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Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 112th Cavalry Regimental
Combat Team. Place and date: Near Afua, New Guinea, 23 July 1944.
Entered service at: Town of Cornwall, Orange County, N.Y. Birth: New York City,
N.Y. G.O. No.: 25, 7 April 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty near
Afua, New Guinea, on 23 July 1944. 2d Lt. Boyce's troop, having been ordered
to the relief of another unit surrounded by superior enemy forces, moved
out, and upon gaining contact with the enemy, the two leading platoons
deployed and built up a firing line. 2d Lt. Boyce was ordered to attack
with his platoon and make the main effort on the right of the troop. He
launched his attack but after a short advance encountered such intense
rifle, machinegun, and mortar fire that the forward movement of his platoon
was temporarily halted. A shallow depression offered a route of advance
and he worked his squad up this avenue of approach in order to close with
the enemy. He was promptly met by a volley of hand grenades, 1 falling
between himself and the men immediately following. Realizing at once that
the explosion would kill or wound several of his men, he promptly threw
himself upon the grenade and smothered the blast with his own body. By
thus deliberately sacrificing his life to save those of his men, this officer
exemplified the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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