Leaders, Senior NCOs, Platoon Sergeants that were Killed In Action during the mortar, rocket attacks, ambushes or other Actions.
Example: My father was awarded the Silver Star during his third tour at Vietnam (photo I have at home Stateside, General Officer presenting my father the Silver Star Award Folder (Award Narrative and Orders) in one hand and the actual Medal in presentation box with the other hand), during a mortar attack the Division Commander's admin bunker was destroyed. The records of his being awarded the Silver Star were destroyed before being forwarded up the Chain of Command by the mortar attack, along with my father's copy. It was decades later after those that witnessed my father's actions to merit the Silver Star, as well as those that were at the Division's Awards Ceremony basically testified (sworn statements) that the Silver Star Award Recommendation, Narrative were reconstructed, and he received the Silver Star decades after he passed away (Agent Orange Related).
So long yes, unusual no.
Since most did not serve during those times, I have to ask Specialist What, Specialist 4, Specialist 5, etc., as unlike today Specialist is Specialist 4 (E-4) only. Back then Specialist went from Specialist 4 (E-4) to Specialist 7 (E-7). Previously before 1969 Specialist went all the way up to Specialist 9 (E-9).
I have my own reasons for asking, go ask any US Army Veteran of those times, the difference between Specialist and Hard Stripe (Sergeant).
42 years later............ Wow ..............Yet Washington has throw away billions, Congerssional order doesn't make my two young boy's feel good. Makes them wonder"should we even serve, I feel we will just be buried on the back yard" DADt
Take about speechless
Spc. Sabo, this old sailor and Vietnam vet says from the bottom of my heart, thank you my brother for your for your service and your sacrifice! May God bless and R.I.P. Your family may be justifiably proud.
I'm assuming that the reason for the delay in awarding the MOH is the fact that the combat operation took place in Cambodia - where we weren't supposed have troops. I am glad that this young man's heroism is finally being acknowledged by the country he fought so courageously for. I hope this indicates a willingness on the part of the Dept of Defense to review others from this era who should have received medals for valor that were denied because they were fighting outside the borders of Viet Nam in Cambodia & Laos. These are warriors who served valiantly and came home to protests and huge anti-military sentiment, they deserve recognition and our thanks for their service, however late those thanks are.
On April 30, 1970, President gave the order to invade Cambodia to try and take away a "safe zone" exploited by the Viet Cong and NVA forces. Since the incident took place on May 10, 1970, they were in fact, where they should have been.
The delay was likely due to the burden of proof for this mans actions or, (most likely), due to buearucratic delay and stonewalling. (probable scenario was someone in the governmental chain objected to the war in SE Asia and killed the paperwork to prevent the glorification of one of our "baby-killer" soldiers, not realizing 95% of all troops involved in the conflict were drafted and didn't want to be there anyway.)
This goes back to Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr, Clinton, Bush Jr and finally the Obama administration. Ascribing to political ideology is a little much.
Medal recommendations are usually written by the CO. Maybe there was a petition to the military to look into the matter by his comrades?
I'm happy someone found his military reports of bravery. Took 42 years but he will get his honor.
I salute you brother for what you did...RIP Army Spc. Leslie Sabo Jr
tina,
"thats amazing but why so long? what a hero!!!"
That's exactly the question I was asking myself. 42 years is a long time! But the article said his records were lost in the Pentagon bureaucracy which isn't hard to believe. I worked in the Pentagon for 5 years. It's a horrible bureaucracy. It's a wonder they ever get anything done at all. At any rate, I'm just glad this man is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
ottermann - Go to www.wof/org/factsvnv.htm only 1/3 of Vietnam Vets were draftees, compared to 60% during WW II. Please read www.riflewarrior.com/vietnam.html . 42 years ago seems like yesterday to those who were there. Thank You Army Spc. Leslie SABO Jr., for sacrificing your life for your brothers. Peace.
What's especially sad is that often delayed Medal of Honors awarded are "upgraded" honors. Like the soldier/marine did at least initially get a silver star, bronze star, etc. Sgt Sabo didn't seem like he got much at all minus a posthumous promotion, purple heart (obviously), and standard in-theater medals.
As Americans, no matter what our sentiments to war, we should be ashamed of the way our soldiers were treated on their return from SE Asia. Not a chapter in history to be proud of. I hope the Sabo family can feel pride in their loved one's sacrifice.
Thank you to all the brave men and women who fight and die for us.
Better late than never.
An amazing act of valor that should have been on the front page of the NY Times the day after it happened.
true enough, but you know how things work in the military. Sometimes it takes years for proper recognition to be had.
Phluffergnut,
"Not a chapter in history to be proud of." I'll agree with that unless you served in Vietnam. I am damn proud of my service there with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade and the 9th Division.
What has ticked me off for decades is this "hero" worship of WWII people. Yes they did a great service to this country and world BUT remember THEY were the military leaders, high ranking politicians that got us into this war, prosecuted this war and charted this countrys' course during this time. BUT we the little guy who did the fighting and dying caught all the sh!t from society upon our return.
This story makes me proud of every "little" guy who fought and left a little piece of their lives in Southeast Asia.
Richard,
May you and all the forgotten veterans of Korea and Vietnam know that there are many of us who praise you for your service, and for what you did for our nation; albeit with a minority of uninformed brainwashed idiots objecting to what you did. You were doing what you were ordered to do. As I was once told while I served and a message I conveyed to new soldiers as a drill sergeant and senior NCO until I retired. " THERE IS NO NOBLER A PROFESSION THAN SERVING AND FIGHTING IF CALLED, FOR THE DEFENSE OF ONE'S COUNTRY". Perhaps if we had more people who loved and were willing to die for our nation we would not be in the shape we are in.
May you know that I along with many other Americans, honor you and praise you for your service along with all veterans who have served this nation and have kept it the land of the free and the home of the brave for 235 years; only because of you and a brotherhood that will never be truly understood by anyone who has never been in uniform. DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY what more meaning can a man/woman have as a legacy for his/her life. May you, and all veteran's especially those of you who served in such a horrible situation, be truly blessed by our savior for your sacrifices.
A TRUE American Hero
Back then the US News Media were not printing favorable things about the US Military, especially the NY Times. Maybe Life Magazine.
What hurt the most back then was not when I landed at Travis AFB wearing my dress uniform, went to catch a Civilian flight home and getting all kinds of things thrown at me; but, when I got on the Pan Am Flight the Stewardess told me to go to the back of the aircraft eventhough I had a reserved seat above the wings.
Richard - I didn't read Phluffergnut's comment as meant to say that anyone who served in SE Asia shouldn't be proud of their service. Rather, the TREATMENT of soldiers upon their return from that region, in the years immediately following the conclusion of the Vietnam War, was shameful and is "not a chapter in history to be proud of." But I understand where those words might have been misconstrued.
Thank YOU for your service and for the service of all your brothers in arms, both those who returned and who did not. As a member of Generation X who has no military experience, I have been fortunate enough to meet a soldier who has borne the scars of his three tours in SE Asia, and while he doesn't speak to specific events, he often speaks of how it shaped him as a man and how it took him many years to be able to function in society after his return. I'm in awe of the positive spirit he exudes, and of his pride in his country and of his service time. I've learned a lot from this veteran.
It is sad that it has taken so much time to recognize those who fought in Vietnam, and equally sad that it took so long for veterans of Vietnam to gain acceptance among the American population.
Greg, this might sound a little lame, but what do you think about the current involvement. Do you not think those people fighting in Iraq/Afghanistan don't love their country? It appears that this Iraq thing is somewhat mirrored to VietNam, don't you think. Since the 90s and the first Iraq turmoil, albeit, mightily handled by the 1st Bush, as it should have been, 100 hrs duration, was something I believe, all should be proud of. We, the free world, showed the might of the EAGLE. I was glued to the TV and news reports. Had Bush 2 done as his father, this country would have been in much better shape now. Instead, he let political correctness rule and our troops became a laughing stock. Such a shame. I believe that VietNam was mis-handled and our troops should have been honored for their participation at something they "didn't volunteer for". Many of my high school friends had to fight there, not by choice.
