On May 16, President Obama presented the nation's highest honor to Rose Sabo Brown, widow of Leslie H. Sabo, Jr., who distinguished himself in combat while with Bravo Company, 3/506 Infantry, 101st Airborne Division.
Sabo, who died in battle saving the lives of several comrades and helped thwart a North Vietnamese assault, received the Medal of Honor posthumously.
Attending the White House ceremony were 126 members of the Bravo Company Family. After awarding the Medal of Honor to Brown, the president honored the men of Bravo Company by asking them to stand before a standing ovation.
Article Photos
Submitted by Jim Waybright of Marietta.
The men were in tears as they finally felt they had been welcomed home from the Vietnam War.
The next day Leslie Sabo was inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon by the Secretary of Defense, Army Chief of Staff, and the Secretary of the Army.
Wonderful receptions followed at both the White House and Pentagon. The military and civilian officials were all very easy to talk to.
After 42 years of working with the Army, Department of Defense, Congress and the White House, we were finally able to see Leslie Sabo and Bravo Company's other 17 men who died in combat recognized and honored by the President and Department of Defense.
While in Washington Bravo Company also held private ceremonies to recognize our men who died in combat. Each KIA (killed in action) was discussed by a fellow soldier. U.S. flags were presented to their surviving family members.
The flags were donated by Williamstown's American Legion Post 159 and American Flag and Poles in Marietta.
A trip to the Vietnam War Memorial Wall was a very poignant event, while survivors joined together honoring those 18 men who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Widows, brothers and sisters stood arm-in-arm before the reflecting granite memorial wall.
No greater love can a man show than to give his life for his fellow soldier.
There is a strong connection between Bravo Company and the Mid-Ohio Valley. Company reunions have been held in Marietta and Williamstown. Bravo Company Family members Rose Sabo Brown, Candy Sullins, Rick Brown, and many others visit the valley frequently.
Jim Waybright, a resident of the Marietta and Williamstown area, is very honored to have served as a commander of Bravo Company.
