Boatwright honorably served his country in the army in the Korean War. His service included action in the Battle at Chosin Reservoir (November 27, 1950 to December 13, 1950) in which 1,029 American soldiers were killed, 4,582 were wounded and 4,894 were missing. It was the worst battle of the Korean war. Boatwright worked as a
Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney from 1960 to 1963. During this period, Boatwright was lead attorney in dozens of jury trials without losing a single case. He still holds the record for the most consecutive cases won in Contra Costa County. He entered elective politics by serving on the Concord City Council from 1966 until 1972 and served as Mayor from 1966 until 1968. ==Legislative career==