SERVICE NEWS
Pvt. Robert M. Boston, whose wife, Gladys, resides at 218 East Seventh street, has been cited by the 351st infantry regiment of the 88th “Blue Devil” division and awarded the combat infantryman’s badge for participation in combat against the enemy with the Fifth army in Italy. Private Boston is the son of Mrs. Phoebe Boston, 732 Quincy street.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Thursday, February 25, 1945, Page 8
Robert M. Boston Earns Bronze Star
The Bronze Star medal has been presented to Pfc. Robert M. Boston for “meritorious achievement from Sept. 23, 1944, to Mar. 19, 1945” while serving with the 351st infantry regiment in Italy, according to word received here by his mother, Mrs. Phoebe Olson, 732 Quincy street.
The citation accompanying the award stated that on Sept. 29, during an attack on Mt. Cappello, Italy, Boston was a member of a 10-man patrol sent to kill or capture an enemy force of 25 men. Although the Germans counterattacked and attempted to outflank the American position, Boston with a light machine gun killed three Germans.
Private Boston’s machine gun jammed but he killed a fourth German with a rifle.
“The American patrol was ordered to withdraw when the enemy brought reinforcements and with complete disregard for his personal safety, under machine gun fire, carried a seriously wounded man 200 yards to safety, the citation adds.
Private Boston’s wife is Mrs. Gladys Boston, 218 East Seventh street.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Tuesday, April 24, 1945, Page 12 (photo included)
Robert Boston Seriously Hurt
April 29 in Italy
Pfc. Robert M. Boston, 22, was seriously wounded in action Apr. 29 in Italy while serving with the infantry in the Fifth army, according to a war department telegram received yesterday by his wife, Gladys, who resides at 218 East Seventh street.
Private Boston, son of Mrs. Phoebe Olson, 732 Quincy street, recently was awarded the Bronze Star medal for “meritorious achievement.” Prior to going overseas two years ago, he trained at Camp Howze, Tex., and Ft. Sam Houston, Tex.
His brother, Richard, radio man third class, is serving in the Pacific. Mrs. Richard Boston and son, Queston, reside at 1301 Jefferson street.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Sunday, May 13, 1945, Page 13
Posthumous Silver Stars to Two Boys
Posthumous award of Silver Stars to two Waterloo men killed in action was announced Thursday by official releases received here.
[NOTE: Portions of this article regarding Pfc. Edwin G. Blonigan have been omitted but appear on his individual webpage within this site.]
Gallantry in action during the Italian campaign brought the honor to Pfc. Robert M. Boston, who died May 1, 1945, as a result of wounds received Apr. 29 in Italy.
What is officially termed a typical example of Private Boston’s conduct in battle was described thusly:
“As first scout of a volunteer seven-man patrol, Boston was advancing toward a German road-block when intense machine gun fire forced his comrades to take cover. He moved forward alone, returning the enemy fire with his tommy gun. Boston’s devastating fire forced the Nazis to retreat after he had killed one and wounded another.
“He then chased the fleeing 18 Germans, harassing them with burst after burst of fire, wounding another, and capturing four more.
“His cool determination to close with the enemy was a source of inspiration and admiration to all who witnessed his remarkable feat. Private Boston represents the finest example of the American soldier.”
His mother, Mrs. Phoebe J. Olson, resides at 218 East Seventh street.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Thursday, August 02, 1945, Page 5
Card of Thanks.
We Wish to Thank All Our Neighbors, relatives, friends and the D. A. V. for their flowers, kindness and sympathy of the burial of my son, Pvt. First Class Robert M. Boston. Mother and son. [Pfc. Boston’s body was returned to the United States and was re-interred at Wilson Cemetery, Independence, Iowa.]
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Sunday, December 12, 1948, Page 31
