Posted by Jim O'Connell '60 on December 21, 2011:

Remembering Dick Boyd It has always been very difficult for me to think about or speak about Dick Boyd publicly. We were such good friends. I admired him so much and was really at a loss for words after coming back here to West Point -- to this hallow ground that he loved so much -- for his funeral in early November 1967. I was remiss in never reaching out to the Boyd family. For me, in hindsight it was in the category of the popular cliche, "What happened in Vietnam, stayed in Vietnam." This window opened slightly for me when Jack Misura and I attended Dick's father's burial with full military honors at Arlington in 2001. I worked pretty diligently with Dick's sister, Barbara, to meet all of the requirements of our 50th Yearbook staff for biographical data and other information so that Dick's story and his legacy would be accurately recorded. Together I think we did a good job -- at least between us we were able to complete the complex questionnaire! Dick Sutton did a marvelous job in his recently published manuscript of our days in D-2. He provided a compelling description of the background, motivations and initial experiences of our company-mates. I would like to expand a little to remind everyone of the background, rich family heritage and motivation of Dick Boyd to attend West Point. Hopefully this is captured in our 50th Yearbook. So, with that introduction, let me leave you with a few comments and rememberences. Barby summarized Dick's early life and his desire to attend West Point in a note to me that said in part, ... my brother modeled himself on our grandfather, Ralph McT. (Hap for Happy) Pennell and actually learned to avoid tactlessness from our father. ... Our other grandfather was killed under still mysterious circumstances chasing Pancho Villa in Mexico in 1916. ... Dick never considered anything but the Army and for him the standards of West Point were beyond speaking." She closed her note by saying, "I was extremely pleased to be invited to your fiftieth reunion." Barby, we are pleased and honored to have you with us today and for the rest of our reunion. I know that everyone will enjoy making your acquaintance and will share with you their personal memories of Dick, his years with us in D-2, and the impact he had on each of us. Few, if any, of us, when we entered West Point 54 years ago, had the combination of knowledge and commitment to West Point and the Army as Dick Boyd. Who then were his antecedents in the long gray line? Here's an overview of what I know about Dick's personal Long Gray Line Charles Trumball Boyd, Dick's paternal grandfather, graduated in the Class of 1896 Charles Trumbull Boyd was born in Iowa, graduated in 1896 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Cavalry. He subsequently served at Fort Grant, Arizona, at the Presidio of San Francisco, California and in the Department of the Pacific, with the 8th Army Corps. He participated in a number of battles in the Philippines between February 1898 and June 1899. Dick's dad was born to Captain Boyd and Lotta Klemm Boyd at Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont on June 28, 1909. In early June 1916, (General) Pershing sent some of his troops to investigate a reported troop buildup near the city of Carrizal, Mexico. Two troops of black cavalry were under the command of Captains Charles T. Boyd and Lewis S. Morley. Captain Boyd and several soldiers were killed and captured by some 400 Carrancista soldiers in this operation. Altogether, some forty - five Mexicans and fourteen Americans were killed. Twenty-three soldiers captured at Carrizal were later released and sent by train to the city of El Paso as heroes. Captain Boyd was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on July 1st, 1916. A plaque honoring him was placed in Cullum Hall by his classmates. It is located on the west wall of the Pershing Room on the first floor. Ralph McTyeire Pennell, Dick's maternal grandfather, graduated in the Class of 1906 Ralph McTyeire Pennell was born in Belten, South Carolina, on August 15, 1882. He was commissioned a second lieutenant of Cavalry on June 12, 1906. Initially assigned to the 13th Cavalry at the Mounted Service School at Fort Riley, he remained at that post serving with the 6th Field Artillery. In July 1911 he was appointed Secretary of the School of Fire, Fort Sill, and served in that capacity until July 1915. In 1916 he served with the 2nd Field Artillery in the Philippine Islands. Returning to the United States in June 1917, he again became secretary and an instructor at the School of Fire. In April 1918 he became Assistant to the Chief of Field Artillery. From September to December 1918 he commanded the 34th Field Artillery at Camp McClellan, Following an inspection tour of England, France, Italy, and Germany as a member of the Armament Board in 1919, he commanded the 1st Field Artillery at Fort Sill. He was a Distinguished Graduate of the Command and General Staff College and graduated from both the Army War College in 1927 and the Naval War College in 1928. Subsequent assignments were at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Fort