Paul Boeyink Goes For Physical
Paul Boeyink left for Omaha last night for his physical examination prior to entry in aerial navigation of the Air Corps. He will then wait for his appointment later. Paul is the son of Mrs. William Van Horsen of Maurice. He has been a stenographer for the Great Northern Railroad living in Sioux City.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 1, 1942 p 10
Attends University of Missouri
Pvt. Paul Warren Boeyink, son of Mrs. William Van Horsen of Orange City, Iowa, has arrived at the University of Missouri at Columbia, Mo. for a course of army air force instruction lasting approxiamatel five months prior to his appointment as an Aviation Cadet in the Army Air Forces. During this period he will take numerous academic courses as well as elementary flying training. Upon completion of the course he will be classified as a pilot, navigator or bombardier and go on to schools of the Flying Training Command for training in these specialties.
Source: Sioux Center News Apr. 15, 1943 p 8
Change of address for Paul W. Boeyink, Sqdn. 116, Bks, 5602, AAFCC-SAACC, San Antonio, Texas. Paul is at present taking a series of tests to determine what branch of the Air Corps he will be trained in. He hopes to become a navigator and bombardier.
Source: Sioux Center News June 24, 1943 p 2
June 20, 1943
To Ed, Marie and the people of Sioux Center,
Here it is Sunday afternoon and letter writing is the order of the hour for all of us who were fortunate enough to miss K. P. for today so I'm catching up on letters that I should have taken care of a long time ago.
I'm nearly completed with my 6th month in the army and I can truthfully say that I've thoroughly enjoyed myself so far. There are a lot of disagreeable aspects such as our present fifteen-day quarantine during which we can't leave the Sqdn. area unless in formation, and the 34 hours we spent in a day coach coming down here, but after they're endured and one looks back on them they aren't nearly as bad as we thought they were.
My first month in the Air Corps was spent at Jefferson Barracks, just outside St. Louis. There I got my basic army training plus a beautiful cold which nearly put me under. I did lose my voice for nearly two weeks. Those of you who know me pretty well will realize how I suffered from it, but what a boon it was to my hutmates.
From there I went to Columbia, Mo. to attend the univ. there for my pre-flight training. What we learned there was supposed to help us in our pre-flight examination. I think I can safely say I can attribute five points of my total score to my schooling there. It isn't that I didn't learn more, quite the contrary. They just didn't teach us the right things. I slept through the etire geography course which had me worried for a while, but I'm glad now I did because there wasn't one Geog. question on our tests. While there, we stayed in fraternity houses which was a bit of O.K. after those huts at J. B. - especially since there were sorority houses on each side.
Other than our academic training, we had 10 hours of flight instruction at the University. I nearly drove my instructor wild by demonstrating quite unintentional and unethical maneuvers. The poor thing aged considerably in those 10 hours - so did I.
We got here to the Classification Center last Sunday morning at 11:30. I was so tired from trying to rest on a 1 1/2 foot ledge, commonly called a day coach seat, that the cement streets themselves looked good to me. However, we were fortunate enough to have mattresses and cots. (Incidentally, we had no mattresses at Columbia so we had to untangle each other from the springs each morning.)
Our tests began Tuesday with an 8 hour written exam which covered everything - except what I know. On Wed. we took 6 psycho-motor tests and Thursday we took the first half of our physical, the most interesting part of which was a somewhat embarrassing interview by a psychiatrist. Friday we took the rest of our physical. It really isn't as tough as I had anticipated, but it is plenty thorough.
As yet I haven't been classified, but if I am lucky enough to have my choice, I'llturn out to be a Navigator, or a combination Navigator-Bombardier.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all those responsible for sending the news to us. My time for reading is somewhat limited, but I always find time for it. Also, thanks for the letters from the Civic Club, American Legion and the church. We don't always get a chance to answer them, but that doesn't mean we don't appreciate them. I appreciate hearing from bac home even if it is only a card and I assure anyone who writes will get an answer - later if not sooner.
So long for now, I have to sign the pay roll, which next to payday is our favorite.
As ever, Paul Boeyink
(the sight of the flight)
Source: Sioux Center News July 1, 1943 p 2
Here is a letter from Air Cadet Paul Boeyink, who is at Ellington Field, Texas
August 14, 1943
Dear Ed:
Just a few lines to let you know of my address. The News catches up with me, but I'd just as soon have it fresh.
At present I'm classified as a Bombardier and am attending Pre-flight school here at Ellington Field which is about 30 miles from the Gulf port of Galveston and about 20 miles from Houston. Now that we are on cadet status our living quarters and food have improved wonderfully.
I go to class four hours, and we drill and take phys. ed. the rest of the day. It's surprising how tired that cam make a fellow by evening and how busy it makes us.
