North High School Wall of Honor Monty Joe Boitnott Left during Class of August, 1939 Would have graduated in January, 1940; GED
Research done by Claradell Shedd, class of 1953. Memoirs (hyperlinked) by Monty Joe Boitnott as written for Bob and Jennifer Snell, nephew/niece.
Monty Joe Boitnott Joe left North High in 1939, but received his GED at a later date. He served in both the Army and the Air Force. His service number was 20705108. His next of kin was shown as living at 1331 5th Street, Des Moines, IA. He retired in 1973 as a Master Sergeant. Joined Army with Company D, 168th Regiment, 34th Division, as a machine gunner. Made three beach landings: Algiers, 1942; Salerno, 1943; and Anzio, 1943. Wounded at Casino, Italy. Served in the Korean War. Retired from active duty in 1973. Cpl. Joe Boitnott served with Company D, 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Division, in North African and Italian campaigns Joe Boitnott has written his memoirs, and they have been recorded and presented by his nephew and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Robert (Bob and Jenny) Snell of CA. Take the time to read the myriad of details that Joe has recounted for all of us. You will be impressed and overwhelmed with the detail he has given for us to relive and remember his military career. Memoirs of Monty Joe Boitnott, class of 1939-1940 Epilogue April 2014 Monty Joe Boitnott passed away on April 12, 2014. He received excellent care in his last days by the staff and Dr. Benjamin at the CLC2, Veterans Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa. Relatives Bob and Jo Gates of Urbandale stayed by his side each day making sure every request he had was fulfilled. Bob Gates held his word that "soldiers stick together" and was at his side when he passed away. We were honored to make the trip to Iowa from California for his services on April 22 and April 23. It was a privilege to have been given the honor of the presentation of the flag at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter. This will remain as the most significant moment in our lives. Joe had moved from Collins, Iowa to Des Moines and resided at Plymouth Place for the last few years. He made numerous new friends especially Larry Shaw who spent countless hours with Joe during his hospice stay. In 2013, Joe was the Grand Marshall and represented Air Force veterans in the Salute To Veterans Parade at the Iowa State Fair. After going through his belongings, we found this information that is remarkable. Uncle Joe made a significant contribution while stationed in Korea in 1953. He was a founder of an orphanage that was created after experiencing the living conditions of many Korean children who were often left outside naked and sick in 30 degrees below zero conditions. This "touches your heart" he stated. He called his wife and asked her to send any children's clothing she could gather. And from there it grew. He traded a couple of cases of whiskey to the Army for a tent that was used as the orphanage shelter. He later received a letter from the director of the orphanage, which also served as a school, thanking him for the difference he had made in the lives of Korean children. And so ends this era with such grace and dignity at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at Van Meter as we stood tall and proud and received the presentation of the flag on April 23, 2014. Let us never forget this history. I am not sure who will be reading this WWII account for the life of a soldier from a small town in Iowa. I am not sure where the story will end up or who it may touch. I do knot it will. Jennifer Snell, niece Redondo Beach, CA Be sure to ready Monty's earlier-recorded memoirs taken and recorded by Jennifer Snell, his niece. Memoirs of Monty Joe Boitnott, class of 1939-1940 "I wish to proudly state that I took part in the largest, most violent conflict known to mankind. And we won." Joe flew in Patches I and Patches II
above: Urbandale Tree Park with Memorial Pavers for Joe Boitnott, Robert L Gates, Theodore L Hatfield, Robert D Long, Robert Niffenegger, Richard C Swift
1939/Iowa National Guard Camp Claiborne, LA U.S. Air Force 34th Division (I was 16) Hutment, Camp Claiborne 1958: 36th Tact Wing U. S. Army 15th Air Force Red Bull 1940: 1939 Plymouth Road King 5th Army 1957 Chevrolet Nomad
Some of Joe's Awards/Medals/Accolades Casino Kasserine Pass Faid Pass Also received battle medals for three landings:  (1) Algiers  (2) Anzio  (3) Salerno Purple Heart Bronze Star Good Conduct Occupational Battle Star Medals
Crew Wings Infantry Korean Victory Presidential (2) National Order of St. Maurice
References The comprehensive list of names from North High's 1893-2018 graduation classes are from Claradell Shedd's North Des Moines High School website. The names of all North High School graduates can be found online at http://www.ndmhs.com/. Monty Joe Boitnott's 1939 and 1940 class pages can be viewed at http://www.ndmhs.com/pages/yearclass1939(2005.66).html and http://www.ndmhs.com/pages/yearclass1940(1990.50).html Obituary: http://www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com/services/services_detail.aspx?rid=16090
12/24/09: Monty Joe Boitnott lives in Collins, IA. Died: 04/11/14.
Music: "You Raise Me Up"
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