Marion GI Killed in Vietnam

Marion - Pfc. Richard Howard Boise, salutatorian of Marion central school, class of 1964, was killed November 29, in Vietnam, three days after his 23 birthday.

The death raised the Wayne County Vietnam fatality

count to 28.

Army officials said only that Boise died when a "military watercraft" overturned on a mission. 

The Army informed Pfc. Boise's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard J. Boise, early last week that he was missing in action.

He was salutatorian of his 1964 high school graduating class

at Marion and during his years there,. played

coronet in the school band and dance band. He was vice president of the National Honor Society in his senior year

and was class treasurer his last three years in high school.

 He was also a member of the Junior Rifle Club.

A guidance counselor described him as "quiet, cooperative, and liked by everyone.

"He was an excellent student ." said District Principal,

Chester Curtis.

Pfc. Boise  received a Sears and Roebuck Foundation grant from Cornell in 1964, and then graduated from Cornell in 1968, with a degree in animal husbandry.

He then received as assistantship at Oklahoma State University where he did graduate work for a year

in food sciences.

He was married June 7, 1969,  to the former Ann Frisbee of Stuyvesant Falls. Two weeks later he was drafted.

Mr. Boise said his son "wasn't excited about the war."

"He felt he should go and do his duty rather than try

and get out of it." he said. "He wanted to get in,

 do his part, and get out."

He had been in Vietnam about two weeks, when

he was killed in action.

Pfc. Boise's immediate plans were to return to Oklahoma State, after his tour of duty in Vietnam and get his masters degree. He had about 1 more year of study, his father said. Beyond that, he had no definite plans.

Mr. and Mrs. Boise last heard from their son in a letter received December 2. The letter was dated on his birthday, November 26th, three days before his death.

Boise wrote about the different odd jobs he had been

doing on the base since his arrival a few weeks before.

Besides his wife and parents, he leaves three brothers, Kenneth, Stephen and Larry, all at home; and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Boise of Williamson.

Funeral arrangements by the Nye Funeral Home in Marion.

 A military funeral is planned.

Interment will be at Marion Cemetery.

A scholarship fund in his memory is being organized at Marion Central School.

RICHARD HOWARD BOISE
is honored on Panel 15W, Row 3 of
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.