THE WALL OF FACES

Bob, I remember your quiet strength, your tender heart, your quick smile and love for your family, especially your sisters.
I received a tape from you, it arrived after your death. You said you knew everything would be okay, you had seen and experienced so much that you were certain.
I felt you there at your funeral, until the final notes of the buggle and the last rifle shot. Then I fell apart. It's been so long, more than 50 years, but still feels like just last week.
Yes, you are okay. I look forward to seeing you again one day, dear friend. My final song for you..."if I knew where the wild doves flew..."

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and dedication to our country. May you rest in eternal peace.

Without people like you our great nation wouldn't exist. Semper Fidelis!
Rest in peace CPL. Boyer.

DEAR CORPORAL BOYER,
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A RIFLEMAN. TODAY IS THE ASCENSION, AND MANY CHRISTIANS ARE IN PRAYER. MEMORIAL DAY IS APPROACHING, BUT ON ALL DAYS WE SHOULD HONOR YOU. 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.

Robert L. Boyer
Date of birth: 16-Dec-46
Date of death: December 28, 1967
Place of Birth: Indiana, Muncie
Home of record: Long Beach California
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 Corporal Robert L. Boyer (MCSN: 2234967), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, on 28 December 1967. During Operation AUBURN, Company E came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and grenade launcher fire from a well-entrenched force of North Vietnamese Army Regulars in Quang Nam Province. In the initial moments of the fire fight, a squad of Marines was pinned down and sustained several casualties. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Corporal Boyer immediately maneuvered his platoon toward the harassed unit's position and skillfully established a base of fire to support the Marines. Then, with complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly exposed himself to the heavy volume of hostile fire to aid a wounded comrade. Unhesitatingly, he crawled across twenty meters of fire-swept terrain, until he reached the side of the injured man and, while moving the casualty to a position of relative safety, was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy small arms fire. Corporal Boyer's aggressive fighting spirit and calm presence of mind in the face of extreme danger were an inspiration to his men and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his superb leadership and unfaltering devotion to duty he upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: 28-Dec-67

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Corporal

Company: Company E

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 3d Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF