Leslie H. Sabo Jr.: Heroism in the Mother’s Day Ambush

On May 10, 1970, Leslie H. Sabo Jr. and his platoon from Bravo Company were on a mission in Se San, Cambodia, tasked with engaging North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces using the area as a staging ground for attacks, including the Tet Offensive. Suddenly, they were ambushed by 150 NVA soldiers hidden in the jungle, catching the Americans exposed and unprepared. This brutal encounter would become known as the "Mother's Day Ambush."

At the back of the column, Sabo repeatedly repelled the NVA’s attempts to encircle and overrun his platoon. Amid the battle, he saw a wounded American soldier lying in the open, just as a grenade landed nearby. Sabo left his cover, shielded his comrade from the blast, and, though severely wounded, continued to fight. He attacked an enemy trench, taking out two soldiers with a grenade, and moved his injured ally to safety within the tree line.

With ammunition running low, Sabo again risked his life to retrieve rounds from fallen soldiers, redistributing them to his fellow troops. As night fell, the NVA shifted their assault to target medical helicopters evacuating the wounded. Despite intense fire, Sabo provided covering fire for the first medevac, exposing himself once again. Critically wounded while trying to reload, he made a final charge toward an enemy bunker. Pulling the pin on his last grenade, Sabo tossed it just as it detonated, silencing the bunker but sacrificing his life in the process.

In this ambush, seven other Americans lost their lives, with 28 more wounded, while the NVA suffered 49 casualties. For his exceptional bravery and ultimate sacrifice, Leslie H. Sabo Jr. was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.