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In Memory of U.S. Army Sergeant

Stephen Gregory Boyer

Rapid City, South Dakota, Pennington County

March 6, 1948 – June 1, 1968

Died of Wounds in Combat Operation in Long An, Vietnam

Stephen Gregory “Steve” Boyer was born March 6, 1948, in Merced, California, to John and Alverna Boyer. He had a sister, Barbara, and a brother, James. After moving to Rapid City from New Mexico because his father took a job at Ellsworth AFB, Stephen attended Rapid City High School for a few months. He graduated with honors that same year. Janet Kobus, who dated Stephen for several months, had these memories of him: “He was very kind, courteous, and had a good sense of humor.”

Stephen Boyer entered active service on June 30, 1966 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He did his basic training in the Army at Fort Lewis in Washington and then completed medic training at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. Before going to Vietnam, Boyer served nine months in Germany. On January 4, 1968, Stephen Boyer commenced his tour of Vietnam as a Sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division.

Army Sergeant Stephen Gregory Boyer was killed in Long An, Vietnam “as a result of gunshot wounds received during hostile ground action,” on June 1, 1968. His body was returned to the United States and was buried at Merced, California, his birthplace. Among his awards were the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, and the Bronze Star.

At the time of his death, Stephen was survived by his parents, John and Alverna Boyer; his sister, Barbara Smith; and his brother, James. Janet Kobus wrote in closing about Stephen: “I have never forgotten him!”

This entry was respectfully submitted by Seth Bridges, 8th grade, Spearfish Middle School, Spearfish, South Dakota, on March 29, 2006. Information for this entry was provided by a South Dakota Vietnam Veteran’s bonus application, the Rapid City Journal, 6/7/68 and 6/8/68 issues and Janet Kobus, Rapid City. No family contacts were established.