Bennie F. Boatright
Private, U.S. Army

On 22 August 1944, Private Bennie F. Boatright was serving as a Medical Aidman with the 41st Armored Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Division, First U.S. Army.

On that day, PVT Boatright's unit was in action against German forces in France. PVT Boatright was trying to reach 2 severely wounded comrades when enemy machine gun and small arms fire forced him to take cover. Ignoring a warning by fellow soldiers, he resumed his advance until again fired upon by the enemy. In desperation, he removed his red cross arm band and, waving it before him, plunged forward with great determination. A burst of fire fatally wounded him before he could reach his comrades. PVT Boatright's selfless and courageous actions, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Medical Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Bennie F. Boatright (ASN: 38111694), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 41st Armored Infantry Regiment, 2d Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 22 August 1944, in France. Private Boatright was attempting to reach two severely wounded comrades when withering enemy machine gun and small arms fire forced him to take cover. Disregarding a warning by fellow soldiers, he resumed his courageous advance until again fired upon by the enemy. In desperation, this gallant soldier removed his red cross arm band and, waving it before him, unhesitatingly plunged forward with great valor and determination. A burst of fire fatally wounded him before he reached his comrades. Private Boatright's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Armored Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 10 (January 17, 1945)

Burial

Private Bennie F. Boatright is buried at Haynie Chapel Cemetery in Garfield, Travis County, TX.