As for the hero of the article, I salute him! He didn't let political correctness direct him. He deserves his medal of honor and recognition. He deserved it years ago. Bureauocratic sloppiness is such a lame excuse. I understand that paperwork gets destroyed, but there are signs that destruction was done on purpose and is still going on. My nephew is one of those. After a specops mission, he and his fellow crew were injected with bird flu virus by the Navy and when they became so ill on board ship they were life-flighted to Hawaii. 2, possibly 3, we believe died, my nephew was not expected to survive and his paperwork and personal property were destroyed. By grace, he made it through, will probably have the rest of his life to struggle to stay healthy, and the Navy has stonewalled him ever since. Another shameful military action. I might add, he completed 3 tours of Iraq, did receive 2 purple hearts and commendations. However, since they attempted to kill him, they will not recognize his ongoing military caused health problems.
It's about time the government removed bureaucratic delays and give these soldiers the recognition they deserve, since it was their decisions that sent them to fight in the first place.
Barack may be the only president we have right now, and I think it a disgrace that he take the credit for awarding medals and recognition since he doesn't believe in the strength of the EAGLE anyway. Barack has already shown his submission to the rest of the world by belittling our fighting forces.
Unbelievable story. Gives me goose bumps. This is a true hero.
Thank you Spc. Sabo.
It was a dirty war with lots of political baggage, but that doesn't have anything to do with what you did. It comes down to simply you did what few have the courage to do and you saved American lives doing it.
May you be resting with the angels.
Maybe the Mormons can posthumously baptize him as a Mormon too.
This has nothing to do with Mormons or any other religion. It's about one of my Brothers in arms getting the recognition he deserves that is long over do. Until you pack a weapon in hostile territory you can keep your troll remarks to yourself. Now go back to your Tour of Duty game where you can be a hero there.
Mike Davis...I may get suspended or at least get my comment deleted, but you are an a$$hole, until you earn the right to wear the uniform keep your idiotic comments to yourself.
Amen, Ron-795690! WELL said!
I've been there and done it, like many, many others. People like Mike Davis-433554 have NO concept of the incredible courage, leadership, love, and selflessness that Specialist Leslie Sabo Jr. demonstrated on that day (and most likely throughout his tour in combat and even in peacetime). I imagine that most of good people in today's military are just as dedicated and professional, and I salute and appreciate them as well. They are among the greatest difference-makers among us.
Mike Davis-433554, your comment makes you sound like an insensitive, childish, ungrateful bozo. It's never too late to demonstrate some class and post a retraction and an apology.
The little bitch got what she deserved. Why should anyone risk harm just because of her age? She attacked people and destroyed property. She wants to act like a criminal then she gets treated like a criminal. All this bellyacheing over her age is stupid. It kept her from harming other people, damaging more property and possible injuring herself. What do the bleeding hearts think should have been done: 2,3, 4, 5 or more people subdue her so that the tree huggers can complain about so many people subduing her? Please, get a life. This kid has psychological problems that the parents have not dealt with. Get a life.
Wrong story!!
ebrda Man, if you're gonna troll, at least do it on the right article. You little b itch.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! @ ebrda! ...that's some funny @!$%#, right there!
Mike, after reading your previous post before it got collapsed, it seems to me you are the pot calling the kettle black.
Clearly, he is complaining about the the 6 year old, who was handcuffed.
From wikipedia:
Though he was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant, the accounts of Sabo's actions remained classified for several years after his death.[3]Shortly after the action, Sabo's company commander, captain Jim Waybright, recommended him for the Medal of Honor, but the accounts of Sabo's actions and citation were lost for several decades.[3] This changed in 1999, when Alton Mabb, another Vietnam War veteran of the 101st Airborne Division and a columnist for the division association magazine uncovered the documents while at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland. Mabb publicized Sabo's exploits in the magazine and also wrote U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown, whom he asked to forward the recommendation."
We could give young history majors a job curating th"e archives, looking for stuff like this. Maybe Wiki it. The Vietnam War is thirty years past and perhaps it would shed new light on a narrative dominated by anti-war movements and the dry Army CMH Vietnam Studies; which while technically interesting to military science majors is not of much value to the rest of us.
PLEASE DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:General_disclaimer
As far as US Military Studies they were NEVER written for the General Civilian Public as Novels they are to be used as Lessons Learned by Future US Military Leadership as not to repeat the same mistakes and expect a different result.
Wow! It,s about time I'd say
His family should be proud!
A true American hero
Government inefficiencies at their best
We take our young, brightest and the best of our youth and send them into harm's way with each generation. It is fortunate that this young man was recognized for his heroism no matter how long it took. Bless him and his family and all the families who have lost their sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters. Will we ever learn from our past and avoid unnecessary war? I doubt it.
Everyone, and I mean everyone hails our military for the sacrifices that they make...I am a retired Marine Sgt that served 3 tours in Vietnam, and volunteer at the Va Hospital in Florida....Every day I see our military soldiers returning from the current war, with massive injuries that put them in a comatose state....Their parents have vacant stares and look almost like zombies.
Yet our wonderful House of Rep is CONSTANTLY attempting to cut the funds for these soldiers using "creative" accounting methods while going on national television spouting their "thank you for serving" propaganda...And the two biggest "war heroes", Kerry and McCain, say nothing.
For this Medal of Honor winner, all I can say is "Welcome home! Your brothers are waiting to greet you"
I would beg to differ with you on your statement of "two biggest "war heroes", Kerry and McCain.
I don't see John Kerry as a war hero. According to what was broadcast, he did very little in VietNam, was there mostly as a pantywaist rich kid activist. Mr. McCain on the other hand.......
Army Spc. Leslie Sabo Jr, Thank you for your sacrifice. Welcome Home Brother, Rest in Peace.
It's about time!! This is another example of the way our Vietnam Vets were treated then and now. People still can't appreciate the sacrifices these guys made fighting a War that nobody supported. Rest in Peace
It is about time, God Bless You SPC Sabo, and Thank You Mr Mabb for all your effords as well another true silent hero for watching over us Nam Vets
The official site CMOHS.ORG tells the story of our forces in battle as well as the gallantry of a relative few who have been recognized for their actions above and beyond the call of duty. When I'm frustrated with slow march of progress in our culture I like to read these stories. They're stories of ordinary men who, when placed in extraordinary circumstances, stood as tall as titans. They are examples to us all.
Army Spc. Leslie Sabo Jr. God bless him. So many died in a war that has left deep scars. Never forget America 58,000 soldiers paid the ultimate price and many, many more suffered severe injuries both mental and physical. They answered the call of their nation and regardless of how you feel about the Vietnam War our soldiers fought bravely and with great courage. Historians have noted that U.S. forces never lost a single major battle in the Vietnam War. Still we came home to a nation divided with no national parades and few open arms. I'm grateful and thankful that some writers are still trying to follow up and recognize our soldiers after so long. Many acts of bravery and sacrifice will never be known but please NEVER NEVER forget!
Stop-Loss - Our forces killed TWO MILLION, while losing 58,000. This was the biggest ASS-KICKING in the history of the world. Great job Vietnam Veterans!
It's never too late to honor our heroes. Lost, but never forgotten.
Spc. Sabo, THANK YOU for your service and sacrifice. It certainly took the Army long enough to award the medal.
ATTETNTION...Hand Salute....Army Spc. Leslie Sabo Jr....
signed a Vietnam Combat veteran....you are never forgotten my brother....
As a USMC Viet Nam era vet...I salute this brave young man for actions above and beyond our normal duty. He saved American lives and his family should be proud.
Spc.Leslie Sabo Jr may you rest in peace. I would to say another comment to the author and to the Sgt. who had 3 tours in Viet Nam I didn't know that there were any winners of the MOH I only know that the brave soliders were RECIPANTS not winners of our country's highest honor.