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Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S.
Army, 112th Cavalry Regimental Combat Team.
Place and date: Near Afua, New Guinea, 23 July 1944.
Entered service at: Town of Cornwall, Orange County, N.Y.
Birth: New York City, N.Y.
G.O. No.: 25, 7 April 1945.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty near Afua, New Guinea, on 23 July 1944. 2d Lt. Boyce's troop, having been ordered to
the relief of another unit surrounded by superior enemy forces, moved out, and upon
gaining contact with the enemy, the two leading platoons deployed and built up a firing
line. 2d Lt. Boyce was ordered to attack with his platoon and make the main effort on the
right of the troop. He launched his attack but after a short advance encountered such
intense rifle, machinegun, and mortar fire that the forward movement of his platoon was
temporarily halted. A shallow depression offered a route of advance and he worked his
squad up this avenue of approach in order to close with the enemy. He was promptly met by
a volley of handgrenades, 1 falling between himself and the men immediately following.
Realizing at once that the explosion would kill or wound several of his men, he promptly
threw himself upon the grenade and smothered the blast with his own body. By thus
deliberately sacrificing his life to save those of his men, this officer exemplified the
highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces. |
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