| William J. Boyle | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 17, 1917 |
| Died | June 12, 2009 (aged 91) |
| Place of birth | Brooklyn, New York |
| Buried at | Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Service number | 0-21953 |
| Commands held | 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team, 13th Airborne Division |
| Battles/wars |
World War II Battle of the Bulge |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Cross Legion of Merit Bronze Star Purple Heart |
William Joseph "Wild Bill" Boyle (29 August 1917 in Brooklyn – 12 June 2009 in Saratoga Springs) was an American Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army during World War II. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in World War II. He retired in 1967 as a Colonel.[1]
Awards[]
- Distinguished Service Cross in 1945 as Lieutenant Colonel and Commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team, 13th Airborne Division[2][3]
- Legion of Merit[2][3]
- Bronze Star Medal[2][3]
- Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster[2][3]
Distinguished Service Cross citation[]
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel William J. Boyle (ASN: 0-21953), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 517th Parachute Infantry Regimental Combat Team, in action against enemy forces on 25 December 1944, in Belgium. When, through error brought about by confusion in the situation, troops of a friendly battalion began firing upon men under his command, Lieutenant Colonel Boyle walked boldly in the direction of the intense fire to correct the error. Although fired upon by successive groups as he approached, and unable to protect himself, he continued on his self-assigned task until the entire friendly battalion was cognizant of the location of his troops. Lieutenant Colonel Boyle's magnificent act of courage undoubtedly saved the lives of many soldiers. His gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.[3]
References[]
- ↑ "Col. William J. Boyle obituary". https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesunion-albany/name/william-boyle-obituary?pid=128509219. Retrieved March 7. 2021.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "William J. Boyle". Find a Grave. http://www.findagrave.com/memorial/72867186. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "William J. Boyle". Military Times. http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=22849. Retrieved June 16, 2017.