Asst. Public Affairs Officer, Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame EDMOND — A 1935 graduate of Drumright High School who survived the Bataan Death March and years as a prisoner of war during World War II will be among those honored at the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame’s 27th annual banquet and induction ceremony Nov. 7 in Norman.
Capt. Eugene P. Boyt, U.S. Army, will be recognized posthumously as part of this year’s induction class, which includes 12 individual service members representing all military branches and ranks, as well as the Oklahoma Dustoff/ Medevac crews of the Vietnam War.
Boyt was born in Houston, Missouri, in 1917 and graduated from Drumright High School in 1935. He later attended the Missouri School of Mines, where he participated in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1941 and assigned to Clark Field in the Philippines.
Following the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, Boyt was captured in April 1942. He survived the Bataan Death March and was held in four prisoner-of-war camps before being liberated in 1945.
For his military service and sacrifice, Boyt received the Bronze Star for meritorious service, the Purple Heart, the Prisoner of War Medal and three Presidential Unit Citations. He died in 2003.
The Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame recognizes service members whose military records demonstrate heroism, extraordinary leadership, service or sacrifice. Candidates must also have a connection to Oklahoma and demonstrate outstanding civilian and/or patriotic service.
Retired Maj. Gen. Douglas O. Dollar, U.S. Army, who founded the Hall of Fame, said the organization seeks to recognize veterans for their valor in combat as well as their service to veterans and their communities.
The Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation’s board operates the Hall of Fame. Retired Col. Kelly Zachgo, foundation president, said the annual ceremony brings together families, friends and corporate sponsors to celebrate the honorees. The 2025 banquet drew nearly 600 attendees.
This year’s ceremony will be held at Embassy Suites, 2501 Conference Drive in Norman. Seating begins at 6 p.m., with the program scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $95 per person, with payment by check or credit card due by Oct. 28. Attire includes Sunday best, business suits, military service uniforms or mess dress.
For more information or to reserve seats, visit www. OKMHF.ORG or email INFO@OKMHF.ORG.