123 STAT. 1994 PUBLIC LAW 111–59—AUG. 19, 2009 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 2470: 

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 155 (2009): June 15, 16, considered and passed House. Aug. 4, considered and passed Senate. Æ Public Law 111–59 

111th Congress An Act To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 19190 Cochran Boulevard FRNT in Port Charlotte, Florida, as the ‘‘Lieutenant Commander Roy H. Boehm Post Office Building’’.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. LIEUTENANT COMMANDER ROY H. BOEHM POST OFFICE BUILDING. 

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ59/pdf/PLAW-111publ59.pdf

 

 

 

Lieutenant Commander Roy H. Boehm Post Office Dedication Ceremony - Monday, July 12, 2010

 

Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Murdock Branch Post office in Punta Gorda was dedicated recently and the building renamed to honor an American Hero.
Here is a Bio of the soldier honored and photographs from the ceremony. It is an amazing story and it was a great dedication ceremony.
 
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER ROY H. BOEHM

Roy Henry Boehm was born in Brooklyn, NY on April 9, 1924. He enlisted in the Navy in April, 1941, at age 17. By the spring of 1942 he had qualified as a diver second class and helped retrieve bodies and ordnance from the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor. He served as a Boatswain’s Mate in the USS Duncan (DD485) during the Battle of Cape Esperance, the largest all-sea battle of World War II., during which his ship took 58 hits and was sunk. After 13 hours in shark-infested water, Boehm and 184 of his shipmates were rescued. His service in WWII included ferrying supplies to guerrillas in the Philippines. In 1946 he served in China. He would also serve aboard ships involved in the Korean conflict and much later, saw combat in Vietnam.
In June of 1954 at the age of 30, Boehm volunteered for Underwater Demolition Team Replacement Training, which he completed as a member of Class 13. Subsequently he went to Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an ensign in 1958. In 1961, as a lieutenant (jg) and the operations officer of UDT 21, he was tasked to clandestinely help create a new Naval Warfare commando unit that had sea, air and land capabilities.
Those commandos would become known as Navy SEALs. Boehm’s knowledge of counterinsurgency and asymmetric warfare—he’d studied Sun-Tzu and read Mao Zedong and other revolutionaries--led him to apply outside-the-box training, which included sending his prospective SEALs into prisons to learn lock-picking and other ‘black’ arts.’
His unconventional methods did not sit well with the Navy establishment. By the time Boehm was summoned to brief President John F. Kennedy on his progress, he was facing five boards of inquiry pending courts martial. Boehm’s first words to JFK were, “ “Sir, I did not vote for you.” There was stunned silence until he added: “But I’d die for you.”
Soon after that meeting, the charges against Boehm evaporated. SEALs were commissioned on January 8, 1962. On that day Roy Boehm became the first Officer in Charge of SEAL Team 2. In the words of Admiral Eric Olson, Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, “No one can deny Roy Boehm his place in history as an original, and perhaps the original SEAL.” .
Roy Boehm retired from the Navy in 1971. In his 2010 James Forrestal Lecture at the U.S. Naval Academy, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates said of Roy Boehm, “He never made it higher than Lieutenant Commander, but his legacy is at work every night, tracking down our country’s most lethal enemies in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world.”
As a Sailor and a veteran Roy Boehm never stopped fighting for the values he believed in, the men he loved more than family, or the nation to which he devoted his life. He died on December 30, 2008 at his home in Punta Gorda FL.

http://suncoastscoop.blogspot.com/2010/07/lieutenant-commander-roy-h-boehm-post.html#comments

               

                                  

Roy Boehm  R.I.P.

                                     

LCDR Roy H. Boehm USN (ret).  (Class 13, Little Creek)
 
It is with great sadness that UDT-SEAL Association informs the membership of the passing of LCDR Roy H. Boehm USN (ret).  Roy was born on 9 April 1924 in Brooklyn, New York. He joined the Navy at the age of 17  and served the Naval Service honorably for 30 years.

 His active duty career spanned three wars, WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam. Roy joined the Navy, completed Boot Camp and Diver training.  After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, he found himself in the middle of the salvage and recovery operations at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.  Roy felt his biggest challenge and joy was attending Underwater Demolition Team Training in 1954 at the age of 31.

  He graduated with UDT/T Class 13. Roy felt this was the start of a whole new and exciting life with great challenges. What meant more to Roy was the friendships within the Teams while serving and fighting with the brave men.  He was loyal to those he worked with and to those who worked for him.  He dedicated himself to them as they dedicated themselves to him. 

 There has been much controversy about Roy and his book, "First SEAL".  However, the "Plank Owners" of SEAL Team Two who he led and helped form SEAL Team Two prior to and at the very beginning stand behind him until this very day.  He served as the first Executive Officer, and acting Officer in Charge until the First Commanding Officer reported aboard SEAL Team Two. 

 Roy's life with his wife Sue has been filled with joy, great times, and excitement.  They traveled, laughed, and enjoyed smelling the roses.  Roy took flying lessons and received his pilot license at about age 70 and kept that license current until the day he passed.  Roy was indeed a man who enjoyed life and those in the Brotherhood of Frogmen and SEALs. 
 
One of his men and Teammate, a Plank Owner of SEAL Team Two, sent the following statements.  "On or about 2030 hours December 30, 2008, the world in general and SEAL TEAM TWO in particular suffered a great loss. Roy H. Boehm, a legend in his own time, slipped his earthly bonds and continued his journey into TIME.  He left behind the seeds he planted to sprout and grow into a WARRIOR CULT that is as yet unmatched in modern warfare.  As Plank Owners of SEAL Team Two we feel he gave his progeny the job of going forth and wining.  Loosing was NOT an option, audacity was demanded, and success was and still is the results.  Almost 47 years to the day after first mustering and cutting loose his FROGS OF WAR his legacy is still being written.  It was my honor to have been one of his TEAMMATES.  ROY always said "Just don't get caught"
 
Roy was a sailor, a shipmate, a friend, and a Teammate.  His men came first and he never asked anyone to do anything that he wouldn't do himself.  That sums up what any of us would want said about us.  We share in his family's loss and sorrow, as he was one of us.  He was a man, a father, a husband, a sailor, a shipmate, a brother, a leader, and mostly, a Warrior.   Roy H. Boehm will be remembered as a Sailors Sailor.   As per Roy's wishes there will be no services.

