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John Boles graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1939. He retired as a U.S. Army Major General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    1st Armored Division

    Action Date:

    1968 – 1970

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General John Keith Boles, Jr., United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, 1st Armored Division, from 1968 to 1970.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry)

    Regiment:

    32d Armored Regiment

    Division:

    3d Armored Division

    Action Date:

    August 14, 1944

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) John Keith Boles, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with the 32d Armored Regiment, 3d Armored Division, on 14 August 1944, when a bomb was dropped in the bivouac area by a friendly plane and set fire to a 2 1/2-ton truck loaded with gasoline and to a half-track loaded with ammunition. Lieutenant Colonel Boles immediately ran to the scene and assisted in moving casualties to a safe distance. Then, observing the halftrack was blazing, and knowing that the ammunition would explode at any moment, he, with utter disregard for his own safety, drove the vehicle into the center of the area where exploding ammunition would not injure personnel or set fire to other vehicles. By this heroic action, he undoubtedly saved the lives of many men in the vicinity and the possible destruction of much valuable equipment. His quick thinking and courageous act reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Cavalry)

    Division:

    Military Assistance Command, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Cavalry) John Keith Boles, Jr., United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, in the Republic of Vietnam.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Cavalry)

    Regiment:

    32d Armored Regiment

    Division:

    3d Armored Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Cavalry) John Keith Boles, Jr., United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Soldier’s Medal for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with the 32d Armored Regiment, 3d Armored Division, during World War II.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Cavalry)

    Division:

    Military Assistance Command, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    1964 – 1966

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Cavalry) John Keith Boles, Jr., United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, in the Republic of Vietnam, from 1964 to 1966.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry), [then Major]

    Regiment:

    32d Armored Regiment

    Division:

    3d Armored Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 3d Armored Division, General Orders No. 52 (1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry), [then Major] John Keith Boles, Jr., United States Army, for in action while serving with the 32d Armored Regiment, 3d Armored Division, in France, in 1942. Lieutenant Colonel Boles assumed command of his element after his superior officers had been wounded and the element separated when the enemy split his column with a flank attack. The forward element would undoubtedly have been defeated had it not been for the ready assistance given by Lieutenant Colonel Boles’ command when he personally and on foot, in the face of enemy fire, reconnoitered and led the attack through the enemy positions and joined the forward elements. Later, he personally checked all the outposts of the task force and during the various attacks by the enemy, went directly to the point receiving fire to coordinate the defenses. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Boles, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.