Robert Platt Boyd Jr. was born in 1911 in Montgomery, Alabama to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Platt Boyd. He attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) from 1928-1932 where he earned a degree in civil engineering. After completing his degree, Boyd joined the Army and served from 1932-1966. His service took him to Yukon Territory, Canada, Alaska, Italy, England, Cambodia, Korea, and Germany. Of particular note is Boyd’s role in constructing the Alcan Highway in 1942 as an officer of the 93rd Battalion, which he described in his book Me and Company C published in 1992. After achieving the rank of Colonel with the United States Army and retiring from the military, Boyd returned to Auburn University and taught Industrial Engineering until 1981. Boyd died in 2000 and is buried in Auburn, Alabama.