Keller: LSU honors deserving hero O’Neil Boe
Published 12:03 am Wednesday, February 22, 2017
- LSU baseball players salute St. John the Baptist Parish’s O’Neil Boe during a stop in play last weekend.
I hadn’t been to an LSU baseball game in 25 years, however, Saturday, I had the privilege and honor to attend the Army – LSU game.
I was excited, not because of the game, but because they were honoring my friend, Mr. O’Neil Boe.
Mr. Boe was a sergeant in the U.S. Army and a paratrooper who jumped 42 times. Three of those jumps were behind enemy lines, including Normandy.
O’Neil Boe was a sergeant in the U.S. Army and a paratrooper who jumped 42 times.
The night before the Normandy Invasion, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower addressed a group of paratroopers. A picture was taken of the group and Mr. Boe is in that famous picture, which is now displayed in the World War II Museum.
For his service, he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation Medal, American Campaign Medal, Europe – Africa Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the French Fourragere Medal.
The invitation for him to be honored was extended by the LSU Athletic Department.
Mr. Darrin Duhe, Executive Director of Procurement and Government Buildings for St. Charles Parish, evidently very patriotic, made them aware of Mr. Boe’s service record in November of last year when St. Charles Parish President Larry Cochran invited him to speak at the parish’s Veteran’s Day luncheon.
The person responsible for arranging everything was Katherine Lucas. She is a pleasant, patient, young lady who was indeed a credit to LSU.
Mr. C. J. Tastet drove Mr. Boe and me to Baton Rouge. When we arrived, Darren and his wife, Nicole, were waiting for us with the tickets and instructions.
Before the game as Mr. Boe, dressed in his V.F.W. shirt, a bow tie and medals stood by, and people came and thanked him for his service and took pictures with him.
After the first inning, he was asked to take center stage at home plate as he was introduced. He was given a standing ovation and waved proudly to the crowd. Every LSU player shook his hand and the pitcher, Jared Poche, (who pitched a no-hitter) told him, “Thanks for representing the River Parishes well.”
It was a great day for Mr. Boe, the fans, C.J. and me.
Thanks to Mr. Darrin Duhe for wanting to recognize a true American hero.
If you have any questions or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.