Bob “Mo” Moberg
1933-2004
In the present climate of nationalism
and international disagreement, perhaps a few more people might have
read this column if Bob had been simply identified as “Hero and
Friend”. It is just that “Mo”, who at age 71 regrettably lost his
fight with cancer, but fittingly did so on May 31, the U.S.’s Memorial
Day holiday, was quintessentially American in every sense of the word.
He had a cowboy spirit and infectious humor that may have had its
origins in his place of birth, Hannibal, Missouri, which also fathered
the great American author and humorist, Mark Twain.
Whatever it was, it was a spirit what was to flourish
as a leader of men throughout Southeast Asia in the turbulent 1960’s.
“Bandit 26” or “City Hall”, or what ever call sign you knew
Major “Mo” by, saw considerable action in combat in Vietnam and
Laos. To list his significant accomplishments, tours and numerous
commendations would only invite oversight and is, therefore, better left
to a biographer, but if your interest is piqued enter “Robert J.
Moberg” or “Intruders” or “Bandits” in your search engine and
you will start to gain a feel for the bravery of this man.
Perhaps even more than that is the feeling of
camaraderie those who served with him, and under him, evoke in numerous
tributes which cite his integrity and his concern for colleagues, the
victims caught in the crucible of war and, most importantly to Bob, the
children.
It is this camaraderie that was to impress and
embrace many more as Bob transitioned to positions assisting the Thai
government, working in the civilian sector and in the social settings of
Bangkok and Pattaya. Bob was an active member of the Special Forces
Association, the VFW chapters of Pattaya and Bangkok, and the Pattaya
Sports Club.
Golf became a passion that started back in the early
seventies when three sets of golf clubs were sent to his base in Laos
and was to be the link that afforded so many more people the opportunity
to relish the acquaintance of his endearing character. Whether it was
expletive filled personal admonition or a small jab to put the pressure
on the day’s bet, a round of golf with Bob was always a great laugh
and a day any competitor would hope to repeat again soon.
Despite not starting the game until relatively late
in life, Bob showed sufficient prowess to reach the low single digits in
handicap and to etch his name on many of the golf trophies of both
Bangkok and Pattaya. Bob seldom missed a Monday outing with the gang at
the Three Sisters Bar and teamed with several of the lads to win
Siam’s 2004 Friendship Tournament, held just five months ago.
Pattaya, being in no small part a retirement
community, suggests that the mean age around town is older and the
chance of losing a friend here slightly higher. Therefore, while there
are many things to be drawn from the life of Robert J. “Mo” Moberg,
perhaps the one he would choose to pass on to each of us is that we
cherish the friends we have and always have a kind word for them.
Certainly everyone who met “Mo” cherished him and looked forward
to his kind words. God bless you “Mo” because we know He needs some
characters up there ... and a good golf partner. So long our friend, you
will be missed.
