COLONEL THOMAS R. O’BOYLE

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE AIR COMMANDO HALL OF FAME TO COLONEL THOMAS R. O’BOYLE

Colonel Thomas “Randy” O’Boyle’s leadership hallmarked his exceptional career of service to our country and its joint special operations forces. Assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron when only seven MH-53 Pave Lows existed, he quickly qualified in one of the Air Force’s most demanding aircraft. As an Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner, Col O’Boyle’s efforts proved central to building a Pave Low force of more than 20 aircraft and crews, which he led into combat during Operation JUST CAUSE. Recognized as the command’s Pilot of the Year in 1989, he was the Wing Plans’ Liaison Officer to Air Forces Central Command during Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. Col O’Boyle influenced the conduct of the coalition air campaign plan, ensuring the 1st SOW was prepared, selected, and postured to execute some of the most demanding missions of the war. As a member of USSOCOM’s Legislative Liaison, Col O’Boyle won essential support for SOCOM’s budget and acquisition strategies from the Services and Congress. His dedicated efforts ensured support from elected members of the Senate and House of Representatives, their committees, and professional staffers. As the 1st Special Operations Group Commander, Col O’Boyle led highly successful deployments supporting combat operations in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM-AFGHANISTAN and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Upon retirement, Col O’Boyle’s leadership proved essential to the survival of the John Grove School for disadvantaged children in Honduras. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Randy O’Boyle reflect great credit upon himself, Air Force Special Operations, and all Air Commandos.

Inducted in 2016 at the Air Commando Association’s Awards Banquet in Fort Watlon Beach, FL