Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My home is the 21st MP CO (ABN) its where I grew up, its also where I learned the names and stories of many hero's like PFC. Boyd. Most of these hero's were KIA in Iraq and Afghanistan. Modern day MPs after surviving multiple combat tours feel down right safe and relaxed while working the road, this leads to complacency and as we all know there's no place for complacency in our line of work. MP Boyd's sacrifice reminds us that we are not safe just because we are home. His sacrifice reminds us that even the best of us can be struck down. I will never forget nor will I allow my soldiers to forget the sacrifice and heroism of PFC. James Presley Boyd, Jr.

Rest In Peace Brother
First From Above
AIRBORNE!!!

SGT.
42nd. MP DET K9 Fort Bragg, North Carolina

December 21, 2011

My home is the 21st MP CO (ABN) its where I grew up, its also where I learned the names and stories of many hero's like PFC. Boyd. Most of these hero's were KIA in Iraq and Afghanistan. Modern day MPs after surviving multiple combat tours feel down right safe and relaxed while working the road, this leads to complacency and as we all know there's no place for complacency in our line of work. MP Boyd's sacrifice reminds us that we are not safe just because we are home. His sacrifice reminds us that even the best of us can be struck down. I will never forget nor will I allow my soldiers to forget the sacrifice and heroism of PFC. James Presley Boyd, Jr.

First From Above
AIRBORNE!!!

SGT.
42nd. MP DET K9 Fort Bragg, North Carolina

December 21, 2011

We were in the same squad. I still look at his pictures in my scrap book. I remember him and his beautiful smile. I remember that horrible day. By that time I was attached to the CID Narcotics Team and working undercover. Although working that day, I didn't have a radio with me and didn't find out until about 2 hours later. James was the first funeral of a fellow officer I attended. Then in '74 we buried PCF Joel DANSBY. Since then I've buried 7 more police officer friends. I retired from the Stockton, CA Police Dept. in 2003. It is a brutal business. I miss you Jimmy, and I'll love you forever.

Sp4 Glen Scott Sheets
Former 21st MP Co, Retired Stockton CA Police Officer

November 1, 2011

Remembering Military Policeman Jimmy Boyd on the 38th anniversary of his End of Watch. I remember you, Jimmy, not only on your anniversary day; but everyday. I think Jimmy; who looks down upon us from Heaven, would not mind if I also give a heartfelt Thank You to his partner on that fateful day; Sergeant Romero; who was Jimmy's partner and also the shift supervisor/NCOIC. Sergeant Romero, I have never forgotten you Sir either. I Thank You for not only being an American Hero that day but also for you continuing to be Jimmy's partner and defender even today by defending the Stolen Valor Act in honor of MPO Boyd. I Thank You Both.

John Morrison
Fellow 21st Military Police Officer, 1972-1975

November 1, 2011

Jim, I have never forgotten you, I remember that awful moment I saw you die in front me (38) years ago as if it just happen. Rest in peace my partner, I love you!!!

SGT. Ralph A. Romero
21st MP Co. 503rd MP Bn, Ft. Bragg, NC

November 1, 2011

Thinking of you on this day, you have not been forgotten. My son was also an MP at Bragg, 22 years later after your tour of duty. He joined you in 2004 after he was also killed in the line of duty. I wanted to stop at your page and thank you for your service to your country and to others. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 31, 2010

For Military Police Officer James Presley Boyd, Jr.:

After 35 years of law enforcement, which has included wearing an US Army MP uniform with the 744th MP Battalion, I am convinced that heros are, simply, wherever you find them. In this case, it is USA-MP James Boyd, Jr. A young fellow, who took on the immense responsibility of protecting his fellow citizens as a soldier. Added to that was the even greater responsiblity of protecting his fellow soldiers. No one expects to lose their life as a garrison MP, based on statistics, but James' supreme sacrifice demonstrates clearly that - indeed one who stands as an MP is just as much a target for law breakers who will kill as anyone. In James' case, he acted bravely, heroically, and remarkably well. No law officer ever acted better. That James would die in the process brings sadness to all of us in law enforcement, and many others close to him. To himself, James brought great honor. To his country, and to his fellow soldiers, he brought the finest protection that a nation could ever hope for, and deserves.

We pray for his family, those who worked with him and those who call him a friend. May they all remember him always as the hero that he is.

I am proud to render MP James Presley Boyd, Jr., United States Army, one who is "Of the Troops and For the Troops," a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennylvania State Police

July 4, 2010

Reading your story breaks my heart. It's terribly unfair that you were taken so early, and my prayers go out to your family today as they remember you on the 36th anniversary of your death. Thank you so much for your dedication to our country and to your local community. You will never be forgotten. Hooah!

