Howard J. Boydstun was a naval aviator who served with the United States Navy for thirty years. During that time, he participated in various campaigns in support of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Howard Junior Boydstun was born on March 7, 1920, near Blue, Oklahoma to Howard Green Boydstun and R. V. Orlena (Shofner) Boydstun. In 1936, he graduated from Blue High School and shortly after attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

In 1940, before receiving his degree, Boydstun enrolled in the Naval Reserve Midshipman School with Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He graduated from the program as an Ensign with the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1941. Boydston then enlisted as a Seaman, Second Class in the Naval Aviation Cadet Program. Upon completion of flight training, he received his Naval Aviator wings.

Boydstun began a relationship with Juanita Coker of Durant, Oklahoma prior to his Naval aviation programs. The couple remained close throughout Boydstun’s training and wrote to one another nearly every day. Boydstun wasn’t allowed to get married until he received his aviator wings. Upon completion, the two married on June 30, 1942, in Miami, Florida. They managed to share time together prior to Boydstun’s deployment.

In November of 1942 Boydstun officially began sea duties. He joined Fighter Squadron Ten (VF-10) on the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise in the South Pacific. Then in 1944 he was assigned to Fighter Squadron Eight (VF-8) in the Pacific Theater. He served aboard the aircraft carriers USS Intrepid and USS Bunker Hill.

During the Korean War, Boydstun joined the Fighter Squadron Fifty-Two (VF-52) as Operations Officer of the squadron. During this time, he was based in NAS North Island, San Diego, California. One of his main objectives was to prepare for the introduction of jet aircraft into the Pacific Fleet operations through the development and execution of the Navy’s Jet Transition Training Programs. Boydstun was selected to participate as one of the eight Naval Aviators to make the first night carrier landings in jet aircraft aboard the USS Valley Forge in the Pacific Fleet. After the Korean War, Boydstun continued his work in the development of operational requirements for fighter aircraft for the Navy throughout the 1950s, at times working out of the Pentagon.

From 1962 to 1965 Boydstun served as the Chief, Facilities Division, Joint Command and Control Requirements Group, Joint Staff. In this assignment, he was responsible for the development of the Command-and-Control Requirements Group, including the National Military Command Center in the Pentagon.

Boydstun’s other assignments include Commanding Officer for Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154) and Command Carrier Air Group 21 (COMCVG-154), as well as Executive Officer on the USS Ranger. He also was the Commanding Officer for the Naval Air Station, Lemoore California from 1965 to 1967. His last assignment was as Chief of Staff for the Commander, Anti-Submarine Warfare Force, U.S. Sixth Fleet, Commander Fleet Air Mediterranean in Naples, Italy.

Boydstun received many awards throughout his service, eleven Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses for his combat service during World War II and the Korean War. He also received a Joint Service Commendation medal, and two Legion of Merit awards, first in 1967, then the second upon retirement in 1972.

In retirement Boydstun was employed as a Consultant for Science Applications International and was a member of the Early and Pioneer Naval Aviators Association (The Golden Eagles), a Life Member of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, and the Retired Officers Association. Life member of the Association of Naval Aviation and served a term as President of the San Diego chapter.

Boydstun and his wife, Juanita, remained close throughout his service. The couple had two children together. The family would move to where Boydstun was stationed and make that location home. The two eventually settled in San Diego.

Howard J. Boydstun passed away in San Diego on November 22, 2000.

Biographical note derived from donor information and collection.