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Navy Federal Credit Union
William
S.
Boice
1915-12-21

–

2003-12-23

Born:

Blackfoot

, 

Idaho

Home:

Cincinnati

, 

Ohio

Buried: 

Phoenix

, 

Arizona

Cemetery:

Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery

William Boice graduated from the Cincinnati Bible Seminary, and while finishing his theological studies, also took musical classes at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated in 1941, and was ordained a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Soon after ordination he entered military service and was commissioned a U.S. Army chaplain. He participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, landing with the first wave at Utah Beach. He was the first Army chaplain to enter Germany with American troops. After the war he was the Religious News Commentator for Radio KOY for 24 years, and was Founding Minister of First Christian Church in Phoenix, Arizona.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    22d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 8, 1944
    Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 62 (1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) William S. Boice, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Regimental Chaplain with the 22d Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, near Azeville, Normandy, France, on 8 June 1944. Chaplain Boice, at the risk of his life and under heavy fire from the enemy, directed and led medical aid men through strong enemy fire to evacuate the wounded of a company that was held up at a German strongpoint. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Chaplain Boice, 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.