Wallace Alfred “Bud” Boudrow
- Unit: 1st Marine Division, 1st Motor Transport Battalion (World War II), 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Regiment, 2nd Battalion (Korea)
- Date of Birth: March 29, 1920
- Entered the Military: May 27, 1938
- Date of Death: April 23, 2011
- Hometown: Somerville, Massachusetts
- Place of Death: Greensboro, North Carolina
- Award(s): Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal (4x), Navy Unit Commandation, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, UN Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Area, American Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the National Service Defense Medal
- Cemetery: Row 3E, Grave A20. Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Mentored by Ms. Patricia Robblee
Lejeune High School
2025/2026
Early Life
The Boudrow family began its second generation in the United States when Wallace Boudrow was born on March 29, 1920, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Alfred Thomas Boudrow and Helen Wallace Boudrow. His paternal grandparents immigrated from Canada, and his maternal grandparents immigrated from Ireland. His only sibling, a younger sister named Eleanor, was born in 1924. Boudrow’s father, Alfred Boudrow, worked in construction as a mason and plasterer, and his mother, Helen Boudrow, was a housewife.
Neither of the Boudrow children completed college. Wallace Boudrow stopped attending school after eighth grade and did not pursue any further education outside the military. His sister, Eleanor Boudrow, finished high school at Arlington High School but died on February 22, 1944.
Like many other boys in Somerville, Wallace Boudrow enlisted in the military as soon as he turned 18 on May 27, 1938. His first tour of service lasted until 1945.
Homefront
Boudrow’s hometown of Somerville, Massachusetts, was a small industrial Boston suburb of approximately five square miles with a proud military heritage. During the Civil War, 10% more than the required quota of men enlisted in the Union Armed Forces. Nine to ten percent of its population served in World War I. Eleven percent of its population served in World War II.
In 1926, Ford Motor Company opened a production plant in Somerville. During World War II, it provided vehicles to the Allied Powers. Other industrial locations in the town included a brick production plant and three large meat packing plants: John P. Squire Company, the North Packing & Provision Company, and the New England Dressed Meat and Wool Company.
During the War, most Somerville residents participated in rationing, purchased war bonds, and signed pledges. The Fenway Victory Gardens spanned 7.5 acres and comprised 500 gardens. Conversely, there were pacifist groups, such as the Fellowship of Reconciliation Greater Boston Chapter, that would conduct sit-ins against the war in communities like Somerville. The Boston Herald Rumor Clinic, a column discouraging rumors that might erode morale, began to support the war effort.
Women stepped up to fill vacancies left by men who went off to war. They served as civilian air-raid wardens, shipbuilders, and factory workers. They helped at places such as Fort Warren and Charlestown Navy Yard, becoming known as “sunshine girls.” They brought treats to soldiers at the forts and hospitals and attended organized dances and other social events to boost the morale of soldiers stationed there.
Military Experience
Boudrow enlisted in the Marine Corps on May 27, 1938. Following boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, Boudrow’s duty stations kept him fairly close to home. He was stationed at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, MBNAS Quonset, Rhode Island, and Quantico, Virginia. He even spent six weeks at the 1940 World’s Fair in New York. The theme of the Fair had been changed to “For Peace and Freedom,” amid rising global conflict. Marines participated in ceremonial duties and represented the United States’ military readiness.
Once the United States entered World War II, Boudrow was transferred to the 2nd Replacement Battalion in San Diego and later to the 1st Marine Division. He was deployed to the Pacific theater. As part of Motor Transport, he supported his unit by assisting with a wide range of missions. His responsibilities included working on Jeeps, tanks, planes, trucks, motorcycles, and other equipment, ensuring his unit’s equipment remained in optimal condition.
Later, during his stateside deployment, he was assigned to Slingerlands, New York, where he served as a billet First Sergeant. In this role, he oversaw the maintenance and operation of Jeeps, trucks, and motorcycles. Additionally, he oversaw cargo operations, ensuring essential supplies and equipment were efficiently transported to support his unit. His leadership and organizational skills were vital in supporting the logistical operations necessary for mission success.
After World War II, Boudrow served in the Marine Corps Reserve at Camp Lejeune. In September 1951, he was recalled to active duty. His service included multiple tours in Portsmouth and Norfolk, Virginia, and at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, where he worked with the 1st Motor Transport Battalion, 1st Marine Division.
Boudrow was honored with many medals during his service. These included the Presidential Unit Citation, World War II Victory, UN Service, Korean Service, National Service Defense, and four Good Conduct medals.
Gunnery Sergeant Boudrow remained on active duty in the Marine Corps until June 24, 1963. He continued in the Marine Corps Reserve until his retirement in 1971.
Veteran Experience
Boudrow married his wife, Bessie, on January 22, 1945, while still on active duty. He and his wife had three children, two girls, one of whom was named Eleanor, after his late sister. The other was named Joan. They also had a son, Stephen.
After his service in Korea, Boudrow continued to serve his community as a firefighter with the Camp Lejeune Fire Department. The department was established in 1942 to provide aid to all communities on the base and in the surrounding areas. They also provide public safety education and fire prevention, including controlled forest fires.
He became a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the New River Masonic Lodge. A 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason is a part of the Scottish Rite Free Masonry, a fraternity dedicated to understanding the core values of reverence for God, integrity, devotion to country, justice, tolerance, and service to humanity.
Boudrow was also a lifetime member of the Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 208, and the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 16. Both organizations serve their communities through public service and advocate for the needs of service members and their families, often by providing financial assistance. In addition, services are available to veterans adjusting to retirement and civilian life.
Boudrow and his family first lived in Jacksonville, North Carolina, during his Korean War service, and he ultimately returned home in 1957. Besides working at Camp Lejeune, Boudrow’s wife, Bessie, volunteered with several organizations, including the Auxiliary organizations for Disabled American Veterans and the Fleet Reserve Association.
Bessie also volunteered for the hospital, sharing her experiences surviving cancer and knitting caps for newborns. Their daughters attended North Carolina Universities and made North Carolina home.
Commemoration
After 50 years in Jacksonville, Wallace “Bud” Boudrow and his wife moved to Greensboro, where he lived until his passing on April 23, 2011. He was laid to rest at the Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery on April 27, 2011. His wife of 66 years, Bessie, passed away in 2016 and is interred with him.
Boudrow served his country in the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific theater during two wars. His legacy continued in the community as a firefighter and Veteran advocate. In addition, he is remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Bibliography
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This profile was funded by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.