Hometown: Long Branch, NJ

Date of Birth: April 4, 1948

County: Monmouth

Branch of Service: United States Army

Rank: Corporal (CPL)

Unit: Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division

Date of Casualty: February 6, 1968

Location of Incident: South Vietnam

Status: Killed in Action

Place of Burial: Michigan Memorial Park, Flat Rock, MI

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Corporal Edward J. Bova was born at Monmouth Memorial Hospital in Long Branch, New Jersey, to Ralph Edward and Patricia F. Bova. He spent much of his youth in Michigan, attending Hall of the Divine Child Academy in Monroe, Mother Cabrini Junior High in Allen Park, and later graduating from Wayne Memorial High School in Wayne, MI.

 

Following high school, Edward worked at the Ford Motor Company’s Rouge Plant in Dearborn, where he endured challenging and strenuous conditions in the foundry. As many of his friends entered the military, either by enlistment or draft, Edward made the decision to join the U.S. Army, driven by a desire to take on the toughest challenges. His goal was to serve in either the Green Berets or Airborne Division—an ambition he achieved by joining the elite 101st Airborne Division.

 

Edward embraced the physical demands of military life, particularly excelling in parachute training, where each jump filled him with pride and exhilaration. His bravery and determination led him to Vietnam, where he initially served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade before transitioning to the 101st Airborne.

 

In December 1967, Edward enjoyed a cherished five-day R&R with his parents in Honolulu, Hawaii. Together they shared moments of laughter, rest, and reflection. His parents fondly recall renting a red convertible, staying at the top of the Ilikai Hotel, and making unforgettable memories during what would be their final days together.

 

On February 6, 1968, Corporal Bova was killed in action in South Vietnam. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

 

In October 1980, VFW Post #9885 in Westland, Michigan, was named in his honor, alongside the 246th Combat Engineers, ensuring that his legacy of courage and sacrifice continues to inspire.

 

Edward came from a proud military family. His father, Ralph Bova, served nearly five years beginning in 1941 with the New Jersey National Guard and the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. His mother, Patricia, also served in the Women’s Air Force from 1944 to 1946.

 

Edward J. Bova lived just 19 short years, but in that time, he embodied service, strength, and love. He is deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.