Obituary: Bo Gritz Dies at 87

Lt. Col. James Gordon “Bo” Gritz, a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran who later became a political candidate and controversial activist, died Feb. 27 at his home in Sandy Valley. He was 87.

Born in 1939 in Enid, Oklahoma, Gritz served as a U.S. Army Special Forces officer and ultimately attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. During his military career, he received numerous honors for his service in Vietnam.

Gritz has been called the inspiration for the fictional character John Rambo, portrayed by Sylvester Stallone in the 1982 film First Blood.

After retiring from the military, Gritz entered the political arena. In 1992, he ran for president as a third-party candidate.

That same year, he drew national attention for his involvement in the Ruby Ridge standoff in northern Idaho. The 11-day siege between federal agents and Randy Weaver, an anti-government extremist, resulted in the deaths of Weaver’s wife and young son. Gritz traveled to the scene and ultimately helped persuade Weaver to surrender to authorities.

In later years, Gritz became known for promoting anti-government and survivalist views. He hosted the “Freedom Call” radio program on the American Voice Radio Network, where he addressed political and social issues to his followers.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has linked Gritz to the Christian Identity movement, which the FBI’s Terrorist Research and Analytical Center has described as an ideology that combines religious beliefs with elements of racism. During his lifetime, Gritz denied allegations that he espoused racist views.

Gritz had lived in Nevada for decades before his death.