Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

78th Troop Carrier Squadron, 435th Troop Carrier Group, U.S. Army Air Force

Awarded on:

October 17th, 1946

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

On September 19th 1944, he was piloting a transport plane (C-47) for the Market Garden invasion of Holland. Shortly before reaching the Landingzone, the plane of Major Boyd was hit by enemy FLAK en caught fire. In spite of the situation, Major Boyd kept his plane in formation.
When the landingzone was reached, the plane almost dived vertically to the ground. The pilot of the glider that was towed could in time disconnect the towing cable and land safely. Boyd's crew got safe out of the burning plane, but from Boyd himselve could not be seen wether he got out of the plane.
Major Boyd was decorated for the way he conducted his work during the action.

Royal decree no.26 Posthume

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

78th Troop Carrier Squadron, 435th Troop Carrier Group, U.S. Army Air Force

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as Pilot of a Transport aircraft in the 78th Troop Carrier Squadron, 435th Troop Carrier Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces during an air mission on 19 September 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. Major Boyd's unquestionable valor in aerial combat, at the cost of his life, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)