The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Austin Powell Boyd (ASN: 0-1329207), United States Army, for gallantry in action in Ie Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 20 April 1945. Company E was attacking enemy positions on the western slope of Mt. Jogusugu. The Japanese defenses were strong and because of the terrain, difficult to locate. Part of the company was halted by intense enemy machine gun fire. Fist Lieutenant Boyd, a platoon leader, moved his platoon to a better position in order to deliver covering fire for the company. While moving, he located a Japanese machine gun. Leaving his platoon sergeant in command, and with utter disregard for his own safety, he left his foxhole and crawled forward, using hand grenades and his carbine, First Lieutenant Boyd killed the five man machine gun squad and two riflemen. In accomplishing this he received a serious wound in the face. Despite this he remained with his platoon. His actions enabled the remainder of the company to continue its attack. First Lieutenant Boyd’s courage and initiative were an inspiration to both the officers and men of his company.

(UNCONFIRMED – Citation Needed): Austin T. Boyd, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 77th Infantry Division during World War II.