Edward J. Bova was born on April 4, 1948, at Monmouth Memorial Hospital, Long Branch, NJ, to Ralph Edward and Patricia F. Bova. He graduated from Wayne Memorial High School in Wayne, MI. Bova served in the US Army in Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. He attained the rank of Corporal (CPL).
Bova was killed in action on February 6, 1968. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He is buried in Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock, MI.
In October 1980, the VFW Post #9885 in Westland, MI, was named after CPL Edward J. Bova and the 246th Combat Engineers.
Both parents saw service in World War II. Ralph entered in January 1941 with the NJ National Guard out of Red Bank, NJ, spending nearly five years in the service. From January 1941 to November 1944, he was with the 112th Fighter Air Wing and from November 1944 to November 1945, with the USA Air Force 11/44 – 11/45. Patricia was with Women’s Air Force, USA Air Force 1/44 – 6/46.
Edward spent his earlier school years at the Hall of the Divine Child Academy in Monroe, MI, followed by Mother Cadrini Junior High, Allen Park, MI, and on to Wayne Memorial High School located in Wayne, MI.
Ford Motor Rouge Plant in Dearborn, MI, employed Edward after graduation. He was working in a foundry, very hot and strenuous working conditions.
One by one, his buddies were going off into the service, either joining or being drafted. Edward was very undecided regarding future schooling. Aware of this status, he realized he would be drafted upon reaching age and with only a few buddies left, joined the US Army with specific goals of getting into the Green Berets or the Airborne Division.
He was very macho in those days, in excellent physical condition, and had a good feeling to meet the toughest of life’s challenges. Little did he realize what those challenges would be in Vietnam. He accomplished his parachute jumps with a great thrill each time and couldn’t wait to do more.
We accompanied Edward to Oakland, CA, where his charter flight took him to Vietnam and the 173rd Airborne Brigade and then later to the101st Airborne. He attained the rank of CPL.
We spent five beautiful days with Edward on his R & R in Honolulu, HI, in December 1967. Got him a red convertible, a suite at the top of the Illikai Hotel with 24-hour room service. Lots of swimming, good food and plenty of rest. He was covered with all kinds of skin diseases. We shared 19 years of love and joyous times with Edward. We surely miss him.
Written by Ralph Edward Bova, Father
Sources: Ralph Bova (father) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
