THE WALL OF FACES

When leaving the safety of our platoon or company perimeter, it felt good knowing you were in the same squad.. Beware of the quiet one, most people heard of this before, but you fit the bill. never complained or hung back. I'm sorry that I rotated a couple of days before you passed. I might have taken the freedom flight back to the U .S., but you left on wings of an angle. I know that you would be a warrior of the most high. Hope to see you on the other side. thinking of you, cpl. hud

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor Gary.

Gary R. Boeck
Date of death: Killed in Action
Home of record: Braham Minnesota
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Gary R. Boeck (MCSN: 2616935), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Grenadier with Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 January 1971, while patrolling in the Que Son region of Quang Nam Province, Lance Corporal Boeck's squad came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from North Vietnamese Army soldiers occupying well concealed emplacements in the dense jungle growth and, during the initial moments of the assault, Lance Corporal Boeck was seriously wounded. Realizing the strategic value of his position at the head of the squad and instantly aware of the need for immediate reaction, he quickly directed his companions to deploy into more effective fighting positions. From his vulnerable location in full view of the hostile soldiers, he commenced delivering rapid grenade launcher fire at the enemy and, although sustaining additional painful injuries while thus engaged, vigorously continued his determined efforts until he was mortally wounded by hostile fire. His heroic and valiant actions inspired all who observed him and provided the other members of his squad the time and opportunity to achieve fire superiority and defeat the North Vietnamese Army force. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Boeck upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

Action Date: January 6, 1971

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

Company: Company L

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 5th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

LCPL Boeck,

I had the honor reading your name aloud this evening at the 35th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veteran Memorial. I am eternally grateful to call you a brother.
Wayne Knutson
1SG(R), USA

DEAR LANCE CORPORAL BOECK,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A RIFLEMAN. SEMPER FI. IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS. IT IS EASTER, AND PASSOVER - GOD'S BLESSINGS ON YOU.