James “Bo” Gritz, Legendary Special Forces Soldier and Controversial Patriot, Dies at 87
James Gordon “Bo” Gritz, the decorated Bo Gritz whose daring military missions, political ventures, and high-profile activism made him a household name, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, at age 87. His wife, Judy Gritz, shared that he died “peacefully, looking into the eyes of our Savior” at their home in Sandy Valley, Nevada.
Gritz’s life was a study in contrasts — revered by some for his fearless service in Vietnam and unyielding advocacy for missing American soldiers, criticized by others for involvement with militia movements and fringe political causes. His story spans decades of U.S. military history, cultural impact, and political activism, leaving a legacy both celebrated and debated.
Early Life and Military Career
Born on January 18, 1939, in Enid, Oklahoma, Gritz grew up immersed in military culture; his father served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Enlisting in 1957, Gritz quickly distinguished himself, completing Officer Candidate School and earning his place in the elite U.S. Army Special Forces.
He served with distinction in the Vietnam War, commanding Detachment B‑36 of the 5th Special Forces Group, which operated alongside Cambodian-Vietnamese MIKE Force units. His missions included high-risk operations like retrieving the “black box” from a downed U‑2 reconnaissance plane in Cambodia in 1966. Gritz earned multiple commendations — three Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Purple Hearts, and numerous Bronze Stars and Air Medals — before retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1979.
POW/MIA Advocacy and Controversial Missions
After leaving active duty, Gritz became a prominent figure in the Vietnam War POW/MIA movement. He led several private expeditions into Southeast Asia seeking missing American soldiers. Though these missions were controversial and often criticized for lack of definitive evidence, Gritz insisted they were driven by loyalty to fellow servicemen.
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