Richard M. "Richie" Boser was born March 20, 1919. He enlisted as a Private in the regular army on September 9, 1940 at the age of 21, and was shipped overseas in August of 1942. He participated in the invation of North Africa on November 8, 1942, served through the Tunisian campaign, and was part of the invasion of Sicily on July 23, 1943. He was a part of the second wave that landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. After a furlough home, he returned to Germany to take part in the final battles of the war in Europe.
He was an infantryman for five years with the First Army Division, the Big Red One. He was wounded three times, while in North Africa, Sicily, and Germany. He was discharged as a Staff Sergeant. Among his many medals were two Bronze Stars and the Silver Star.
Richie returned home after the war and became Allegany's first letter carrier, working for the U.S. Postal Service for 28 years before retiring. He died May 26, 1990.
This bio and photo are from "Tales of War and Confinement: From World War II", published by the Allegany Area Historical Association in 2004. The booklet shares letters home from Allegany residents participating in the War. It also lists Allegany Men and Women in Service. Copies are available for $6.