 Webmaster's Note:   FYI

Roy had a party at his home after one of the Ft. Pierce Musters.  Archie Grayson and I attended.   During that SEAL get-together Roy showed John Weisman and I all the manuscripts he wrote and saved for his book which wanted to be titled "MUSTANG."    The publisher's, which or course have the last say on titles and whatever else they wish to edit, told Roy that "MUSTANG" would not sell his book and they changed Roy's suggested title.

"FIRST SEAL" was born at the publisher's insistence which Roy told us he was not in agreement with the publishers.

For whatever it is worth,  Roy should have made that known when all those letters were written to the BLAST and to the FIRE IN THE HOLE.  I wish he had done so; now you know it and I say; better late than never.

Erasmo "Doc" Riojas
5 Dec 2009      docrio45 [at] gmail.com

 

 

Member of original Navy SEAL unit dead at 84
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/843365.html

 

 

 

I asked ROy if he ever flew an Airplane?  His answer HERE ! by Rich Young

                                                           

 

 

Rooney honors Boehm during first floor speech

Author(s):    CHRISTY ARNOLD

Charlotte Sun Editor Date: January 16, 2009 Section:
Rep. Tom Rooney delivered his first floor speech in Congress on Thursday, choosing to remark about the incredible life of Punta Gorda resident Roy Boehm.

Rooney spoke about Boehm's service to this country as America's first Navy SEAL. Boehm died Dec. 30 at the age of 84.

Here is Rooney's speech:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Roy Boehm, a true American hero and a longtime constituent of Punta Gorda, Fla. Mr. Boehm was a retired Navy Lt. Commander and was the first officer in charge of SEAL Team 2, one of the original Navy SEAL teams. Many would say that he was the first SEAL.

"Lt. Cmdr. Boehm enlisted in the Navy in 1941 and fought during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. In 1942, he participated in the Battle of Cape Esperance at Guadalcanal, one of the largest 'all surface' sea engagements of World War II. In 1961, under orders from President Kennedy, Lt. Cmdr. Boehm developed and launched the Navy's elite Sea, Air and Land forces unit known as the SEALS. Our nation is grateful for Lt. Cmdr. Boehm's service.

"Lt. Cmdr. Roy Boehm set the standard for the Navy SEALs of today and he will truly be missed. On behalf of all men and women who've worn or are currently wearing the uniform, I thank Lt. Cmdr. Boehm for his service."

Rooney represents District 16, which winds its way from Palm Beach County across the state covering a portion of Charlotte County. Rooney defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Tim Mahoney in the November general election.


Charlotte Sun Archives

 

 

 

 

By GREG MARTIN    Staff Writer                                    

 

 

http://docriojaseal.tripod.com/royboehm.htm

 

 

 

01 Jan 2009

Dear Plankowners and teammates:

 Below is some interesting positive data on the late Roy Boehm, a character and a half, and a man who loved and lived his life in total dedication to our great Navy. About 3 months ago he came out of his self-imposed removal from our community. 

Roy and I were tight in the early, pre-ST2, days, and (according to my service jacket) it all began in late Spring 1961. 

As Roy’s side kick, together we did a lot of the early ground work and organizational planning, with the help of personnel-man John Tegg and Ltjg Dave Graveson. Granted none of us then had orders to ST2, it was only 1961; we were assigned to an old WWII empty barracks to set up a new unit. We were also told not to discuss what we were doing with any of our UDT teammates. This all took place about 8 months before our 1st skipper, John Callahan’s arrival from UDT 11 or 12. 



As most of you know, Roy has been an almost total recluse for a number of years and unfortunately I was one of the many with whom he severed ties. Well, miracles can and do happen. Roy and I have been corresponding for the last 2 to 3 months in a very friendly rational way following my sharing with him that one of our pre-Plank-owner teammates, (then Ltjg.) Dave Graveson was suffering a terminal Cancer. 



Roy Boehm and I were two of the 3 or 4 who put our first team together. Some years ago, as a result of his book, Roy became embroiled in the “who came first” controversy and as a result, received a lot of grief, much of it deserved. Yes, his book, First SEAL was not the most accurate one out there, and ghost writers often do more harm than good by either overplaying reality and just plain making up stories. Roy, the consummate Bosn, could not have written his own story but was pleased and proud to have someone help him write it. I was his Operations and Training Officer and gave him a lot of grief about some of the stories within his book. And yes, I hurt his feelings. 

It remains unclear to some of you who was or was not our first skipper. I happen to know what happened, so read on. 



For about half of 1961, Roy was the senior officer present and functioned as the “acting” skipper of our small group in until John Callahan arrived. So even though his orders did not so state, he was, in reality, our first (temporary) skipper; which in his mind allowed him to say he was the “first SEAL” . That said, when our friends on the west coast began their relentless attack on him about the who or what really came first fight, even though ST2 was commissioned 3 hours before ST1 (the time change) I discovered, not long ago that the west coast team was, in fact, commissioned several days before the first East coast team, so ST1 really WAS first, if that matters….and it does NOT! The fight was silly and got out of hand taking a major toll on Roy. He chose to withdrew to a tiny handful of friends he later chose to lock me out, which I never quite understood for I both liked and respected him. Years later, what I did not like, and so stated to him, related to the many misstatements of fact in his book; probably not made by him, but by his ghost writer. Yes, Roy may have contributed to the misstatements, and he probably enjoyed what was said in his book. However, I am not now, nor have ever been in favor of “ghost writers”. But Roy, the Bosn, had to have one. Like most Bosns, Roy was not known for his ability to write a complete sentences in any Language. Tie knots and lead men, yes, write sentences, no! 

