Скачать или смотреть Army National Guard Vietnam Veteran Laid to Rest at Arlington National Cemetery

On Feb. 21, 2025, almost 200 people gathered in Arlington National Cemetery’s Section 47 to bid a final farewell to Capt. James Lee Bohanan, a U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran, husband and father.

Bohanan served as a captain in the Indiana National Guard’s Company D (Rangers) of the 151st Infantry—one of only eight active-duty Army National Guard units (out of 76 in the nation) deployed to Vietnam and the only Ranger National Guard unit to deploy. By the end of its tour of duty, the company had earned more decorations than any other infantry unit over a one-year period.

“He was the best of the best,” said Michael Jaussaud, who served as a captain with Bohanan in Company D. “Jim had a level head, and we could always count on him doing the right thing in the moment.” Jaussaud had come all the way from Shelbyville, Indiana, to honor his friend.

At the funeral service, U.S. Army Chaplain (Capt.) Emonena Itugbu spoke of Bohanan as a family man and a proud soldier. “He was a loving father of three wonderful children and a grandchild, and a devoted husband of 28 years,” she said. She added that Bohanan had a great sense of humor and work ethic as a soldier and mentor.

After returning from Vietnam, Bohanan served in the National Guard until the mid-1990s and learned to pilot helicopters. He also had a successful career as an American Airlines captain, flying the Boeing 757 and 767.

Itugbu spoke further about Bohanan’s service to his country, emphasizing his bravery and the numerous awards and decorations he had earned, including the Silver Star. In affirmation of her words, 20 gray-haired gentlemen in Ranger caps and jackets, who traveled from across the country to attend, stood up as a testament to Bohanan’s leadership in combat.

(U.S. Army Story by Kevin Hymel / Arlington National Cemetery)
(U.S. Army Video by Daryl Vaca / Arlington National Cemetery)