Boyd Edward Davis' Obituary
First Sergeant Boyd Edward Davis of Tacoma, a United States Army Soldier for 22 years and Veteran of the Vietnam War, passed away at the age of 65 on Saturday August 27, 2016 surrounded by his beloved family. “Lertreese” also known as “Papa,” and “Papa-treese” was born and raised in Itta Bena, Mississippi.
First Sergeant Davis entered the Army on November 27, 1968. Immediately upon completion of basic training he deployed to Vietnam as an infantryman and helicopter door gunner with the 77th Artillery Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). As an 18-year-old Corporal during the 1969 Tet Campaign, Boyd distinguished himself with valorous action during a mortar attack on his assigned firebase with Charlie Battery of the 1st Battalion, 77th Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). When his unit came under an intense attack from a determined enemy force located in concealed positions “Papa”, with disregard for his safety, exposed himself to hostile fire as he placed a heavy volume of suppressive fire on the enemy positions. For his actions, Corporal Davis was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, for Valor. Boyd also served as a Drill Sergeant and United States Army Recruiter where he was instrumental in the establishment of the Army’s Seattle Recruiting Company. As the First Sergeant and station commander, he was also exceptionally influential in the extraordinary success of the Lakewood, Puyallup, Olympia, and Tacoma recruiting stations. Upon completion of honorable military service to our nation and retirement from the United States Army, Boyd completed twenty years of service and retired as a correctional officer for the King County Jail System in Seattle, Washington.
Boyd’s military awards include the Purple Heart (two awards), the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for Valor, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal (six awards), the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (three awards), the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Three Overseas Service Bars, the Gold Recruiter Badge with three Sapphire Achievement Stars and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
In addition to Lisa, his wife of 43 years, Boyd is survived by his children John, Caroline, Soizik, and Ike, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several loved ones.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a service with military honors at the Mountain View Cemetery Aspen Chapel, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, Washington on Sunday, September 4, 2016 at 1:00 PM.
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