Major (Ret.) Henry "Duke" Boswell

Reading through the many wonderful tributes here, I again found especially meaningful the tribute written in 2015 by a former sixth grade student, Contessa ( Du'Cros) Nail.

There was never any greater example of "The Greatest Generation" than Duke Boswell. He bested the hardships of the great depression and volunteered for military service at an early age. When WWII started he opted too join the best of the best (Airborne All the Way) and survived four combat jumps into the teeth of the enemy. Severely injured during the Korean conflict, he retired from the Army and obtained his teaching degree and taught 20 years in public school; always serving and never...

Remembering Uncle Delmar becomes even more poignant with the loss of our dear cousin, his son Ralph.

On my desk, I keep a photo of Duke (in his dress uniform) posing with my wife and me. He was and still is such an inspiration me and all those who were blessed to know him. Tears well up in my eyes when I think of all he and the other men and women of his generation went through to preserve the American way of life and protect the principles upon which our nation was founded. Am reminded that America is still blessed with men and women willing to lay it all on the line to support and defend...

A couple of further memories of "Duke" or Uncle Delmar as I knew him. (These were told me by my still living 101 year old father, his brother, another WWII hero who piloted 51 B-17 missions over Europe):
After Delmar became a teacher, there were so many former students who kept coming by to see him at the school that at one point the principal asked him to request that they not do that. Delmar let him know that in no way would he try to prevent former students from coming to see him! ...

We feel so blessed to have the Duke in our lives over the years.He was a great Patriot to our country & a wonderful family man for his family.You will never be forgotten Major Boswell.

Outstanding example of our "Greatest Generation"! Although I spoke with him only once in March about a WWII Ceremony Commemorating the 505th PIR in Camden SC I knew he was a Trooper. This "breed" of man is sorely lacking today. It was a distinct honor and privilege to have known him for the brief time that I did. I celebrate that we had a man such as him grace our nation during the tribulations of WWII. God Bless "The Duke".
Respectfully,
Ted Podewil
Life Member 504th Parachute...

'Uncle Delmar' as I knew him was always an inspiration to me. And he obviously touched so many lives like that. I'll never forget one day after he came home from Korea and took his two sons and me his nephew on a long walk to the fabled 'trestle.' He was just always so interesting and a delight to be around. And my Mom who passed away a little over a year ago SO enjoyed his last visit with her! One of the great ones of 'The Greatest Generation.'

We are so honered to had such a wonderful friend in our lives.RIP Duke you will never be forgotten.