This article relies largely or entirely on a
single source. (March 2013) |
Gene Tunney Boyer | |
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Born | July 24, 1929 Akron, Ohio, U.S. |
Died | August 27, 2016[1] | (aged 87)
Service/ | United States Army |
Years of service | 22 |
Rank | Lt. Colonel |
Unit | Executive Flight Detachment—White House |
Awards |
Legion of Merit for Service to Presidents Johnson, Nixon and Ford Two
Distinguished Flying Crosses with Oak Leaf Cluster United Nations Service Medal Master Army Aviator Badge Meritorious Emblem w/1 (OLC) Ranger Tab Presidential Service Badge Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Parachutist Badge |
Other work | Sales & Marketing, Author |
Retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Gene Tunney Boyer [2] (July 24, 1929 – August 27, 2016) was the chief pilot of Army One, the helicopter transporting the President of the United States, between 1964 and 1975. [3] Boyer was the pilot during President Richard Nixon's last day in office on August 9, 1974, when Nixon famously delivered the V sign just prior to leaving office. He led the restoration of the VH-3A " Sea King" helicopter, tail number 150617, that served as Army One that day. [3] That helicopter is now on permanent display at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. [3] Boyer also served Presidents Johnson and Ford as a White House pilot. Boyer co-wrote his memoirs, Inside the President’s Helicopter: Reflections of a White House Senior Pilot, with Jackie Boor.