Not having heard from Roy since I wrote a letter to the BLAST some years ago supporting him, (unfortunately, Roy chose to think I was not supporting him) ties were severed. WWII Roy Boehm, a mustang Lt., was proud to be the first and temporarily most senior East coast SEAL. I do not fault him for his pride. 



Over the years, I often tried to correspond with Roy, but he would not answer my letters until recently when the ice was broken. I wrote him about teammate and Plank owner, Dave Graveson who was suffering terminal cancer. A new window was opened and he responded to me. 



To go on: 

After that email, Roy began writing me with many positive memories of those early days. Our friendship became re-established--- I have saved those emails. We discussed working for Bill Hamilton who with Admiral McCain (first ComTraLant, then ComPhibLant) and Op Nav in DC, was significant in the founding of the SEAL concept. Had Roy lived, we both were going to write, with the help of others, Capt. Hamilton’s total story as it relates to the formation of the SEAL concept. (I believe Hamilton’s father an Admiral and Adm. McCain may have been classmates at Annapolis, which may have been the catalyst that helped allow UDT to become the basis for the first Seal Teams. Hamilton and Admiral McCain were close. Granted, Capt. Hamilton was not the most popular man out there, but he WAS significant to our formation, Since Hamilton did not keep nor could he find his less than well-documented records, he has not been unable to convince our newer SEALs that he did what he says he did. As a result, I have spent the last 30+ years trying to document Hamilton’s story. Because I had the honor of setting up our initial training program, under Boehm and Hamilton, beginning in the Spring of 1961, I know firsthand much of Hamilton’s input. Yes, there were others. For example, our former Navy Liaison Officer at Fort Bragg, now a retired Captain, and still alive, Bob Gohr, is going through his records to assist. He also spent time with Capt Hamilton and Adm McCain attending meetings in DC at our OpNav. desk, etc. I believe both were Commanders at the time. Hamilton retired a Captain prior to moving to the agency to work in the relatively new concept called Counter Insurgency. 



Next step in getting data on what happened back in our pre-commissioning days, get access to and study the Archives of the late, Admiral John McCain (father of presidential candidate pilot John). My recollection, the old man was one of the first Admirals back in the late 1950s who was aware of, what we are involved with today, the terrorism in Afghanistan, Iraq and the rest of the Arab world. McCain assigned, Via Hamilton, Dave Watts and myself a mission which predates Red Cell. We were ordered to arrive in Norfolk as civilians, get uniforms and IDs, steal vehicles, then using briefcase Atomic weapons, get access to, and penetrate the four cryptographic centers in Norfolk area including CincLantFlt. We were to simulate their destruction. Over about a 2 month period, we were 100% successful which proved McCain’s point as to the complacency of the Navy & Marine guards. I remember our success irritated McCain’s boss, CincLantFlt’s boss and non-believer, 4-star Adm. Horacio Riviera (spelling?). Former Museum Board member Jim Hawes (UDTRA class 29) is a close friend of Admiral McCain’s 96 year old wife and is working with her with the hopes to get access to McCain’s files so we can document McCain’s roll those early pre SEAL days in pushing to form our unit. I was discussing that task with Roy Boehm just one month ago and he appeared anxious to participate in the project since he too was a significant part of that period. 



To go on, Roy was very proud of the opportunity given him to be our first XO of ST2, preceded by being our “acting” skipper awaiting Callahan. It is a shame he was forced into that silly “who came first” battle, brought out by his book’s title. To Bruhmuller, Burbank, Hoot, AD Clark, Watson, myself and others who knew him, we knew Roy was deeply hurt by the mess created by his book’s title, chosen by ???. 



I am happy to report, Roy appeared to be coming out of that “reclusive shell” period just a few months ago. 

Let us all say a prayer for this very unique teammate. 

Dante Stephensen UDTRA 22, UDT 21 & Plankowner of ST2. 



PS. My service jacket documents three of us, including Bill Hamilton, who attended two army Schools in preparation for the formation of ST2 in the spring and fall of 1961. (One was a survival school, the other the 16 week Special Forces Officer School at Bragg, where I had previously attended Jump School. Roy thought of himself as the first SEAL because he was the first East coast SEAL. He was also the most senior East Coast Seal to be assigned to the not yet formed SEAL Team Two which took place prior to John Callahan coming from the West coast to be our first documented skipper. This all happened in 1961. 

Bruh, help me remember some of the other early guy names who I should have mentioned in this email. I apologize to any of you I could have and should have mentioned, but with senility oozing out of my ears, don’t expect me to remember. 

Dante

 



From: dee [mailto:deec01 [at] suddenlink.net] Sent: Thursday, January 01, 2009 12:49 PM To: oceancapt[at]comcast.net; Larry Bailey; Fred Miller; David Casale Cc: Dan Potts; Curt Gibby; Bob Holmes; daug68[at]aol.com; doug Bateman; Erasmo Riojas Subject: Roy Boehm 



All Hands! 

Be advised that Roy Boehm has passed away. He died with a drink in one hand and peanuts in the other. Jack Lynch at UDT SEAL Association is requesting personal stories if you have any. 

Dee

 

 

To:  Dante’ 

Thank you for this. 


Minor correction for historical accuracy: Hamilton was NOT a Captain, when he left the Navy to become chief of the maritime operations group of “CIA/SOD” (“CIA/Special Operations Division”, as it was named at that time). I know this, because Hamilton recruited me to go do the “Simba War” in the Congo, on behalf of the maritime operations group (Phil Holtz, plank owner of ST-1 and I were the only officers at the time with Swift ops experience, and Phil was otherwise occupied). 



Hamilton was my boss and he was superb. It takes a special sort of leader to make a judgment on someone you barely know, then send him to a location so remote that it was the last place on earth that the US Gov communicated with via one-time pads/morse, and then support him without hesitation, as if you had known him forever. In my experience with him (’65-’67), Hamilton was a helluva man. Some years later, Hamilton left CIA and re-joined the Navy, retiring with the rank of Captain. That is the correct sequence. 