Sam Houston and Fort Bragg where he became President of the Field Artillery Board. He then commanded the 15th Field Artillery at Fort Sam Houston in July 1939. He was assigned to the 27th Division at Fort McClellan in October 1940 and became Commanding General of the 27th Division with headquarters at Fort Ord in March 1942. In March 1943 he was named Commanding General of the Field Artillery Replacement Training Center at Fort Sill. In November 1944 he became commandant of the Field Artillery School. Subsequent to his retirement from the Army he was affiliated with the Ft Sill National Bank. Some of us met him at Fort Sill on the First Class trip. As Barby noted, he was a role model for Dick. I have a wonderful picture of the two of them at Fort Sill on our trip there. Richard Klemm Boyd, Dick's father, graduated in the Class of 1931. What about Dick's dad, what was said of him; what were the highlights of his career. The 1931 Howitzer offers these insights, "... Klemm has a certain combination of curly locks and guileless blue eyes that will mislead by five years anyone attempting to divine his age. ... Worry, the curse that eventually ages all men, has been unable to storm Klemm's stronghold. For four years the Academic and Tactical Departments tried their worst to ruffle the calm of this young Dan Cupid, but to no avail. He sails blithely on, impervious to their deadliest thrusts. His maxim: "Boodle, femmes, and money, make life worth while, and of these the greatest is Boodle." In his serious moments - he has them - Klemm displays an insight, practical and keen, that will make him successful in whatever he undertakes. Remember how we marvelled at these same characteritics in Dick and his attitude toward, each of us, West Point and the Army. His obituary in the Fall '69 Assembly sums it all up for me. "Dick's indomitable spirit and quick wit emerged during Beast Barracks. He became a source of inspiration to those of us who were not so sure that there were better days ahead. He stood tall and proud, his tight-lipped smile, often misinterpreted, reflecting the confidence of a man who knew where he was and where he was going. During his four years as a Cadet, he accepted academics as a necessary means to an important end. He concentrated on tactics, became fluent in French, and availed himself of every opportunity to pursue his favorite avocations: skiing, sailing, and golf. His agility on the lacrosse field and the wrestling mat were significant contributions to D-2's perennial possession of the Banker's Trophy. His leadership ability resulted in his being selected as a Corporal during "Cow Year" and as a Lieutenant, the Battalion Training Officer, First Class Year." Colonel Boyd, who passed away in July 2001, retired from the Army as Chief of the Army Section of the US MAAG to Greece, in 1961. While assigned to the 9th Infantry at Fort Sam Houston he met and married Norma Pennell, daughter of MG Ralph M. Pennel, USMA class of 1906 -- Dick and Barby's grandfather. Duty stations followed at Fort McKinley, P.I., Fort Thomas, Kentucky, Fort Benning, and Fort Douglas, Utah. They were stationed at Fort Sam Houston when the Japanese attacked Peal Harbor. During World War II Colonel Boyd served as G3 of the 82nd Airborne Division in North Africa and Sicily. On D-Day he commanded the 1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry when the division air-assaulted behind Utah Beach Normandy France between Ste Mere-Eglise and Carentan on 6 Jun 44, being reinforced by the 325th Glider Infantry the next day, which arrived both by air assault and through the beachhead by sea. Colonel Boyd was injured in a glider crash that day and, following hospitalization in England, was reassigned to the G3 Section of Headquarters, 1st Allied Airborne Army until the end of the War. The Boyds were subsequently stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, Fort Benning and Fort Monroe, and the Pentagon. He attended the Armed Forces Staff College and the Army War College. In 1954 Colonel Boyd commanded the 31st Infantry Regiment in Korea and then served on the faculty of the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks. It was from Carlisle Barracks, following his graduation from Andover Academy that Dick joined us in the 5th New Cadet Company on 3 July 1956. There are other close relatives of Dick and Barby that were members of the Long Gray Line Colonel Karl D. Klemm, Dick's Great Uncle, Class of 1905 In addition to his father and grandfathers, Dick had a Great Uncle who was in the Class of 1905, Colonel Karl D. Klemm. He was born in St Louis, Missouri on 5 December 1880. Following graduation he joined Troop G of the Fourth US Cavalry Regiment. He resigned his commission in 1911 and began a multi-faceted career in banking and the railroad industries. America's entrance into World War I "thoroughly aroused his patriotic nature and in April, 1917, he enlisted as a private in Battery B, First Battalion of the Missouri Artillery. He organized the Second Regiment of Artillery of the Missouri National Guard and was made Captain of Battery F. He was subsequently promoted to Major and Colonel. He took the 129th