16 March 2024 Garand Picture of the Day

[Mark in Rochester]

"At church service soldiers who have just captured Buna Village look straight ahead or bow their heads in prayer. Said Captain Boice, their commander: 'This is not the first time Americans have carried guns to church and it will not be the last.' Later Captain Boice was killed.



Boice, William Francis 'Jimmy'

Captain, U.S. Army
Headquarters, 2D Battalion, 126TH Infantry Regiment, 32D 'Red Arrow' Infantry Division
Date of Action: 19 December 1942
Citation: "The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) William F. Boice (ASN: 0-226890), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while commanding a Battalion of the 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 19 December 1942, during the Papuan Campaign near Buna, New Guinea. When all except one of his officers had been killed, Captain Boice, as battalion commander, realized the need for personal leadership and promptly went forward without regard for his own personal safety and led his troops against a heavily fortified and almost inaccessible enemy stronghold of great importance. He was killed while advancing at the head of his men. Captain Boice's gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army."
General Orders: Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 3 (1943)