Bryant L. Boatner

Bryant LeMaire Boatner (9 April 1907 – 16 December 1986) was a United States Air Force Lieutenant general.

Early life and family Boatner was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. His father, Mark Mayo Boatner, graduated from Virginia Military Institute and was a respected lawyer and judge in New Orleans. His mother's maiden name was Byrd Elizabeth Bryant. He was one of six children: Mark II, Frank, Haydon (who became an Army Major general), Charlotte and Elizabeth (Betty).

Military career

He graduated from the United States Military Academy and was commissioned a second lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1928. After attending flying schools at Brooks and Kelly Fields, Texas, he was transferred to the United States Army Air Corps as a Second lieutenant in November 1929, and assigned as squadron engineering and operations officer at Selfridge Field, Michigan. He was promoted to first lieutenant on 1 February 1934.

In October 1934, he was assigned to Wheeler Field, Hawaii as assistant station supply officer, operations officer and squadron commander. He was promoted to Captain (temporary) on 12 March 1935. In late 1936, he was assigned to Barksdale Field, Louisiana, where he served as operations officer, flight commanding officer and adjutant. In August 1938, he went to the Air Corps Engineering School at Wright Field, Ohio, from which he graduated a year later.

Death He died on 16 December 1986 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.