Date: 2/22/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Michael DePuglio, head, UNI Department of Military Science, (319) 273-6220
Gwenne Culpepper, Office of Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
Note to editors: The March 6 commemorative event is particularly visual, and will feature the fallen soldier ceremony during which an M16 rifle, outfitted with a bayonet, is thrust into the ground. Cadets will then hang dogtags and a helmet from the rifle.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa's ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program is planning to erect a memorial, honoring Second Lt. Robert J. Hibbs, a university alumnus and winner of the Medal of Honor. Hibbs died in action during the Vietnam War.
According to Lt. Col. Michael DePuglio, head of UNI's Department of Military Science, Hibbs is the first UNI graduate to receive the Medal of Honor.
To reflect on the 34th anniversary of Hibbs' death, the UNI ROTC cadet battalion will conduct a commemorative ceremony March 6, beginning at 8 a.m. in the university's West Gym.
Hibbs graduated from UNI in 1964 and began his tour of duty in Vietnam in 1965. On March 5, 1966, he was in control of a 15-man ambush patrol in Don Dien Lo Ke. Providing cover for a wounded soldier who was fleeing enemy machine guns, Hibbs was mortally wounded.
The memorial, to be constructed outside the main entrance of the West Gym, will cost $17,000. Only private contributions will be used to pay for the structure. DePuglio says that about $1,000 has been raised to date. To make a contribution, contact DePuglio at (319) 273-6220
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