City Councilman Eric Ulrich (l.) presents council citation and Good Conduct Medal to Ozone Park’s Edward Boes. Photo courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s office
An area military veteran last week was honored with the Navy Good Conduct Medal and a City Council Citation, both presented by City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park).
Ed Boes, 79, received the honors at Ulrich’s office as his wife of nearly 56 years, Violet, looked on.
“I was proud, very proud,” said Boes in an interview with The Forum. “I’m very proud to be an American citizen.”
That pride, the Naval service of his father and a love of quintessential American icons such as John Wayne spurred Boes to enlist in the Navy in November of 1952, at the age of 17.
“I figured I might as well do something for the country,” said the Brooklyn native.
After growing up in Glendale, and attending Grover Cleveland High School in Ridgewood, Boes endured four months of boot camp during the winter in Great Lakes, IL., right outside Chicago.
“We never knew a place could be so cold,” Boes recalled with a laugh. “We couldn’t get enough clothes on.”
Boes went on to serve on Navy bases in Sanford and Key West, Fla., where he was a station policeman and trained cadets for foul-weather flying. He was honorably discharged as a captain in 1956 and would later serve six years in the standby reserves.
“I really enjoyed [my years of service],” Boes said. “I went in as a kid and came out a man.”
Boes was entitled to the Good Conduct Medal upon his discharge. After some work with the military and National Personnel Records Center, Ulrich’s office obtained a replacement medal from the Navy.
These days, the father of two and grandfather of two spends his time at the Catholic War Veterans Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Post #369 and Knights of Columbus. Boes is also very active in the church; he’s an usher and president of the Holy Name Society at Nativity. Additionally, once a month, he and the CWV travel to the St. Albans Veterans Administration Community Living Center to entertain vets and deliver food.
“I’ve got a lot on my plate,” Boes laughed.
Still, his service is not lost on the younger generations.
“Ed Boes is an American patriot and a pillar of the community. This award recognizes his exemplary service to our country and is only a small token of appreciation for all that he has done on our behalf,” said Ulrich, chairman of the council’s Veterans Committee. “I am proud to know him personally and consider it an honor to present him with this commendation.”
By Michael V. Cusenza
