2aHawaii
General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: ren on May 28, 2015, 11:36:31 AM
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Not sure if you know Hook or had a rifle built by him. He was a much sought after Garand and M14 smith.
He was also inducted into the Army Marksmanship Unit's Hall of Fame.
(http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/c/images/2012/11/07/271232/size0.jpg)
To All:
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Hook's passing this morning. He passed quietly to join God, with his family at his bedside.
MSGT (Retired) Gerald Joseph "Hook" Boutin was born in Waterville, Maine.
He enlisted in the Maine National Guard at 17, and by 18 years of age, was in heavy fighting as a Soldier of E Company, 378th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division in Cologne, Bremen, Hamm, and Dortmund.
He also fought in Korea and the RVN.
He served in many capacities, but he was known best for his work in accurizing the M1 Garand and M14 for National Match competition. He was instrumental in the development of the XM-21 sniper rifle that was used in the Vietnam conflict and onward.
After his retirement from the Army, he built, rebuilt, and fixed countless gas and bolt guns in his garage workshop in Columbus and later Bremen, Georgia. He had customers from all walks of life, to include military, law enforcement and civilians.
His goal was to get as many "good guns" into the hands of shooters that he could. Prolific does not even come close to describing his influence on American Riflemen, especially in the Southeast.
His awards and decorations include: Combat Infantryman's Badge, Distinguished Rifleman Badge, President's Hundred Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, multiple Bronze Stars.
He is an Inductee into the USAMU's Hall of Fame.
Please send your thoughts, memories and anecdotes to Steve Edwards ( nsussf@yahoo.com). Steve is planning Hook's memorial service, details to be determined.
Please feel free to forward this message.
v/r
Chris
Chris G. Pappas, MD
COL, USA (Retired)
President's Hundred
Distinguished Rifleman