As to all the unnecessary/unproductive controversy over who did what first, with respect to the creation of the SEALS, I point out that the times Hamilton visited me, sitting in the middle of the Congo, over beers, not one time did Hamilton make any claims about being the

                                                                

 father/creator/prime mover of the Seals, or take any credit, deserved or not, for the way events unfolded. On the contrary, his attitude, invariably, was that he felt fortunate, and very proud, to have been in the right place at the right time, to help move the process along. I say that as one who had an unique opportunity, in unique circumstances, to observe and take the pulse of the man. 

Happy New Year, Teammates. 

Jim

 

 

                U.S. Coalition about Roy Boehm

                      NightScribe's Farewell to Roy Boehm

 

 

 

 

From: firstseal [at] aol.com
To: docrio45 [at]gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2005 9:30 AM
Subject: About the death of "Jose" Taylor 

I  am sad and sorry to hear about Jose Taylor's death. May he rest in peace. He was a good guy and teammate. 

I talked to Hoot this AM, Told him about the 0130 piss call from you asking if he was dead. I don't get up until 0430 so I can be at the gym at 0530 for Monday to Friday work out. 

I guess we are all going slowly through the completion of our tour of duty, ie: death. I look at death as a new adventure with a don't sweat it attitude. Any foot prints you may have accidentally made, will be washed away with the next wave. 

Life is loaned to you, live it, love it, for the joy of what you love, and whom you love. Leave your ego, status, and possessions hanging on the worlds quarter deck because you are going out with what you came here with; hopefully it will be a positive memory to a few. 

In the mean time if you don't use what you got you will lose what you got. 

Tu Amigo,  Roy  Boehm,


Webmaster's NOTE:   I agree with Roy's opinions on life and death. 
Amen to that.  Do you agree with me? after reading this email, that Roy is not "full of himself?"   This Frogman has left his mark in the Teams by his service to our country and his audacity to go to the very top of the chain of command and demand  the logistics his SEAL Team needed to
succeed in it's missions.
His Biography is not the reason Roy Boehm will be remembered by the Frog Family!   His actions spoke for himself!
HooYah Roy,
See you someday along with our amigo "Hoot" Andrews.

 

 

 


This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from      http://www.papercut.biz/emailStripper.htm

 

 

 

 

 10 Jan 2009:  From the Assn.: "there will be NO photo of Roy Boehm, or any other SEAL Team TWO plankowner, on any of the BLAST issues."   In my opinion;   I believe Roy would not want any remarks or actions intended to convey a specific impression or to attract attention to himself.

I did not get a personal order from him not to honor him on my web site so i did this tribute in his memory.  Doc Rio

 

                                                                                                         

Boehm story was a sign of respect, not disrespect

Chris Porter is the executive editor of the Sun newspapers.

Roy Boehm was a heck of a storyteller. In the last decades of his life, he had a lot to draw from. He fought in three wars, basically invented the Navy Seal program, and saw enough crazy things in the world for three lifetimes.

He'd tell his stories to military groups, friends he met in Charlotte County, reporters. He even put some of the best ones in his book, "The First Seal," which you can still buy online.

It was quite a life. But as the end approached, the retired lieutenant commander left specific orders with his wife about his passing: no fanfare, no service, nothing in the paper.

Last week, we published Greg Martin's story about Roy's life and death on the front page of the Sun. I thought it was a very good story.

Some readers thought we made the wrong decision to go against Roy's wish for a quiet exit. I've read and heard the criticism. We're printing the letters of those who wished their feelings published. Several of them appear above this column. That's fair.

In many ways, the decision about the story was a difficult one. Is it too much to ask that a dying man's request be honored? Couldn't we just let it rest? These were questions his widow, Susan, asked me on Friday afternoon when we talked about the story.

I also discussed and debated the merits of publishing the story with reporters and fellow editors in the newsroom. It kept coming back to one thing: The death of an accomplished local man is news. In fact, some of our readers who knew of Roy's passing had already begun asking why we hadn't reported it yet. I had to tell Susan Boehm that she had fulfilled her promise to her husband. I had neither been asked to, nor would I, make such a promise. More importantly, I had an obligation to our readers and the community that trumped one man's wish.

In life, Roy was a prominent member of our community. While he held no public office, he was very visible. He spoke to many groups about his experiences. When reporters asked him his opinion on various issues in the news, he welcomed them into his home and told them what he thought.

Roy was a public figure and, like it or not, a public figure does not enjoy the same level of privacy as an ordinary individual.

I also feel that while holding off on Roy's story may have respected the man's wishes, it would have disrespected the man's accomplishments.

In reading the stories we've run about Roy, I can't help but admire the way he did his job. He took complete responsibility for the men in his command, even going to the point of buying them the better equipment they needed. He had no love for pencil-pushing bureaucrats or officers who issued orders without knowing what was going on in the field. He was proud of being insubordinate when he knew there was good reason, even facing courts martial on several occasions when he stepped on the wrong toes.

With that attitude, Roy changed the way the U.S. Navy and the broader American military trains and deploys commandos.

Given the opportunity to talk to Roy Boehm about this before he died, I imagine he would have argued passionately, maybe cussed me out and wound up classifying me with the pencil-pushing bureaucrats he despised.

For my part, I'd have respectfully refused to follow his order.

 

 

 

                        Obituaries in the news

Roy Boehm

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (AP) — Roy Boehm, who helped start the U.S. Navy's first SEAL team, died Dec. 30. He was 84.

Boehm, a retired U.S. Navy lieutenant commander, died at his southwest Florida home, his son Robert Boehm said.

The Navy's elite unit — whose name stands for Sea, Air and Land forces — are deployed for operations such as reconnaissance missions and unconventional warfare. Boehm, who fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, helped assemble the first SEAL team during the 1960s. He eventually chronicled his experiences in his book, "First SEAL."

