LIBBY — Earlier this year, Governor Greg Gianforte signed Senate Bill 59 into law, naming a bridge that crosses the Kootenai River in Libby after a fallen Vietnam soldier.
That bridge was officially named and dedicated to honor Libby native Staff Sergeant Arthur Rambo on Sunday, May 25.
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“Extremely great honor to be here and help the family, once you’re a black horse, you’re our family no matter what,” said Vietnam War veteran Mark Van Atta.
Van Atta — who served with Arthur Rambo in Vietnam as part of the 11th Armored Cavalry — was with Arthur the day he died on Nov. 26, 1969.
“Third Holster, third squadron of the 11th Armored Cavalry, we were on a mission called the Texas Traveler.”
Van Atta and other members of the 11th Armored Cavalry traveled from all across the country to honor Arthur in his hometown of Libby.
“Every day, he’s in my thoughts every day, it’s something that will always be there,” said Van Atta.
Friends and family of Arthur spoke at the ceremony alongside the banks of the Kootenai River, highlighting the character that defined him.
“His wife asked that Arthur not be made a hero, that he be remembered for the man he was, which was a caring, warm, dedicated, smart husband, father, son and a brother and a friend,” said Arthur's younger sister Patty Rambo.
Patty said the bridge dedication makes sure Arthur's legacy is always remembered.
“I mean, I can be anywhere in the country, and they hear my name, and they go 'oh did you know Arthur' and I go' yeah he’s my brother,' so that’s the impact that he left.”
She said a piece of Arthur is always with her in their hometown of Libby.
“It’s going to be hard for me to drive over that bridge, but it brings up good memories, so that’s important.”
More information on the life of Arthur Rambo can be found here.
(JANUARY 12, 2025) Montana state senators recently voted to pass a bill that would name a bridge in Libby after a soldier killed in the Vietnam War.
Arthur Rambo grew up in Libby playing baseball, performing in talent shows and singing in the school choir.
“Never heard one bad, ill word about the man. Everybody’s got warm, fond memories of the man,” said Libby VFW Post 1548 Service Officer Keith Kidwell.
Rambo would go on to Carroll College where he met his wife, Helen, and to the University of Notre Dame where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering.
The couple had their daughter Kerry Lynn in 1968.
“Even outside of his service in Vietnam he was looked up to, used the word a hero to many folks,” said Kidwell.
Rambo had just started his new career when he was drafted into the Vietnam War. He enlisted despite an exemption he was eligible for that would have kept him back home with his new family.
“But he said no if I don’t go somebody will have to go in my place,” said Libby VFW Post 1548 Commander Bill Crews.
Staff Sergeant Arthur Rambo was killed on November 26, 1969, after his unit came under attack. He was 24 years old.
“Given the history of what happened after the Vietnam War, their lack of a welcome home, this is the very least we can do for him,” said Crews.
Crews and his colleague Keith Kidwell got the idea to name the bridge after Rambo from a fellow VFW member. They reached out to Rambo’s family and received their blessing.
More than 1,000 signatures were gathered in support of the project, honoring a hero from Libby who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“He was a Vietnam veteran, he gave the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam for our country, and this honors all Vietnam veterans, rightfully so,” said Crews.
The bill, which was introduced by Montana senator Mike Cuffe, still must formally pass the Montana House and then be signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte before being formally enacted.
The memorial will have plaques or signs on each side of the bridge, which crosses the Kootenai River. The Montana Department of Transportation is already putting away funds to cover the costs.
“Thankful for all of the help and support I’ve had with our members at the post and our community, it’s been a well-received project,” said Kidwell.
Rambo was awarded the Silver Star posthumously for his efforts to save his crew members' lives before being tragically killed.
“It was really easy to get behind and support the naming of the bridge for him, and as a Vietnam Veteran giving the ultimate sacrifice,” said Crews.
