Bio: Boie, Russell J. – Sgt. (Medal/Bronze Star – Jun 1968)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Boie

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 20 Jun 1968

Sgt. Russell J. Boie, sonof Mr. and Mrs. Harvey J. Boie, route 3, Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.), has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) with "V" device and the Bronze Star Medal while serving in Vietnam.

The Army medal was awarded for action on Nov. 24, 1967, for heroism. Sgt. Boie was serving as a section leader at his artillery battery's fire support base when it was subjected to an intensive Viet Cong mortar attack.

Another fire support base nearby received a combined mortar and ground attack at the same time.

When his section was given the mission to fire the counter mortar program for the other base, his unit received a second violent mortar attack. Although enemy mortars were landing dangerously close to his position, Sgt. Boie ignored the incoming rounds and continued to engage the enemy with devastating accuracy.

As a result of his courage and skillful leadership, the Viet Cong attack was successfully repelled and the enemy force soundly defeated.

The citation reads: "Sergeant Boie's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army."

The Bronze Star Medal was presented to Sgt. Boie for having distinguished himself by outstandingly meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.

In part the citation reads: "During the period of December 1966 to November 1967 he consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His repaid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a counterinsurgency environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy."

A graduate of Thorp High School in 1964, Sgt. Boie entered the U.S. Army on July 11, 1966 and is now stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia.