Captain Robert Ray Boyd

Bobby Boyd was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mose C. Boyd. He attended Kittrell Elementary School, MTSU Campus School, and Central High School, where he graduated with honors in 1959.

In May, 1964, he received a B. S. degree in chemistry from Middle Tennessee State University and Second Lieutenant rank from ROTC. He was a member of the Sigma Club, Track and Sabre Club, and the Chemical Association.

He was one of six Distinguished Military Cadets at MTSU, and he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Artillery at Fort Campbell. He completed that course in October and went to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He graduated from the Field Artillery Officers Basic Course and was sent to Viet Nam in July, 1965.

On October 24, 1965, he was awarded the "Certificate of Merit in Recognition of Outstanding Performance of Duty." On March 16, 1966, he was awarded the "Bronze Star Medal for Heroism." The citation states: "Lieutenant Boyd moved under heavy enemy fire to the platoon which was receiving the brunt of the new attack. He directed extremely accurate artillery fire upon the Viet Cong while exposing himself to the murderous fire so he could observe and direct the artillery. Disregarding the fact that the Viet Cong were directing their fire at him. Lieutenant Boyd continued to direct artillery fire for approximately five hours. His actions contributed greatly to the defeat of the Viet Cong forces. First Lieutenant Boyd's outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal bravery were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States."

Following some of the demonstrations against the war, a woman in Pennsylvania wrote a letter to the soldiers in Viet Nam, expressing her appreciation for what they were doing. Bobby answered it. Her letter and his were published throughout the army bases and the United States.

He said, "I consider it not only a duty, but a great privilege to be able to serve so that your boys may grow up in our wonderful country and enjoy all it has to offer. I am serving now, and your husband has served, in defense of our country so that we might enjoy the freedom of America. Now it is my turn to guarantee your children the same promise. May God bless you and your family."

Lieutenant Boyd was promoted to Captain in January, 1967. He was stationed at the Bein Hoa Air Paso near Saigon and was the Communications Officer for the 173rd Airborne Division. He came home in February for the first furlough he had had. It was a wonderful month for his parents, relatives, and friends, and Bobby enjoyed every minute of it.

He was a member of Science Hill Church of Christ. On Sunday night before he went back to Viet Nam he had charge of the service. He showed slides, described the life of the people there, and told with enthusiasm some of the experiences which he had.

He signed up for another tour of duty before he came home, and on February 22 he said a happy "Goodbye" to his parents and family and returned to his base unit on February 23rd. On May 17 Captain Boyd was preparing for a convoy when a shell from a hostile mortar round hit him. He was killed instantly.

After a military funeral, he was buried in the Coleman Cemetery on the Woodbury Road.

On July 15, 1967, the United States Army presented posthumous awards to Captain Robert Ray Boyd. The Purple Heart, which was established by General George Washington in 1782, and is presented "to heroic men who have shown gallantry and devotion in the service of his country." The Bronze Star Medal and The Air Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster were also awarded.

"Robert stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have given their lives that our Nation's goal of freedom and peace may be maintained."

Kittrell | Rutherford County | Tennessee

Source: Rutherford County Historical Society, Publication No. 2, winter, 1973.