The Real Rambo, Montana Vietnam KIA Vet Honored Soon in Libby

He's the real Rambo. Nothing like the Hollywood movie version.

His sister Patty says that Staff Sergeant Arthur J. Rambo of Libby, Montana "was the ultimate of a decent person. He cared about others, and they knew it. He was quiet. He was extremely talented. He was a fantastic singer. He sang all the way through school and then he went to college, and he performed in several musical plays, as well as sang in the Carolliers, which was Carroll College's singing ambassadors that were internationally known. And that's where he met his wife Ellen, was in the Carolliers, but he was the ultimate of a decent person."

The first bill to pass the Montana Legislature and be signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte (R-MT) was a bill to dedicate the bridge spanning the Kootenai River on Highway 37 in honor of Staff Sgt. Rambo, a Vietnam Veteran killed on Thanksgiving Day 1969. Staff Sgt. Rambo was returned home and buried the day before his 25th birthday.

Staff Sergeant Rambo was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and the Vietnamese Presidential Citation for his actions in the mortar attack that his unit came under that day. Besides his immediate family, extended family and many friends, he left behind his wife Helen Ryan Rambo and his two daughters Kerry and Amy, both under the age of two when their father was killed in action.

Senate Bill 39 was introduced by State Sen. Mike Cuffe (R-Eureka). Patty wanted us to let the public know that you are all invited to the official bridge dedication, which is set for May 25th at 1:00 p.m.- the day before Memorial Day. The dedication will take place at Riverfront Park in Libby.

According to a press release, "The Rambo family extends a special invitation to the students who have been awarded the Arthur J Rambo Memorial Scholarship over the past 56 years." Patty is also helpful that many of Staff Sgt. Rambo's fellow 11th Armored Cavalry members from various states will also attend.