Army Brat / PO Wife

October 31, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service to our country. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 31, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 12, 2008

I served with the 21st MP Co from 1972 to 1975 with both Mr. Jimmy Boyd and Mr. Joel Dansby. I remember Jimmy as a thoughtful, considerate, friendly, gentle, funny young man who gave his all to his military police duties and military (bivouac)responsibilities. I have never nor will I ever forget Jimmy. If he had lived, he would have continued to be a successful, God-loving man. Jimmy's memory has inspired me throughout my full life up to this point of 55 years. I truly consider Jimmy's courage and sacrifice to be on the same level of any other American military hero who gave his life for their country. I believe that 2 titles best describe Jimmy's short life -- "We were Soldiers Once and Young", and -- As in Jimmy's life - "The Good Die Young". Jimmy, Thank You for your example and Thank You for looking down on us from Heaven.

John Morrison
Fellow Military Police Officer

February 3, 2008

Jimmy and I were room mates in the 21st. Military Police Company. We were best friends and often traveled back and forth from Charlotte to Fort Bragg together. We were both working the day this happened. I will never forget Jimmy. I often think about him. I wonder what would have happened if Jimmy had lived to become the civilian police officer he always dreamed of being. It sure took a long time for him to be honored on the National Memorial.

Tony B. Branch
Major, Ret. Cramerton Police Dept. North Carolina

January 18, 2008

MPO Boyd:
May Your Soul Rest – In – Peace.

Those were "interesting times." I was a USMC Brat back then, and many of my mentors hailed from Fort Bragg. I remember the racial clashes on many of the bases and even a KKK freeway billboard sign outside of Fort Bragg, staring down at me, as I ate at a Stuckey's Restaurant. Many guys returning from Vietnam to bases like Fort Bragg, were highly - trained, and highly-dangerous, when involved in criminal activity.

With the assistance of the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks (U.S.D.P.) Staff, I was able to find the following:

"An inmate with the last name of Outlaw was confined in the U. S. D. P. at Fort Leavenworth from 1974 to 1981. He was convicted of murder, aggravated assault and larceny."

However, I was unable to find any specific details regarding the crime.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

November 6, 2007

Officer Boyd, today marks the 34th anniversary of your murder. You truly are a hero, not because you died, but because you put yourself at risk for others and performed your duty to the best of your ability even under the worst of circumstances. You wore two hats, that of soldier and that of a Police Officer. You protected our country and your fellow soldiers. You have not been forgotten, nor will you be.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

October 31, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you young Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 29, 2007

I don't know why but it seems like Ft Bragg spawns this type of bravery. I am sure you will always be remembered and missed. Thank you for your service.

Joe Williams
Former M.P.

October 18, 2007

THANK-YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU ARE HERO AND REMEMBERED .

RETIRED DEPUTY R.W.
EX- M.P. 1973 / RETIRED DEPUTY VENTURA, CA. S/O

September 5, 2007

Officer Boyd, Just letting you know that you have not been forgotten and thank you for the Sacrifice that you gave.

Tammy Persin
Mother of Fallen Military Police Officer
PFC Brian Thomas Gleason
8/9/2000

July 9, 2007

I was an active duty MP stationed with the 65th MP Co. 503 MP BN when this event occurred. The 65th is next door to the 21st MP Company in the same BN.

The robbery occurred at change of shift and I was coming on duty at the motor pool when the call came in about the robbery. I was immediately dispatched my 1/4 ton and was directed by the PMO to set up a vehicle road block at the intersection of Reilly Road and Macomb St. This intersection is a T intersection at the 503rd's front door. I remember hearing the traffic over the radio of an MP being down and that the suspects had fled. Shortly after the swing shift later learned that PFC Boyd had been killed in the line of duty and that the remaining suspect was in custody. Ironically, that suspects last name was OUTLAW and he was in Womack Army Hospital recovering from gunshot wounds and my good friend and another member of the 21st MP CO., PFC Robb Bonds, who is still a close friend of mine, guarded Outlaw until he was well enough to be sent to the stockade on Bragg. He ended up at Leavenworth, as I recall.

Boyd's partner that day was SGT Romero, who, as I understand, went on to police in Charlotte, NC after leaving the service.

I often think of PFC Boyd and although I did not know him very well, I remember speaking with him at shift change. I was only 20 at the time and also a PFC when this happened. I am in awe of his courage at such a young age.

He was and is a true patriot..

MAJ Alex Mendaloff III
NC Army National Guard

May 31, 2007

What you did in service to your community meant more than you'd ever guess - Thank you so much for your service

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI

May 12, 2007

James,
It has taken over 33 years, but you are finally being honored. I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

A grateful citizen

Anonymous

May 12, 2007

Thank you for your service to our country and to your fellowman. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

May 11, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice that you made to both our country and to the private sector.
/clm
Seaford, DE

May 10, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

May 10, 2007

It may have taken a little bit of time for you to be recognized, but you are where you are supposed to be and you will never be forgotten as a result.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

May 10, 2007