<div>One of the horrible ironies of war is that all too frequently, fine young men die because of possession of virtues which, had they lived, would have brought them greatness. That same dedication to God and country which would have lifted them above the common run of men, instead brought them to an all too early death. The intense devotion to duty which would have brought them success in the Army also prompted them to volunteer for combat in Vietnam at the earliest opportunity. So it was with First Lieutenant Terrence O’Boyle whose untimely death, while serving as a platoon leader with Troop E, 17th Cavalry, snuffed out the beginning of what would undoubtedly have been a brilliant career.</div>
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<div>My family and I knew Terry as a frequent visitor in our quarters—whose arrival was eagerly anticipated by our children who idolized him. He brought with him warmth, and a happy smile. Terry refused to let any problem get him down. Initial depression was always overcome by a rapid discovery of something to be happy about. That is not to say that Terry was insensitive to his surroundings. On the contrary, he was very much aware of his environment, and was often genuinely upset at the injustice and social evil that he witnessed. But Terry was an abiding optimist, who had faith in the ultimate goodness of mankind and his country. Common practice among both academics and students is to criticize our nation, its politics, policies and social system. It is very simple intellectual exercise requiring only the ability to find fault in the system. The offering of constructive alternatives is not required. Terry never fell into this rut. He invariably offered constructive criticism. Though realizing that there were warts to be found on the face of our nation, Terry never forgot that the warts paled in comparison with the beauty surrounding them. He believed it was a pleasure to have Terry in the classroom. Though not a “hive,” he nevertheless applied his very bright mind to those classes which stimulated him and enlivened the classes by his presence.</div>
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<div>Terry spent a great deal of his non-classroom time diligently working as a cadet debater. He was an excellent debater, and his quick reacting mind, his ability to pierce through a smoke screen of words to get at the essence of an issue, helped him to become a success on the debate circuit. But Terry also viewed debate as a way to escape from the spartan atmosphere of West Point. He enjoyed his contacts with civilian students, and was equally at home engaging in intellectually inclined conversation as he was at a debaters party. This facet of Terry’s character was evident in all he did. Though serious when the occasion called for it, he also knew how to have a good time without suffering any loss of personal dignity.</div>
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<div>Terry was a perfect gentleman in the traditional sense of the term. He was decent, considerate and thoughtful of others, had respect for older people, and displayed a sense of kindness to all he met. These fine traits are a tribute to his parents who had so much to do with instilling these qualities in their son. Terry was not lacking physically either; he was a good athlete, who could bang heads with the best of them.</div>
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<div>Terry compiled an outstanding record during his brief four months with the 173rd Airborne. There were many occasions when Terry displayed both heroism and superior soldierly qualities. One example, which was rather typical, occurred when an Infantry platoon, commanded by one of Teny's classmates, was surrounded at night by a larger Viet Cong force. Terry led his Armored Cavalry platoon through heavy enemy fire to come to the rifle platoon's relief. According to the rifle platoon leader. Terry's actions that night saved the lives of the men of the rifle platoon, who were in great danger of being overrun.</div>
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<div>Terry's father wrote “All the things I feel for Terry can be summed in the words of One who a long time ago said, ’This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” All I can add is that after having the pleasure of knowing Terry for only four year, if I were to pick a model for my son to emulate, it would be Terry.</div>
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<div>And if there is any consolation in his death it is simply this. Terry’s motives for volunteering for duty in Vietnam were simple. He was a soldier who believed in the inherent goodness of a nation he was sworn to protect. He died as he had lived-giving of himself for others.</div>
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<div><em>-W. L. S.</em></div>