Bobby Gene Pruett Sr.

CSM (R) Bobby "Bullet Bob" G Pruett passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky.
He was born on June 13, 1941, in Senath Missouri to Homer and Lexie (Gentry) Pruett. He was the youngest of six children from their union. Bobby was raised in a small town in the bootheel of Missouri and had a love for sports and outdoors. He broke a state record in high school in track. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. If you ever wondered where he was a child, if he was not picking cotton. It was either fishing on the banks of the flood ditches or hunting for whatever bird or small game that was in season.
He entered the US Army in late August of 1961. He started his career as a combat engineer, later he converted to Special Forces in 1968, where he spent the remainder of his career.
In 1967, Bobby married Linda Pruett and began a partnership marked by love and devotion. They had two children together that they devoted their love and support to. They were married 53 years until Linda's death in 2020.
Bobby's distinguished 30-year military career took him to numerous stateside and abroad posts. His assignments included, Munich West Germany: Vietnam 1 tour as a combat engineer Fort Cavazos (formerly Hood), Texas: Vietnam 2 tours in Special Forces: Fort Devens MA 2 tours; Bad Tolz West Germany; Fort Campbell KY: El Paso Texas; Fort Bragg NC 2 tours; Wurzburg Germany; and ROTC Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. His last assignment as a Professor of Military Science at Southern Illinois University, cementing his legacy as an educator and mentor to future leaders.
As a Green Beret and Special Forces in Vietnam, CSM Bobby Pruett earned the third-highest award for valor in combat, the Silver Star. The Silver Star was earned on October 25th, 1972, when then SFC Bobby Pruett's Special Forces Platoon came under heavy fire from enemy combatants. Knowing the wounded needed care and the attack could not continue, Bobby lifted the wounded radio operator onto his shoulders and assisted the wounded platoon leader in evacuation. While awaiting the MEDEVAC, Bobby organized and controlled the perimeter security, which ensured a safe evacuation for his platoon members.
His military honors include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, 3 Bronze Stars with 2 Valor Devices, Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB), 2 Air Medals, and several other awards and decorations.
In his personal life, he also enjoyed fishing, hunting, coaching baseball for his son and later his grandsons, serving as a boy scout leader and spending time with fellow veterans.
Bobby is survived by his daughter Katherine Marie Pruett (Kevin Oursler) of Louisville KY, five grandchildren, Major Chris (WO1 Kellye) Box of Charleston IN, Jon (Kendall) Box of Louisville KY, Airman Andrew Box of Santa Barbara CA and two great-grandchildren, Annie Jo Box and Bobbi Marie Box.
He was preceded in death by his son Bobby Pruett Jr and beloved wife, Linda Lou Pruett; his parents; his siblings.
Bobby will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his heroism, kindness, and devotion to family and service. He was a role model to his three grandsons, and they will continue to honor his memory. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Visitation will be 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Friday, December 6, 2024 at Ratterman Brothers, East Louisville (12900 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40243). Burial will be 1:00pm, Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery (1415 Msh N Ln, Madison, IN 47250) with full military honors.
CSM (R) Bobby G Pruett Sr.
December 1, 2024
Louisville KY
Special Forces MAC SOC (Vietnam)