We have plenty of free time weekends - Sat. at 3:30 we're free and don't have to return until Sunday night. However, there is a polio epidemic threatening so we are restricted for two weeks. Being underclassmen we are not allowed in all of the buildings so with limited recreation facilities, I have taken to writing letters. I always have plenty of them to answer.
It's terribly sultry down here, but the nights are delightfully cool. It's 7:30 right now and it's cooling off already. Lucky for us because today we stood parade for 2 1/2 hours and in this Texas sun on a cement runway that gets a bit warm.
I must be getting to my studies now and don't forget the address as two issues are still trying to catch me.
As ever, Paul Boeyink
A-C Paul W. Boeyink 17130689
Grp. 21 B - Sqdrn. C, Flt. 2
Brks. 222, Bomb Wing A.A.F.P.S.
Ellington Field, Texas
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 19, 1943 p 8
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Van Horsen motored to Omaha Sunday to meet her son, Paul Boeyink, and Will Vlieger, who arrived from Texas on a short furlough from their duties in the army air corps.
.....
Mr. and Mrs. Louie Boeyink and children attended a family gathering at the Van Horsen home on Monday evening which was held in honor of Paul (2nd Lt.) now home on furlough. Paul's class had the highest average of any group to graduate from that particular school.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 10, 1944 p 10
A Boeyink family reunion was held at the Henry Eggink home on Sunday evening which was held in honor of H. A. 2-c Leona and Joyce Boeyink and Lt. Paul Boeyink and Roberta Boeyink who were all home for a short time.
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 3, 1944 p 6
Lt. Paul W. Boeyink, son of Mrs. William Van Horsen of Maurice, has an overseas address which we are not permitted to publish. Call the News for it.
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 24, 1944 p 2
Paul Boeyink writes from China --
Jan. 24, 1945
Dear friends:
After receiving the swel portfolio sent out by the Business girls tonight and not knowing who their secretary is - and since I haven't written the News for quite some time, I decided to kill two traditional birds with one stone -- this letter. First of all, thank you very much for the portfolio. It, and especially the contents, will be very useful here where it's hard enough to keep track of things and where paper is so scarce.
It has been nearly six months since I left the States, and with plenty of luck and a strong stomach, I'll be back there in about six more. During that time I've lived through one evacuation, four bombings and quite a few missions with no noticeable ill effects.
Our trip across by plane didn't afford us much time to see the sights, however, I spent about a month in India and made up for it. The cities as a rule are fairly dirty, since livestock, camels, donkeys, cattle and anything else the natives have around, roam the streets unmolested. Also a great percentage of the people live in the streets and with no public restrooms, the sanitation problem is a great one. Inda is no place for a modest person. Riding the streets at night in a gharri, a horse-drawn buggy-like affair, it is not the least bit unusual to see people curled up on the sidewalk.
As contrast to the bad side of India there is the beautiful Taj Mahal. The taj itself is white marble with the Koran written in black marble inlaid letters. Around the base on the outside and most of the inside is designed by semi-precious stones inset in floral patterns. All of the precious stones and metals have been removed. Near the Taj we passed a Mohammedan burial grounds where a funeral was in process - a cremation. All those who are older than 12 years when they die are burned, and those who are younger are thrown to giant turtles in the river nearby. Besides a burial ground for babies, it also serves as transportation route, sewage disposal plant, city laundry and community bath. It's no wonder they consider it sacred.
Our quarters over here consist of five room bungalows. We have hot and cold running water and electricity. This is much better than I had expected when we were issued bedrolls, shelter halves, mess kits and canteens. We are really quite comfortable. The weather has been beautiful all along. Naturally that meant no white Christmas, but I didn't mind. We decorated a tree with flashlight bulbs, wired and operating on a dry cell and ornaments made with gift wrapping paper. Christmas Eve our church services were interrupted by an air raid alert but luckily they didn't come here to bomb. Christmas Day was much like the 4th of July, warm, and many firecrackers were in evidence. The food was far above average. Our meals of late haven't been too good - I guess they're scraping the bottom of the water buffalo supply barrel. Our food is locally grown. Considering the fact, we get very little rice. Buffalo is O.K. as long as it isn't ground up. Then I can't eat it. On such occasions we hike off across the rice paddies to a nearby village where at various cafes we can get pork chops, french fries, fried chicken, ham and eggs, etc. that taste almost stateside and only cost about $600.00 per meal, or about $1.25 in American money at the present rate of exchange.
I'm receiving the News first class now and I think that setup is much more satisfactory. I like to get news comparatively fresh. My last paper reached here in nine days which is very good considering it goes over half way around the world. Thanks again to the business girls from the orient.
Your slant-eyed friend, Paul Boeyink
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 8, 1945 p 2
Forced To Parachute From Plane
(photo)
1st. LT. PAUL BOEYINK
Louis Boeyink received word from his brother Paul, who was recently promoted to 1st. Lieut. in the Army Air Corps that he had made his first forced parachute jump since he started flying, and came through safely with only a minor scratch on his wrist. Paul has been stationed in China and the plane was undoubtedly crippled in battle, though he was not able to give the details. He was on his twentieth mission at the time, and said all were back in camp again.
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 29, 1945 p 1
PAUL BOEYINK PROMOTED TO FIRST LIEUT.
From a Fourteenth USAAF Base in China: - The promotion of First Lieutenant Paul W. Boeyink, of the famed "Ringer Squadron", from the rank of Second Lieutenant, has been announced by General L. T. Chennault, Commanding General of the Fourteenth Air Force 'Flying Tigers'.
Lt. Boeyink, son of Mrs. William Van Horsen of Orange City, is a graduate of Sioux Center High School, and a former student of Northwestern Junior College. Entering the Armed Forces as a Cadet, he received his wings at Childress, Texas, in February of 1944.
The lieutenant is serving as a bombardier with a medium bombardment squadron, which for the past 30 months has been actively engaged in the destruction of Japanese installations in the India-Burma and China Theaters.
Paul recently made his first forced parachute landing without mishap. One man in the crew was killed having broken his neck in landing and another was seriously injured.
Source: Sioux Center News Apr. 12, 1945 p 2
Promoted
(photo)
LT. PAUL BOEYINK
This interesting picture was made of Lt. Boeyink in a shop on the Ledo Road in Burma.
The promotion of First Lieutenant Paul W. Boeyink, of the famed "Ringer Squadron", from the rank of Second Lieutenant, has been announced by General L. T. Chennault, Commanding General of the Fourteenth Air Force 'Flying Tigers'.
Lt. Boeyink, son of Mrs. William Van Horsen of Orange City, is a graduate of Sioux Center High School, and a former student of Northwestern Junior College. Entering the Armed Forces as a Cadet, he received his wings at Childress, Texas, in February of 1944.
The lieutenant is serving as a bombardier with a medium bombardment squadron, which for the past 30 months has been actively engaged in the destruction of Japanese installations in the India-Burma and China Theaters.
Source: Sioux Center News May 2, 1945 p 11
AWARDED AIR MEDAL
(photo)
LT. PAUL BOEYINK
A Fourteenth Air Base In China --
Announcement has been made of the Award of the Air Medal to 1st Lt. Paul W. Boeyink of the famed "Ringer Squadron", a medium bombardment unit of Maj. Gen. C. L. Chennault's Fourteenth Air Force "Flying Tigers".
The lieutenant was cited for meritorious achievement in aerial flight against the enemy. "The display of courage and aggressive spirit in the fulfillment of his duties reflects the highest credit upon himself and the fine traditions of the United States Army Air Forces."
Lt. Boeyink, son of Mrs. William Van Horsen of Orange City, Iowa is serving as a bombardier with the medium bombardment squadron, which, for the past 32 months has been actively engaged in the destruction of Japanese installations and equipment in the India-Burman and China Theaters.
Source: Sioux Center News June 28, 1945 p 2
COMING HOME
(photo)
LT. PAUL W. BOEYINK
July 11, 1945
Dear Friends;
Just a few lines tonight to let you know that during the next few months, luck being with me, I shall be enroute home and during that period would like for you to send the News to my home at Orange City. Everything has been so upset here lately we haven't been sure of anything, but now I feel a bit on the positive side that I shall leave China's rice paddied terrain on or about August 1st.
The situation here has finally taken a turn for the better. At least the Japs have started in the other direction. It does look like the war in China has passed the crisis.
Our life here continues quite uneventful. Three shows a week and gin rummy constitute most of our entertainment. Just returned from a short trip to the City. Prices which had been outlandish were pretty sane due to inflation. The exchange rate when we got here a year ago was $200.00 Chinese for $1.00 U.S. Now it is $2500.00 to $1.00 and still going strong.
So much for today. Hope to be seeing you soon, Paul Boeyink.
Source: Sioux Center News July 26, 1945 p 2
Iowan Decorated
(photo)
LT. BOEYINK RECEIVING AWARD
A 14th Air Base in China - At a recent colorful ceremony, Lt. Paul W. Boeyink of the famed "Ringer Squadron" was decorated with the award of the air medal by Brig. General John C. Kennedy, commanding general of the tactical air command. Lt. Boeyink, son of Mrs. William Van Horsen of Orange City, Ia., was decorated for meritorious achievement in aerial flight against the enemy.
The lieutenant served as a bombardier with one of the oldest medium bombardment units in the far east which has been commended five times for its outstanding accomplishments in the vital destruction of Japanese installations and equipment in the India-Burma and China theaters.
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 20, 1945 p 10
Paul Boeyink Home
Lt. Paul Boeyink arrived here on Wednesday morning after serving for fifteen months in the China-Burma-India theater. Paul was a navigator bombardier on a B25. He will be on call till December 15th after which his discharge will become effective.
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 8, 1945 p 1
