Donald V. Boecker
Class of 1955Alumni Recognition Award, 1997
Rear Admiral Donald Boecker enlisted in the Naval Reserve after graduating from NCHS in 1955. He is a fourth generation Napervillian (his father graduated from NHS in 1914) who grew up in Naperville where he was active in all sports, earned his Eagle Scout badge, and learned to fly as an Air Scout. After graduating from Naperville Community High School, he attended Columbian Prep School in Washington, D.C. Through the Reserves, he earned an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1956. After graduating from the Academy in 1960, Rear Admiral Boecker was commissioned and eventually designated a naval aviator in February of 1962.
Admiral Boecker was deployed aboard USS ENTERPRISE for her first two Mediterranean deployments and also participated in the Cuban Blockade. He then transferred to Attack Squadron SEVENTY-FIVE in September, 1963, and served as Personnel Officer in the first A-6 squadron. He deployed to Southeast Asia and on July 14, 1965, while on a combat mission, was forced to eject over enemy territory where he successfully evaded the enemy and was rescued 18 hours later.
Admiral Boecker finished his combat tour and made one more cruise with AV-75, this time to the Mediterranean, before being accepted to the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Admiral Boecker has had a distinguished career in leadership positions in the Navy. Among his assignment: Head of Aviation Plans and Programs on the Naval Operations Staff; Deputy Director, Aviation Plans and Requirements Division; Naval Aide to the Assistant Secretary of Navy; Director of Navy Space Systems Division.
In July of 1988, Admiral Boecker was rewarded with one of the best assignments in Naval Aviation. He assumed command of the Naval Air Test Center. NATC has at least one of every type of airplane that the Navy operates, and Admiral Boecker was able to fly them all in his job.
Admiral Boecker was assigned Vice Commander of Naval Air Systems Command in August of 1991. He has received two Legions of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, six Air Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals with Combat V, the Combat Action Ribbon, a Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Navy Expeditionary Medal and several Vietnam decorations.
Rear Admiral Boecker is married to the former Gay Lanier Scott of Winter Haven, Florida. They have six children.
ADMIRAL BOECKER'S MESSAGE TO STUDENTS: Our parents gave us the spirit for travel and adventure. They taught us to dare and to welcome the unknown and the chance to grow.