Field Artillery of the 35th Infantry Division to France. He commanded the 60th Field Artillery Brigade in the Argonne in the St. Mihiel offensive and in the major battles of the Meuse Argonne. Of Colonel Klemm it was said, "There was no phase of modern warfare, as exemplified on the battlefields of Flanders and France with which he did not become familiar through actual experience and his promotions were well won, as evidenced by his commanding officers." As an additional historical note, I would point out that Captain Harry S. Truman, subsequently President of the United States, was a Battery Commander in World War I in Colonel Klemm's Brigade. The intranet is a wonderful source of information. Google Karl Klemm and see what marvelous information about him is recorded for posterity. In addition to the these predecessors of Dick's at our Alma Mater, General Pennel's son, Robert, -- a survivor of the Bataan Death March and a Silver Star recipient graduated in 1939; his uncle Major General Osmund Leahy was in the class of 1940 and his son, Thomas Leahy, graduated in 1974. Dick's Army Service Following graduation, Dick returned to his birthplace, Fort Benning, as an Infantry Second Lieutenant and completed the Infantry Basic Course and the Airborne and Ranger Courses prior to joining the 1st Battle Group, 7th Infantry in Germany. He volunteered for Vietnam where he served in 1963 and 1964 as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Army in the Mekong Delta and in J3, MACV. His fluency in French enabled him to gain quick acceptance and greatly enhanced his effectiveness during these early years of the advisory effort. For this service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Upon returning to CONUS, he was assigned to the 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, where he commanded Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry. During this assignment he began work toward a Master's Degree in Political Science at the University of Colorado, attending class in the evening. His outstanding performance of duty as a company commander led to his selection to be the Aide-de-Camp to Major General Joseph E. Bastion Jr., Deputy Commanding General of 5th Army. In that job, he particularly appreciated the change to meet young National Guard officers. While attending the Infantry Officer Advanced Class, he again volunteered for duty in Vietnam. He joined the 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division on 29 June 1967. Less than two months later, he assumed command of Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry, on a morning following a fierce all-night battle with North Vietnamese regulars. Under Dick's inspirational leadership this company would soon see more sharp battles. During the following weeks of continual short contacts with enemy elements, a bond of love and devotion grew between the men of Battling Bravo and their new company commander. From the platoon leaders down to newly assigned privates, everyone felt that Dick was a professional soldier - skilled, courageous, tough when necessary, and completely dedicated to his men and the tasks at hand. Some voiced their deep respect for him in conversations with their friends: others simply followed him in a manner indicative of great respect. They gave him their very best, and he more than reciprocated. On 2 October 1967, on a search and destroy mission his company became decisively engaged with two enemy companies occupying fortified positions. For his exceptionally valorous action that day, Dick was awarded the Silver Star. The citation accompanying this award, presented posthumously to his parents, reads in part: "As the point platoon assaulted the initial enemy bunker system, it was pinned down. Captain Boyd directed that two platoons move forward to assist the pinned down platoon. Personally leading the maneuvering force from the point element, he started across an exposed area and was immediately brought under intense automatic weapons, rifle, and rocket fire. Observing that two of his men had been seriously wounded and were lying in an exposed area of hostile fire, Captain Boyd immediately, and with complete disregard for his own safety, rushed forward through the intense fire and pulled the men to safety. Captain Boyd then directed that one platoon give covering fire for the maneuvering element in order to withdraw its casualties and disengage the enemy to allow supporting artillery fire to be called in. Dazed by enemy rocket fire which wounded four, Captain Boyd regained his feet and, still exposed to the enemy fire, moved among his men's positions giving them encouragement and directing their fire. Captain Boyd remained continuously exposed until his wounded had been removed to safety. The outstanding leadership and courage displayed by Dick that day were characteristic of both his high sense of duty and his respect and regard for those who served under him. His actions enabled B Company to deal effectively with a numerically superior enemy force while sustaining minimum casualties. Three short weeks later, Dick's company was subjected to an intense enemy attack while in a night defensive position