Jeremy Michael Boorda - Death

Death

Boorda died on May 16, 1996 from an apparent suicide, after allegedly shooting himself in the chest. The autopsy results were never released to the public. Boorda reportedly also left two suicide notes; neither of which were released publicly, but the notes were said to have been addressed to his wife and to his Public Information Officer. He was reported to have been distraught over a news media investigation, led by David Hackworth of Newsweek, into two Combat Distinguishing Devices (Combat "V") he wore on the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal service ribbons on his navy uniform. The "V' device is a miniature bronze letter "V" worn on suspension and service ribbons of certain medals and ribbons, indicating valor in combat; the media report claimed that Boorda was not entitled to wear them.

Boorda was said to have been worried that the issue would cause more trouble for the U.S. Navy's reputation. Former CNO Elmo Zumwalt, who was Boorda's commander during the Vietnam War and who authorized these devices for Boorda and many others, wrote a letter to the effect that Boorda's wearing of the devices was "appropriate, justified and proper." However, wearing a Combat "V" on a decoration required written authorization for the device on the award citation which required personally receiving enemy fire in combat.

At the time of his death, Boorda was survived by his wife, Bettie Moran Boorda, four children, and 11 grandchildren. A public funeral was held at the Washington National Cathedral that was broadcast nationally in CNN with tape delay broadcast on C-Span network.