planes, the 508^th PIR men were dropped all over Normandy, and our carefully developed assembly plans were nullified.” 

Chapter II, Combat Operations – Normandy, includes a summary of the 508^th PIR’s first days in Normandy.  It contains a description of John Boone’s action that resulted in saving the lives of many soldiers. John Boone was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his actions.  

John Boone was awarded a second Bronze Star Medal for heroic action in Holland. John was in position with a section of Light machine guns in support of a roadblock when a battalion of German infantry attacked.  A runner was sent to the 81mm mortar platoon Observation Post (OP) requesting mortar fire be placed upon a group of Germans assembling in a nearby draw. However, the runner was hit before he could deliver the message.

John Boone then crawled over 60 yards exposed to enemy fire, and delivered the fire request and instructions, and returned to his position. The resultant accurate mortar fire drove the enemy away from the area, and proved a decisive factor in the defense of the roadblock.  

John D. Boone served in the Army from October 1942 to January 1946. He received a Battlefield Commission to Second Lieutenant in the Army of the United States (AUS) and separated from the service in the grade of First Lieutenant. He earned:

·        Bronze Star Medal w/two Oak Leaf Clusters

·        Combat Infantry Badge

·        Invasion Arrowhead

·        Four battle stars

·        Parachute Qualification badge with two stars indicating combat jumps (Normandy and Holland)

·        Presidential Unit Citation

·        French and Belgian Fourrageres

·        Orange Lanyard of the Royal Netherlands Army

·        Numerous campaign and service medals – including the Occupation Medal with Germany Bar.