Boyle born to serve

By Shelly Daugherty

U.S. Army Col. Joe Boyle, professor of Military Science at Gonzaga from 1968-1973, believed in the value of women in the armed forces, valued the Jesuit ideals espoused at this Catholic university, and inspired many young people to excel.

Examples:

• Boyle petitioned the Department of Defense to open more opportunities for women in the services, and opened the doors at Gonzaga for women to enroll in ROTC. Lisa Davidson became GU’s first woman to enroll. Women are now a part of ROTC programs nationwide. At Gonzaga, currently 20 of 94 cadets are women.
• Boyle convinced others of the value of producing military officers trained at a Jesuit university that instills high moral and ethical standards and a Catholic conscience.
• During his time at Gonzaga, Boyle produced the highest number of regular Army commissions (as a percentage of military graduates) in all non-military schools.
• Among Boyle’s greatest joys was commissioning six of his 14 children into the U.S. Military. When sons Frank and John were commissioned at Gonzaga in 1976, Joe (commissioned in ’72), Patty (commissioned in ’73) and Marge (commissioned in ’74) all returned to GU for the ceremony. Col. Boyle commissioned his daughter Jeanne in 1980.

“Col. Boyle’s hard work and dedication to the Army and to Gonzaga University set the conditions for the overwhelming success the cadets and officers enjoy and are deeply proud of today,” said Lt. Col. Allen Patty, current commander of the Bulldog Battalion.

Prior to arriving at Gonzaga, Boyle gained an appointment to West Point Military Academy. He graduated in 1943, was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and married Catherine Regina Hearne.

While serving as platoon leader for the 87^th “Golden Acorn” Infantry Division, Boyle was wounded in the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge). As he recovered, he learned his unit was preparing to move out. He refused further medical attention, left the hospital and joined his platoon. His courage and leadership in battle earned him the rank of captain, a Bronze Star with valor and a Purple Heart.

Military successes (and raising a large family) were not Boyle’s only accomplishments. In 1973, he saw the benefit of housing Expo ’74 visitors on campus. He made a proposal to Father Richard Twohy, S.J., then president of the University. Fr. Twohy liked the proposal and asked Boyle to take on the project.  Boyle spent 18 months working on the project which generated nearly $700,000 for Gonzaga.

Joe passed away Feb. 14, 2005, but the family military tradition continues. Boyle, his children and their spouses have a combined total of over 240 years of military service.

Military Service

• Mary Anne Comeau: Her husband, Ron, served 22 years with the U.S. Army and earned the Combat Infantry Badge and three Bronze Stars.
• Alice Yanow: Her husband, Harold, served four years in the U.S. Air Force.
• Marge Pope: She was active for seven years and was a reservist for 17 years. She retired a lieutenant colonel. Her husband, Bill, gave 20 years of service and retired a captain.
• Joe Boyle II: He served as a lieutenant in the 82^nd Infantry Airborne and also in the Green Berets.
• Patty Kociuk: She served eight years of active duty and 13 years as a reservist. She was the first woman officer commissioned at Gonzaga and one of the first women assigned to a combat unit. Her husband served in the U.S. Army.
• Frank Boyle: He served four years active duty and seven as a reservist in the 9^th Infantry Division.
• John Boyle: He served four years of active duty in Military Language School and as Battalion Intelligence Officer.
• Jeanne Brooks: She is a colonel in her 27^th year of service. Her husband, Steve, has 27 years of service and is a colonel.
• Dorothy Shaul: Retired as a lieutenant colonel after 23 years of active duty. Her husband, Doug is a colonel with 23 years of service.
• Theresa Heggood: She resigned as a captain after eight years of service. Her husband, David, is in his 33^rd year of active duty. He serves in the same unit Joe Boyle served with in World War II.

The remaining Boyle children are Cathy Dolan (Phil), Eileen Bjarnson (Rick), James Boyle (deceased) and Daniel Boyle (deceased).