Bob Kalsu, the Buffalo Bills Player Who Died in Vietnam

In the summer of 1970, Buffalo Bills player, Bob Kalsu, found himself in the middle of one of the most hellish Vietnam War battles. His teammates, pregnant wife, and baby girl were all waiting for him to return.

Source: si.com

As he stood outside his bunker, Kalsu opened a letter from his wife about his son’s impending birth. His joy was violently interrupted by the chaotic fire that took over his unit. Kalsu lost his life in that battle, leaving behind a newborn son, a baby girl, and a grieving wife.

Rookie of the Year

James Robert Kalsu was selected in the 1968 NFL/AFL draft by The Buffalo Bills and played as their starting guard. After a fantastic season, the exceptional football player was crowned by the Bills’ team rookie-of-the-year.

Buffalo Bills owners Kim and Terry Pegula honor the family of Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Bob Kalsu who was killed in the Vietnam War on November 27, 2016, at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

But the world was in a state of chaos, and shortly after his first season, the pro athlete entered the Army. In 1969, while his teammates were training for their next games, Kalsu arrived in South Vietnam as part of the 101st Airborne Division.

A Fallen Hero

On July 21, 1970, four days before his wife was due to give birth back home, Kalsu found himself in the middle of one of the most horrible battlefields of the war. His unit came under enemy mortar fire near the A Shau Valley.

A fan holds a Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Bob Kalsu jersey who was killed in the Vietnam War, before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 27, 2016, at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats Jacksonville 28-21. Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

Tragically, the hellish explosions took Kalsu’s life. Two days later, his wife gave birth to a baby boy. But the new mom didn’t have much time to rejoice. She was informed of her husband’s death only a few hours later.