Robert D. Bohn

Robert Dewey Bohn (November 30, 1921 – November 3, 2002) was a highly decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps, reaching the rank of Major General. He served in three wars and concluded his career as Commanding General of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Biography World War II

Bohn was born in Neenah, Wisconsin, on November 30, 1921, and, following high school, he graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of San Francisco. During his university studies, Bohn enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in August 1942 and following his graduation in April 1944, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on May 3, 1944. He was then sent to the Officer Candidates School at Quantico, Virginia, for officer training. After ten weeks of hard drill, Bohn sailed to the Pacific area to be assign to the Marine detachment aboard the light aircraft carrier USS Monterey.

While aboard that vessel, his detachment took part in the support actions during the landings at Leyte and Mindoro in the Philippines in fall 1944. Bohn later participated in the support operations during Iwo Jima and Okinawa operations in early 1945 and received Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V".

Upon the end of the War, Bohn remained in active service and after his transfer to the United States, he spent some time with the Marine Barracks in Boston, Massachusetts. He later reached the rank of First Lieutenant and was appointed Officer in Charge of the District Headquarters Recruiting station in Omaha, Nebraska. Bohn returned to Pacific in 1949, when was attached to the Marine Barracks at Guam.

Korean War

Bohn was later transferred to the 3rd Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Robert Taplett and appointed Commanding Officer of "G" Company. With the outbreak of the Korean War, Bohn sailed to Korea with his company and took part in the Battle of Pusan Perimeter within 1st Marine Division under Major General Oliver P. Smith in August 1950 and his task was to lead his "G" Company up to the hill held by enemy in the vicinity of Kosong. Advancing under enemy rifle and machine gun fire, Bohn was wounded in the shoulder and neck, but refused to be evacuated and continued to personally lead and deploy his troops in an effective attack. Only until all enemy forces were annihilated did he allow himself to be taken to the rear and his wounds to be dressed. For this act of valor, Lieutenant Bohn was decorated with the Silver Star.

Bohn was transferred to Washington, D.C., in October 1965 and assumed duties as a member of NATO Military Posture Study group, Joint Chiefs of Staff. While in Washington, Bohn attended George Washington University and graduated with a master's degree. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel in June 1966 and ordered to the course at Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Vietnam War Bohn graduated in June 1967 and received orders for deployment in Vietnam. He joined the staff of the 1st Marine Division under the command of Major General Donn J. Robertson and was assigned to Division Operations Officer. His division took part in the combats in Quế Sơn Valley at that time and Bohn assumed command of 5th Marine Regiment on October 17, 1967.

He led his regiment during Operation Auburn in December 1967 at Go Noi Island south of Danang. This search and destroy mission was launched on December 28 and Bohn assumed operational command of the operation. He came under enemy mortar fire, but remain calm and led his units during the attack on entrenched enemy positions. Bohn deployed his command in forward area and continued in operation until January 3, 1968. For his gallantry in action and leadership, Bohn was decorated with his second Silver Star.

Major General Robert D. Bohn died of pneumonia on November 3, 2002, at Fairfax Nursing Center. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery together with his wife Anna Marie Serocca. They had together two daughters, Barbara and Nancy.

Decorations

Here is the ribbon bar of Major General Robert D. Bohn: