John Edward Boitnott

BOITNOTT John Edward Boitnott, age 86, passed away October 13, 2008. He was born September 21, 1922 in Dawson Springs, KY, the son of Ada and Noah Boitnott. He and his brother Henry joined the United States Marine Corps in July of 1941. Stationed aboard the USS Chicago, he was wounded during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Serving continuously throughout WWII, John served in many well known battles including the Coral Sea, Midway, Makin, New Britain, Guadal Canal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Continuing his service through the post-war years, John was again called to war in 1950. Designated as a Platoon Sergeant, he was tapped to be one of the first scout snipers on the Korean Peninsula. In this new position, he was made famous throughout the Marine Corps for a record nine shots, nine kills between 670 and 1250 yards to take out enemy snipers who were shooting at his fellow Marines. In July 1952, John was severely wounded by rifle and mortar fire which ended the war for him. He returned to active duty in 1953 and began working as a criminal investigator, a trade which he loved and would serve him for the rest of his life. During his military career, he was awarded the Bronze Star and Navy Commendation Medals both with “V” devices for valor in combat. He also received 6 purple hearts, and 2 Presidential Unit Citations, 8 Good Conduct Medals and 24 Campaign Medals for his service in WWII and Korea. In 1950, John received the coveted Distinguished Marksmanship Medal for his prowess with a rifle. In 1963, John was transferred to the Pentagon to take charge of physical security for the National Military Command System, and also to work with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. John moved to the Marine Corps Reserve in 1967 and finally retiring in 1971 as a Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) following 30 years of distinguished and decorated service. It was then that John put his excellent organizational and investigation skills to work for Wells Fargo in Washington, D.C. Seeking warmer climate, John and his wife Chris moved to Orange Park, FL where he began working for the Auditor General. John fully retired in 1986 to concentrate on his fishing and carpentry skills. John passed quietly in his sleep on October 13 at 11:50 PM. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Frankie Christine Boitnott in 2004. He is survived by his older brother Henry; his three sons Eddie, Michael, and Mitch; also many grandchildren and great grandchildren. John loved his friends and his community. He was a member of Ridgewood Baptist Church for many years. He was Free Mason as well as a Shriner. Due to the physical limitations John received while serving his country, he couldn't do a lot physically, but he helped children with monetary donations to hospitals. A kind and very generous man, he will always be remembered by those who knew him. Many were proud to call him friend, I am proud to call him Grandpa. We love you Grandpa, Rest in Peace. Funeral services in celebration of John's life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday October 18, 2008 in the chapel of Jacksonville Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 111 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park. Mr. Boitnott will be laid to rest with his wife in the Garden of the Masonic at Jacksonville Memory Gardens with full military honors. Family members and friends will gather on Friday evening from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com