Sandy Valley, Nevada - Bo Gritz was known as an American patriot—a man of conviction, service, and uncommon leadership. To many, he was a hero in the truest sense: someone who stepped forward, took responsibility, and lived by a code that never depended on convenience or popularity.

He was widely recognized as the most decorated Special Forces combat soldier, and he became nationally known for his efforts in the 1980s to recover American POWs and those missing in action (POWs/MIA's). He later entered public life, including a 1992 presidential run, and hosted a nationally syndicated radio show for many years. He was also an author, including the books A Nation Betrayed, Called To Serve, and My Brother's Keeper.

He served in the U.S. Army Special Forces from August 1957 to February 1979. Over the course of his military career, he received numerous awards for valor and service, including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Purple Heart. Beyond his military service, Bo was a commercial pilot and flight instructor, held a 6th-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and was fluent in Mandarin and Swahili—skills he carried into a lifetime of leadership, teaching, and service to others.

Beyond his national profile, Bo was also known for stepping into difficult situations in service of peace and resolution—including his involvement in efforts to negotiate an end to the Ruby Ridge standoff.

To his Sandy Valley community, Bo was more than a public figure—he was their Bo. He loved the airport community where he lived, invested himself in the people around him, taught karate to local kids, and was active with the American Legion. He believed in building strength, character, and independence, and he poured that belief into the place he called home.

Bo is survived by his wife, Judy Kirsch Gritz; his children Jim Gritz (Vicci), Jay Gritz (Janet), Mike Gritz, and Melody Gritz; and his grandchild James, and great grandchildren, Nathan and Sophia. He is also survived by his brother, Mike Turby (Brenda) of Tucson, Arizona, and his nieces, Highland and Hillary. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Gritz, and his mother, Samantha Turby.

Military graveside service will be held at Sandy Valley Cemetery, located in Sandy Valley, Nevada, on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. sharp.