 

 

OBITUARY

Maverick survived wars to organize the Navy SEALs

 

 

Roy Boehm wrote about his Navy experiences in his autobiography "The First SEAL."

By Mark Zaloudek
STAFF WRITER

Published: Friday, January 9, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, January 9, 2009 at 8:21 a.m.

PUNTA GORDA - Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Roy Boehm, who helped create the Navy SEALs special operations force in the early 1960s and later recounted the experience in his autobiography "The First SEAL," died Dec. 30 at 84 at his home in Punta Gorda.

Boehm's blunt and maverick ways, which helped him survive three wars, also put him at odds with his superiors at times. Five court-martial inquiries had been filed against him for bending the rules and going behind senior officers' backs during the first year of training and equipping the commando team.

All of the charges were dropped after a secret meeting in 1962 with President John F. Kennedy, who had asked Boehm to help create the elite force a year earlier amid growing tensions with Cuba that later escalated into the Cuban Missile Crisis.

"He was a true patriot," said Boehm's son, Robert Boehm. "He was what you called a man's man. He always put his country first."

The agile Sea, Air and Land teams that became known as SEALs were created to assist Navy ships by secretly gathering information about the enemy and engaging in unconventional warfare.

"We could go under water and get behind enemy lines and blow up enemy quarters and blame it on someone else," Boehm told the Herald-Tribune in 1997. "It was divide and conquer. It worked. The Navy's big ships couldn't do that."

Boehm's license plate read: 1ST SEAL.

Although the Navy does not officially recognize the first SEAL, Boehm was the first officer in charge of one of the original teams, said Lt. Nathan Potter, deputy public affairs officer for the Naval Special Warfare Command.

The director of the Charlotte County Veterans Council was less equivocal.

"He's the founding father ..." said council director Terry Lynn. "He is to the Navy SEALs what George Washington is to the United States."

Born in Brooklyn, Boehm joined the Navy at 17 in early 1941. After receiving diver training, he was assigned to help recover the bodies of American servicemen in Pearl Harbor after the Japanese attack that December that drew the United States into World War II.

The following year, Boehm was rescued after spending 13 hours in shark-infested waters in the South Pacific after his destroyer, the USS Duncan, was sunk during the Battle of Guadalcanal.

He also served during the Korean and Vietnam wars before retiring from the Navy after 30 years. He was awarded several medals, including a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

During his retirement in Southwest Florida, he enjoyed playing golf and drinking with his friends afterward, and riding a motorcycle until his wife worried that it was too dangerous once he was in his 70s.

That is when he took up ultralight flying, which led him to earn a private pilot's license and learn to fly aerobatics including spins, loops and upside down.

"If you just sit there, you're just waiting for the grim reaper," Boehm said in a 2000 Herald-Tribune interview. "I say go meet him halfway. Get off your dead butt and get out there and live!"

In addition to his son, he is survived by his third wife, Susan, and three other children.

Services will be private.

 

Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.

 

01/09/09

Prominent obituary simply arrogance

 

Editor:

Another example of the arrogance of the press.

Mrs. Boehm declined an interview; in fact, she pleaded that no story be written. Roy Boehm wanted no obituary, no funeral and no fanfare; "he wanted to go in peace."

But Greg Martin couldn't honor those wishes. He couldn't pass up the chance of a front page, above-the-fold byline.

To paraphrase -- never let the final wishes of a national legend get in the way of a good story.

Art Cronk

Gulf Cove

 

 

Sun Herald Florida

Legendary 'First SEAL' passes away

War hero, first Navy SEAL, dies in Punta Gorda

By WINK News

Story Created: Jan 3, 2009 at 3:36 PM EST

Story Updated: Jan 4, 2009 at 12:53 PM EST

WINK NEWS - Military legend Roy Boehm has died in Punta Gorda. Boehm was a U.S. Navy lieutenant commander, fought in three wars, and started the Navy's first SEAL team.

Boehm was born in Brooklyn, New York. He enlisted in the Navy in 1941 and spent the next 31 years in the Navy. Boehm had lived in Punta Gorda.

To read a full accounting of his life click on the link to the left of this article. It is an article from our news gathering partner, the Charlotte Sun Herald.

According to his on-line biography, he was awarded these metals:
Bronze Star with combat "V", Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation (1942), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (1967), Navy Good Conduct Medal with 3 Stars, China Service Medal, American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal w/1 Silver Star/1 Bronze Star/ 1 Arrow Head, Victory Medal WW II, WWII Occupation Medal Navy, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal w/2 Bronze Stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, US Vietnam Service Medal, Philippines Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Liberation Medal, United Nations Korean Medal, United Nations Medal, RVHJ Campaign Medal with Date, USN Expert Rifle Medal, USN Expert Pistol Medal. >

Wednesday, Jan 7 at 5:41 PM Mike & Cathy Branch wrote ...

Our condolences go out to Sue, Our life has changed by knowing and meeting Roy,thanks for the great stories and fun times we had at Sun & Fun last year. Roy and Sue will never ever forget,, love ya

Monday, Jan 5 at 1:18 PM RYAN wrote ...

THANKS FOR MY FREEDOM!!

God Speed ROy Boehm :http://www.blackfive.net/main/2009/01/godspeed-roy-bo.html


 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: "Tim Kast" <tkast [at] mindspring.com>
To: "Doc Rio" <docrio45 [at] gmail.com>
Cc: "richard marcinko" <geoleo [at] rcn.com>; <RealsealW [at] aol.com>
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2009 5:45 PM

 

Subject: Last Words


Dear Doc, 

Roy was always a modest guy and never made too much of a fuss of himself, but he and I had some great discussions over the years and I think he would have liked this particular quote. Doc, could you please blend this into his memorial page? It's just a little quote. I am sure you have all heard it before, but it took me back to some of the things that Roy and I had talked about. 

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends, or of thine own were. Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."

