Bobby D. Lain


Bobby Dave Lain 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.

Vietnam War

By February 1967, Captain Lain was serving in Vietnam as the Bravo Company Commander, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. On February 10, the 1st Marine Regiment launched Operation Stone in Quảng Nam Province.
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.
The explosion resulted in the traumatic amputation of both of Lain's legs. Lain then radioed to Bell "I'm sorry, sir. I've lost my legs." Lain then ordered his Marines to maintain fire superiority on the enemy and briefed his executive officer on the situation, relinquishing his command when he was sure victory was imminent. When the medevac helicopter arrived, Lain made sure the other wounded were loaded on the helicopter first.
Lain was taken to the Navy hospital at Da Nang. Realizing his Marine Corps career was over, he decided to go back to school. For his heroism during Operation Stone, Lain was awarded the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart. He was promoted to major before he was medically retired.

Later career and life

Lain returned to the University of Texas, earning his master's degree in history in 1970, followed by his doctorate in 1974. For the next 25 years, Lain taught American History at Austin Community College. In 1999, he was awarded the ACC Teaching Excellence Award and a scholarship bearing his name was established.
Lain and his wife moved to Round Top, Texas after his retirement. Bobby D. Lain died on July 4, 2012 at St. David's Hospital in Austin, Texas. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.