Private First Class James Presley Boyd, Jr.

Private First Class James Presley Boyd, Jr.

United States Army Military Police Corps, U.S. Government

End of Watch Wednesday, October 31, 1973

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James Presley Boyd, Jr.

Private First Class James Boyd was shot and killed when he and another MP encountered two suspects who had just robbed the gas station at Fort Bragg's exchange.

PFC Boyd and his partner intercepted the suspects as they attempted to flee on foot toward N.C. 210. Despite being mortally wounded, PFC Boyd was able to return fire and wounded one of the suspects. The other MP also returned fire and killed the other suspect.

PFC Boyd was assigned to the 21st MP Company 503rd MP Battalion. He was survived by his parents, sister, and brother.

In 2010 the United States Army began hosting the "PFC James Boyd Jr. Top Cop Competition," an annual national competition designed to build camaraderie between military and civilian law enforcement agencies.

Bio

  • Age 19
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location North Carolina
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Shot and killed

robbery

Most Recent Reflection

View all 75 Reflections

Jimmy it is 10:10 am 10/31/2023 little did we know that 50 years ago this date we had an appointment with fate at 4:30 pm on Hwy., 210, Ft. Bragg, NC. When you and I heard a message over the MP radio that the Texaco gas station had been robbed by 2 black males with mask on at the intersection of Butler Road and Hwy 210 and I directed you to head to Hwy,. 210 where I felt the thugs would make their get away. When we arrived in the area little did we know the angel of death was also lurking around the area. We encounter the 2 thugs and what would seem like hours it was just a matter of minutes you my patrol partner had been fatally shot, The thug that shot you was also fatally wounded and the second thug was paralyzed from the waist down by a .45 caliber round. After the shooting had stopped I immidiately I went to check on you and discovered your soul had gone to heaven at that moment my whole emotional system changed forever. I have been reflecting on that incident for the last 50 years and will continue until the day I pass on. I have come to the acceptance that you have continued working along side of me throughout the rest of my LEO career I have felt your presence partner. Jimmy today is 50 years since you and I spoke, laughed, and patrol Ft. Bragg together. 50 year that I have missed your friendship. RIP Jimmy !!!

RALPH ROMERO, SGT. (VET)
U.S. ARMY, 21st MP Co, 503rd MP Bn., FT. BRAGG, NC.
Charlotte Police Dept, Charlotte, NC
Miami-Dade Police Dept,

October 31, 2023

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