b. ? New York. d. 23/07/1944 near Afua, New Guinea.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 23/07/1944 near Afua, New Guinea.
George W G Boyce MOH
Boyce joined the Army from the Town of Cornwall, New York, and by July 23, 1944 was serving as a second lieutenant in the 112th Cavalry Regimental Combat Team. On that day, near Afua, New Guinea, he smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his own body, sacrificing himself to protect those around him. For this action, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor nine months later, on 12 February, 1945.
MOH 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.
BURIAL LOCATION: MANILA AMERICAN CEMETERY, MANILA, PHILIPPINES.
SECTION A ROW 4 GRAVE 189
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.