Charles King Boyd
Major, U.S. Army Air Forces

On 19 September 1944, Major Charles King Boyd was serving as a Pilot with the 78th Squadron, 435th Troop Carrier Group, IX Troop Carrier Command, 9th Air Force in the European Theater of Operations.

On that day, MAJ Boyd's C-47B, SN 43-48355, with a crew of 5, was part of a Glider Tow mission to Best, Holland, during Operation Market Garden. The mission included 16 planes and gliders from the 78th Squadron, and they encountered heavy flak and small arms fire over the combat zone. All 16 gliders were able to land safely in the LZ. However, MAJ Boyd's C-47B did not return. Reports from other planes on the mission indicated that MAJ Boyd's plane was hit in the cockpit area / left fuel tank and engine by either a 20mm shell or incendiary machine gun fire. Smoke was coming from the windows in the cabin as the plane pulled up into a stall, fell off on its nose, and crashed. Some reported seeing 2 parachutes, others reported 3, although it is a fact that 2 were seen. MAJ Boyd's efforts to keep the aircraft stable until the crew could get out, died in the crash and posthumously received the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Air Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Army Air Force Pilot Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Charles K. Boyd (0-729118), Major (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, 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.

Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 24 (1945)

Burial

Major Charles King Boyd is buried at Calcutta United Presbyterian Cemetery in Calcutta, Columbiana County, OH.

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