 John Donne 
Thanks,
Tim

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Revelation 21 (King James Version)

 

Revelation 21

 1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

 4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

 5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

 6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

 7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

 8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

 9And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

 10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

 11Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

 12And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

 13On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

 14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

 15And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

 16And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

 17And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

 18And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

 19And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

 20The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

 21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

 22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

 23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

 24And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

 25And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

 26And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

 27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

 

Revelation 22

 1And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.    Please finish reading  REV 22   etc.   etc.


Roy Boehm Tribute Site

WINK NEWS - Military legend Roy Boehm has died in Punta Gorda. Boehm was a U.S. Navy lieutenant commander, fought in three wars, and started the Navy’s first SEAL team.

Boehm was born in Brooklyn, New York. He enlisted in the Navy in 1941 and spent the next 31 years in the Navy. Boehm had lived in Punta Gorda.

To read a full accounting of his life click on the link to the left of this article. It is an article from our news gathering partner, the Charlotte Sun Herald.

According to his on-line biography, he was awarded these metals:
Bronze Star with combat “V”, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation (1942), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (1967), Navy Good Conduct Medal with 3 Stars, China Service Medal, American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal w/1 Silver Star/1 Bronze Star/ 1 Arrow Head, Victory Medal WW II, WWII Occupation Medal Navy, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal w/2 Bronze Stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, US Vietnam Service Medal, Philippines Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Liberation Medal, United Nations Korean Medal, United Nations Medal, RVHJ Campaign Medal with Date, USN Expert Rifle Medal, USN Expert Pistol Medal.

 

                  Death of Roy Boehm. The First SEAL 

Source: Charlotte Sun and Weekly Herald Published on: Saturday, January 03, 2009 
  By GREG MARTIN Staff Writer 

Boehm pioneered Navy's unconventional warfare 
Roy Boehm of Punta Gorda, a cantankerous retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander who fought three wars, started the Navy's first SEAL team and shared his harrowing adventures --and his battles against military bureaucracy --in an autobiography, has completed his last mission. 
Roy Boehm, who had struggled with health problems for many years, died at home Tuesday night. He was 84. 


His widow, Susan Boehm, declined to be interviewed about her husband. In fact, she pleaded that no story be written. 
Susan said she was trying to carry out her husband's last wish, that his death not be publicized. 
He wanted no obituary, no funeral service and no fanfare over his death, Susan said. 
"He just wanted to go in peace," she said. 
Boehm, however, had become a legend nationally for the historic role he played in pioneering unconventional warfare tactics. 


Locally, Boehm also was respected for the way he stood up for the military veterans within his community, several local veterans said Friday. 
"John Kennedy was right," wrote U.S. Navy Admiral Whitey Taylor, in a 1997 letter to Boehm. "The U.S. Navy SEALs will bear your mark as long as they and the freedom they fight for exists." 
"He was quite a great guy," said Lionel Schuman, a board member with Charlotte County's Military Heritage & Aviation Museum. 
Schuman said he got to know Boehm, who became an avid pilot during his retirement, through both men's participation in events with Experimental Aircraft Association 565. 

Boehm and his wife, Susan, started a tradition of providing hot dogs, beverages and other snacks to military personnel who stopped by the group's hangar during the annual air shows, Schuman recalled. 
"He definitely stood behind you, and he was always there when you needed him," Schuman said. 
"His last 30 years were as full as the 31 he spent in the Navy," said Susan Boehm. 
She declined to elaborate. 

But the Boehms had opened their home to a Sun reporter several times for interviews in the past. The home was decorated from stem to stern in a style that spoke of the heart of the old sailor. 
The lanai was decorated with a fake waterfall and jungle foliage. A sign on the wall identified the abode as "Hog Hollow." 
"Beware of Pick Pockets and Loose Women," read another sign. 
Even Boehm's cremation urn, which sat near a chest labeled "Davy Jones' Locker," spoke of his attitude toward death. Open the lid, and one would find a miniature ship's cabin, replete with a bunk and a sea bag. 
"My ashes are going into the sea bag," Boehm had said in a 1997 interview. "How many people can hardly wait to get where they're going?" 


Boehm was most proud, however, of a plaque mounted on his wall: "Roy Boehm, Man-O-Warsman." That honor was bestowed on him by the men who served under his command. 
"It's the highest compliment you can get," Boehm had said. 
In his book, "First SEAL," Boehm recalls how he got initiated as a deep-sea diver. A shipmate tricked him into trying on a dive suit -- and then tossed him overboard. 
He describes how he manned the guns and tended to his badly injured shipmates during some of the greatest battles of World War II. They included the Battle of Cape Esperance, during which his ship, the Duncan, sank under a hail of shells. 
Boehm survived 13 hours in shark-infested waters, bleeding from shrapnel wounds, before getting rescued. 


Later, Boehm became convinced the Navy needed a special forces team that could accomplish any mission, anywhere at anytime. 
In his book, he tells how he was disciplined several times for insubordination as he bent rules to properly equip his men. 
President Kennedy commissioned him and one other commander to start the first two Sea Air and Land teams in 1960. 
Boehm subsequently wrote manuals for the training program, which became the foundation for the toughest training in the U.S. military. 
Recruits learned the skills of covert operations. They learned to crack safes, break out of jails and steal cars. 


They learned how to jump out of airplanes at 33,000 feet and free-fall to within 700 feet before opening their chutes. They learned to swim to submarines and board them. 
Boehm was subsequently transferred to Vietnam. As an "adviser," he trained insurgents and commanded river boat patrols in guerrilla actions in 1963-64 and 1968. 
In retirement, Boehm learned to fly airplanes and competed in motorized parachute competitions. 
"He was youngest old guy I ever met, just for his energy and his enthusiasm for life," said Kim Lovejoy, director of the military museum. 


Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Rufus Lazzell said he greatly admired Boehm. 
"He had a good sense of humor and he certainly served his country well," Lazzell said. "In addition, he was just an all-around kind of guy that you liked. He always displayed his patriotism." 
Randy Spence, past commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10476, said he appreciated Boehm for shedding light on the nature of SEAL operations. 
"He was a great inspiration, devoted not only to his country, but also to his community and family and friends," Spence said. 
"He's an amazing man," said Terry Lynn, director of the Charlotte County Veterans Council. "Even to this day, you can tell there's a commanding presence about him." 


Lynn said he first met Boehm at a dinner for veterans at a Punta Gorda restaurant in November. A long line to get seated had formed, and Lynn overheard Boehm say he could stand no longer. 
Lynn said he offered to escort Boehm to a seat, but Boehm refused. 
"He didn't feel he should be put ahead of anybody," Lynn said. 


Boehm agreed to the escort only after Lynn enlisted him to serve by greeting guests from a table of council officials.


By GREG MARTIN Staff Writer E-mail: gmartin@sun-herald.com

 

 

"First SEAL" Roy Boehm honored in Congress 

Posted January 17th, 2009 in NavySEALs.com Intel 


Source: CHRISTY ARNOLD, Charlotte Sun 

Rep. Tom Rooney delivered his first floor speech in Congress on Thursday, choosing to remark about the incredible life of Punta Gorda resident Roy Boehm. 

Rooney spoke about Boehm's service to this country as America's first Navy SEAL. Boehm died Dec. 30, 2008, at the age of 84. 

Here is Rooney's speech: 

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Roy Boehm, a true American hero and a longtime constituent of Punta Gorda, Fla. Mr. Boehm was a retired Navy Lt. Commander and was the first officer in charge of SEAL Team 2, one of the original Navy SEAL teams. Many would say that he was the first SEAL. 

"Lt. Cmdr. Boehm enlisted in the Navy in 1941 and fought during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. In 1942, he participated in the Battle of Cape Esperance at Guadalcanal, one of the largest “all surface” sea engagements of WWII. In 1961, under orders from President Kennedy, Lt. Cmdr. Boehm developed and launched the Navy’s elite Sea, Air and Land forces unit known as the SEALS. Our nation is grateful for Lt. Cmdr. Boehm’s service. 

"Lt. Cmdr. Roy Boehm set the standard for the Navy SEALs of today and he will truly be missed. On behalf of all men and women who’ve worn or are currently wearing the uniform I thank Lt. Cmdr. Boehm for his service." 







Legendary 'First SEAL' passes away 

Posted January 3rd, 2009 in NavySEALs.com Intel 


Source: GREG MARTIN, Charlotte Sun 

NSCNote: Roy Boehm was the senior man at the helm of ST-2 when it was commissioned in 1963, as the "acting Commanding Officer" before the assigned CO transferred in. There was much controversy when Roy's book" First SEAL" came out...as there were several who could legitimately claim that title, depending on the perspective and role. It takes more than a single man to start an organization like the SEALs. Having said that, Roy was instrumental, and was the "First SEAL CO" even if it was in an acting, and not official, capacity. May he sail into peace...weare grateful for his selfless service. 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Boehm pioneered Navy's unconventional warfare 

Roy Boehm of Punta Gorda, a cantankerous retired U.S. Navy lieutenant commander who fought three wars, started the Navy's first SEAL team and shared his harrowing adventures --and his battles against military bureaucracy --in an autobiography, has completed his last mission. 

Roy Boehm, who had struggled with health problems for many years, died at home Tuesday night. He was 84. 

His widow, Susan Boehm, declined to be interviewed about her husband. In fact, she pleaded that no story be written. 

Susan said she was trying to carry out her husband's last wish, that his death not be publicized. 

He wanted no obituary, no funeral service and no fanfare over his death, Susan said. 

"He just wanted to go in peace," she said. 

Boehm, however, had become a legend nationally for the historic role he played in pioneering unconventional warfare tactics. 

Locally, Boehm also was respected for the way he stood up for themilitary veterans within his community, several local veterans saidFriday. 

"John Kennedy was right," wrote U.S. Navy Admiral Whitey Taylor, ina 1997 letter to Boehm. "The U.S. Navy SEALs will bear your mark aslong as they and the freedom they fight for exists." 

"He was quite a great guy," said Lionel Schuman, a board member with Charlotte County's Military Heritage & Aviation Museum. 

Schuman said he got to know Boehm, who became an avid pilot during his retirement, through both men's participation in events with Experimental Aircraft Association 565. 

Boehm and his wife, Susan, started a tradition of providing hotdogs, beverages and other snacks to military personnel who stopped bythe group's hangar during the annual air shows, Schuman recalled. 

"He definitely stood behind you, and he was always there when you needed him," Schuman said. 

"His last 30 years were as full as the 31 he spent in the Navy," said Susan Boehm. 

She declined to elaborate. 

But the Boehms had opened their home to a Sun reporter several timesfor interviews in the past. The home was decorated from stem to sternin a style that spoke of the heart of the old sailor. 

The lanai was decorated with a fake waterfall and jungle foliage. A sign on the wall identified the abode as "Hog Hollow." 

"Beware of Pick Pockets and Loose Women," read another sign. 

Even Boehm's cremation urn, which sat near a chest labeled "DavyJones' Locker," spoke of his attitude toward death. Open the lid, andone would find a miniature ship's cabin, replete with a bunk and a seabag. 

"My ashes are going into the sea bag," Boehm had said in a 1997interview. "How many people can hardly wait to get where they're going?" 

Boehm was most proud, however, of a plaque mounted on his wall: "Roy Boehm, Man-O-Warsman." That honor was bestowed on him by the men who served under his command. 

"It's the highest compliment you can get," Boehm had said. 

In his book, "First SEAL," Boehm recalls how he got initiated as adeep-sea diver. A shipmate tricked him into trying on a dive suit --and then tossed him overboard. 

He describes how he manned the guns and tended to his badly injured shipmates during some of the greatest battles of World War II. They included the Battle of Cape Esperance, during which his ship, the Duncan, sank under a hail of shells. 

Boehm survived 13 hours in shark-infested waters, bleeding from shrapnel wounds, before getting rescued. 

