George W. G. Boyce Jr
George was born in New York City on the 10th of October, 1916, and joined the US Army in Cornwall, New York.When he deployed with the 112th Cavalry Regimental Combat Team, he was a Second Lieutenant and it was his actions near New Guinea that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:
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.
George's Medal of Honor was awarded to him posthumously on the 7th of April, 1945 and George William Gerow Boyce Jr is buried in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City, Philippines: Plot A, Row 4, Grave 189.