near Chu Lai. During this attack, an enemy grenade fell at his feet inflicting multiple metal fragment wounds. On 26 October 1967, Dick died of these wounds. He was posthumously promoted to Major and is buried here at his beloved West Point. Sometime in the next couple of months, Dick's grave stone will be replaced with an updated one that reflects his Silver Star. Another omission that I am pleased to say is being rectified. What do people who were with him in the 502nd remember about Dick . . . After some diligent research, I was able to contact both of the commanders of 2-502 during the time that Dick served with them. [Some comments extracted from their email to me] Colonel (Ret) Howard Danford, USMA '52 "I assumed command of the 2/502 in late September, when the former battalion commander, Ralph Puckett, Class of 1949, was seriously wounded, . . . Dick and I had been together . . . one month before Dick was killed. . . . During daylight hours on October 25th I moved Dick's company, Company B, a short distance to reposition them for operations the next day. After the move was made, the company set up a perimeter, with Dick's command post in the middle of the perimeter. I got a call from Dick's company in the middle of the night that the company had been attacked, and Dick had been killed. . . . Dick was highly admired and respected, and considered by his men and contemporaries to be an outstanding commander. He was a hands-on company commander, led by example, was always where the action was taking place, and was a highly approachable commander. . . . I've thought a lot about Dick over the years. His death affected me greatly. Our battalion was blessed with outstanding officers. In later years, one went on to become Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, three were promoted to Lieutenant General, . . . had Dick not been killed, he was their peer, and had the potential to have reached the highest ranks of the Army. Colonel (Ret) Ralph Puckett, USMA '49 Colonel Puckett knew soldiers and leaders. He was the recipient of two Distinguished Service Crosses -- one in Korea and one in Vietnam -- two Silver Stars, five Purple Hearts and numerous other awards for valor and achievement. He has seved as the Honorary Colonel of the 75th Ranger Regiment for 12 years and as an Honorary Instructor at The Infantry School. He is a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Military Academy, a recipient of the Infantry's Doughboy Award and was elected to the Ranger Hall of Fame. He is the author of a treatise on small unit leadership, "Words for Warriors, A Professional Soldiers Notebook". His words to me . . . . . . Dick took command without a bit of slippage. He led the company like the true professional that he was. Almost immediately, Dick became known for his courage and competence. He was a true professional. In only a few days he also established himself with the Air Force as one of the gutsiest of Troopers by his use of supporting airpower. He called it in close. I was with him when he had the USAF put 500 pounders on an enemy position only 100 yards away. Dick was so cheery; he was laughing as he talked by radio with the pilots. While I wasn't surprised by Dick's lighthearted manner, I was apprehensive enough for both of us! A few days later, by happenstance, I met some of those pilots. They couldn't stop talking about "Bravo 6" when they learned that I was his commander. He was a legend although he had been in command only a few days! Although it's an overused phrase today, Dick "led from the front." There was no doubt in my mind or that of anyone who saw him in action that Dick was a leader through and through. He set the example in courage and professionalism. Our country and our Army lost a great Soldier with unlimited potential when we lost Dick. I lost a friend; it was personal with me. I was no longer his battalion commander when he was killed. Dick was one of the most respected and best liked of the officers with whom I have had the privilege of serving during my entire career. In Vietnam -- the very short time that I knew him -- I found him to be an engaging and charming individual, personable and respectful, friendly, always joking, always saying something to lighten the gravity of any situation yet always focused on our job. What a pleasure to be around him." On 4 November, a rainy Saturday morning, Dick was buried with full military honors at his Alma Mater in the presence of the family he loved so dearly and many of his classmates and friends. For me, the sorrow of this loss lives on. We lost a great friend and companion. Our country lost a dedicated soldier. A final quote form his obituary in the Fall '69 Assembly, "His generous spirit and will to win the battles of life live on in all who knew him. The impressions he made are indelible. All who came into contact with him are fortified by their memory of his buoyant love of life, his devotion to duty, and his abiding concern for the welfare and happiness of his fellow man. He truly lived "above the common level of life" and left us with an ideal toward which all should strive."

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