Later, Boehm became convinced the Navy needed a special forces team that could accomplish any mission, anywhere at anytime. 

In his book, he tells how he was disciplined several times for insubordination as he bent rules to properly equip his men. 

President Kennedy commissioned him and one other commander to start the first two Sea Air and Land teams in 1960. 

Boehm subsequently wrote manuals for the training program, which became the foundation for the toughest training in the U.S. military. 

Recruits learned the skills of covert operations. They learned to crack safes, break out of jails and steal cars. 

They learned how to jump out of airplanes at 33,000 feet and free-fall to within 700 feet before opening their chutes. They learned to swim to submarines and board them. 

Boehm was subsequently transferred to Vietnam. As an "adviser," he trained insurgents and commanded river boat patrols in guerrilla actions in 1963-64 and 1968. 

In retirement, Boehm learned to fly airplanes and competed in motorized parachute competitions. 

"He was youngest old guy I ever met, just for his energy and hisenthusiasm for life," said Kim Lovejoy, director of the military museum. 

Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Rufus Lazzell said he greatly admired Boehm. 

"He had a good sense of humor and he certainly served his country well," Lazzell said. "In addition, he was just an all-around kind ofguy that you liked. He always displayed his patriotism." 

Randy Spence, past commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10476,said he appreciated Boehm for shedding light on the nature of SEAL operations. 

"He was a great inspiration, devoted not only to his country, but also to his community and family and friends," Spence said. 

"He's an amazing man," said Terry Lynn, director of the Charlotte County Veterans Council. "Even to this day, you can tell there's a commanding presence about him." 

Lynn said he first met Boehm at a dinner for veterans at a Punta Gorda restaurant in November. A long line to get seated had formed, and Lynn overheard Boehm say he could stand no longer. 

Lynn said he offered to escort Boehm to a seat, but Boehm refused. 

"He didn't feel he should be put ahead of anybody," Lynn said. 

Boehm agreed to the escort only after Lynn enlisted him to serve by greeting guests from a table of council officials. 








Roy Boehm 

Posted January 5th, 2009 in NavySEALs.com Intel 


Source: WinkNews.com 

Militarylegend Roy Boehm has died in Punta Gorda. Boehm was a U.S. Navylieutenant commander, fought in three wars, and started the Navy's first SEAL team. 

Boehm was born in Brooklyn, New York. He enlisted in the Navy in1941 and spent the next 31 years in the Navy. Boehm had lived in Punta Gorda. 

To read a full accounting of his life click on the link to the left of this article. It is an article from our news gathering partner, the Charlotte Sun Herald. 

According to his on-line biography, he was awarded these metals: Bronze Star with combat "V", Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation(1942), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (1967), Navy Good Conduct Medal with 3 Stars, China Service Medal, American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal w/1 Silver Star/1 Bronze Star/ 1 Arrow Head, Victory Medal WW II, WWII Occupation Medal Navy, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal w/2 Bronze Stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, US Vietnam Service Medal, Philippines Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Liberation Medal, United Nations Korean Medal, United Nations Medal, RVHJ Campaign Medal with Date, Inexpert Rifle Medal, USN Expert Pistol Medal. 


Boehm story was a sign of respect, not disrespect 

Posted January 9th, 2009 in NavySEALs.com Intel 


Source: Chris Porter, Charlotte Sun 

Roy Boehm was a heck of a storyteller. In the last decades of his life, he had a lot to draw from. He fought in three wars, basically invented the Navy Seal program, and saw enough crazy things in the world for three lifetimes. 

He'd tell his stories to military groups, friends he met in Charlotte County, reporters. He even put some of the best ones in his book, "The First Seal," which you can still buy online. 

It was quite a life. But as the end approached, the retired lieutenant commander left specific orders with his wife about his passing: no fanfare, no service, nothing in the paper. 

Last week, we published Greg Martin's story about Roy's life and death on the front page of the Sun. I thought it was a very good story. 

Some readers thought we made the wrong decision to go against Roy' swish for a quiet exit. I've read and heard the criticism. We' reprinting the letters of those who wished their feelings published. Several of them appear above this column. That's fair. 

In many ways, the decision about the story was a difficult one. Is it too much to ask that a dying man's request be honored? Couldn't we just let it rest? These were questions his widow, Susan, asked me onFriday afternoon when we talked about the story. 

I also discussed and debated the merits of publishing the story with reporters and fellow editors in the newsroom. It kept coming back to one thing: The death of an accomplished local man is news. In fact, some of our readers who knew of Roy's passing had already begun asking why we hadn't reported it yet. I had to tell Susan Boehm that she had fulfilled her promise to her husband. I had neither been asked to, nor would I, make such a promise. More importantly, I had an obligation toour readers and the community that trumped one man's wish. 

In life, Roy was a prominent member of our community. While he held no public office, he was very visible. He spoke to many groups about his experiences. When reporters asked him his opinion on various issues in the news, he welcomed them into his home and told them what hethought. 

Roy was a public figure and, like it or not, a public figure does not enjoy the same level of privacy as an ordinary individual. 

I also feel that while holding off on Roy's story may have respected the man's wishes, it would have disrespected the man's accomplishments. 

In reading the stories we've run about Roy, I can't help but admire the way he did his job. He took complete responsibility for the men in his command, even going to the point of buying them the better equipment they needed. He had no love for pencil-pushing bureaucrats or officers who issued orders without knowing what was going on in the field. He was proud of being insubordinate when he knew there was good reason, even facing courts martial on several occasions when he stepped on the wrong toes. 

With that attitude, Roy changed the way the U.S. Navy and the broader American military trains and deploys commandos. 

Given the opportunity to talk to Roy Boehm about this before he died, I imagine he would have argued passionately, maybe cussed me out and wound up classifying me with the pencil-pushing bureaucrats he despised. 

For my part, I'd have respectfully refused to follow his order. 

Chris Porter is the executive editor of the Sun newspapers.

 

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