COL William “Bill” Boylan was born on March 27, 1939 in West Chester, PA. He entered military service with the Maryland Army National Guard in 1956 and received his commission in 1965. He transitioned to active duty service in 1969 and completed the Army Rotary Wing Aviation Course at Fort Rucker, AL, in 1970. He flew the UH-1 “Huey” with the 187th Assault Helicopter Company (Crusaders) and 269th Aviation Battalion during a combat tour in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. COL Boylan retired from the U.S. Army on August 1, 1991 after 35 years of distinguished service. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal w/ 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal Fourth Award, Army Commendation Medal w/ 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 1 Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, Army Aviator Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. COL Boylan is married to Ms. Janet Boylan and they have two children, Mr. William Boylan and Ms. Karen Boylan Eastman. This honorarium is provided for COL Boylan by his children in recognition of his service to his country and his love for aviation.