A former Jennings County resident who served in World War II is being inducted posthumously into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.
George Wayne Boffo, born Jan. 11, 1908, in Commiskey, will be inducted during a November ceremony.
Boffo, who died in 1969, served in the Marines and earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his actions.
The 5-foot-6, 146-pound Boffo was a month shy of 36 years old when he was inducted into the Marines.
Despite his age, he earned the distinction of expert rifleman, according to a news release.
Boffo earned the Silver Star for his actions in May 1945 on the Japanese island of Okinawa, according to a letter from the secretary of the Navy.
He was a fire team leader of Company G, Second Battalion, First Marines Division, and the mission was to support a tank during an assault on strongly defended enemy caves and emplacements.
According to the letter, “Corporal Boffo courageously advanced under intense hostile small-arms, automatic weapon and mortar fire.
“Although twice wounded by this fire, he persisted in his mission and personally located hostile positions and directed the tank’s fire on the enemy, refusing to be evacuated until all the enemy mortars and machine guns were destroyed.
“By his courage and determination, Corporal Boffo contributed materially to the success of this operation.
“His devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Boffo received the Purple Heart for the wounds he sustained in the attack.
The Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame was created as a nonprofit in 2013 with the mission to publicly emphasize the honor brought to Indiana and the Unites States by the sacrifice of Hoosier military veterans.
The induction ceremony is 5 to 10 p.m. Nov. 13 at The Renaissance Hotel, 11925 N. Meridian St., Carmel.
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For more information about the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame, go online at imvhof.com.
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