Bob Kalsu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bob Kalsu
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| Birth name | James Robert Kalsu |
| Born | April 13, 1945 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States |
| Died | July 21, 1970 (aged 25) FSB Ripcord, Thua Thien, South Vietnam |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1968–1970 |
| Rank |  First lieutenant |
| Unit |  101st Airborne Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War
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| Awards |  Bronze Star Purple Heart |
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Football career |
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| No. 61 | |
| Position: | Guard |
| Personal information | |
| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight: | 235 lb (107 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Del City (Del City, Oklahoma) |
| College: | Oklahoma |
| NFL Draft: | 1968 / Round: 8 / Pick: 199 |
| Career history | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Player stats at PFR | |
James Robert Kalsu (born April 13, 1945 – died July 21, 1970) was an American football player. He was an amazing player at the University of Oklahoma. He was even named an All-American in 1967.
After college, the Buffalo Bills picked him in the 1968 draft. He played for them in the American Football League (AFL). After his first season, Kalsu joined the U.S. Army. He was a soldier during the Vietnam War. Sadly, he was killed in action in 1970.
Kalsu was one of only two professional football players who died serving in the Vietnam War. He was the last professional player to die in a war until Pat Tillman in 2004.
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About James Robert Kalsu
James Robert Kalsu was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on April 13, 1945. He went to Del City High School. Kalsu became a starting player for the Buffalo Bills in 1968. He played the whole season as a guard. He was even named the Bills' "Rookie of the Year."
Kalsu's Military Service
After the 1968 football season, Kalsu joined the U.S. Army. He was part of a program called Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) in college. This program helps students become officers in the military. Kalsu became a second lieutenant.
In November 1969, he arrived in South Vietnam. He was part of the 101st Airborne Division. On July 21, 1970, Kalsu was killed. This happened during the Battle of Fire Support Base Ripcord. His unit was hit by enemy mortar fire. This was near the A Shau Valley in Thua Thien Province.
His Family and Legacy
When Kalsu left for Vietnam, he said goodbye to his wife, Jan, and their daughter, Jill. Just two days after his death, on July 23, 1970, Jan gave birth to their son. They named him James Robert Kalsu Jr. Jan learned about her husband's death only hours later.
Kalsu was one of the first professional football players to die in action since Al Blozis in World War II. His sacrifice is still remembered today.
Remembering Kalsu: His Legacy
Many places and honors keep James Robert Kalsu's memory alive.
- FOB Kalsu: A military base in Babil, Iraq, was named after him. Soldiers from Buffalo, New York, chose the name in 2003. They wanted to honor his sacrifice and his connection to the Buffalo Bills.
- NFL Films Feature: In 1999, NFL Films made a special movie about Kalsu. It was so good that it was nominated for an Emmy Award.
- Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame: In 2000, the Buffalo Bills added Kalsu's name to their Wall of Fame. This is a special honor for important players.
- Fort Campbell Company: A company at Fort Campbell was named the "1LT J. Robert Kalsu Replacement Company" in 2002.
- Del City High School Stadium: The football stadium at Del City High School, where Kalsu played, is named after him.
- CrossFit Workout: There is a special CrossFit workout called a "WOD" (Work Out of the Day) named in his honor.
- Del City Post Office: A post office in Del City, Oklahoma, is named for Kalsu. President Barack Obama signed the law in 2015. The post office was officially dedicated on November 5, 2016. It's located at 4500 SE 28th Street in Del City.
See also
- Elmer Gedeon and Harry O'Neill – two Major League Baseball players killed in World War II.
- Tim James – a basketball player who joined the United States Army in 2008.
