When Austin Boonyachai began the full-time MBA program at Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business, he was asked to describe how he felt in one word. His answer: thankful. That mindset came full circle when, a few weeks before graduation, he was named the inaugural recipient of the Major Horace S. Carswell Jr. Memorial Award.  

The award, named for Horace Carswell ’39, TCU’s only Medal of Honor recipient and the highest-decorated veteran in the history of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, was presented to Boonyachai at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, for his service as a global operations officer in the U.S. Navy and his impact across the TCU Neeley community. 

“It was a surreal moment,” said Boonyachai, a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. “Most of us in the military don’t do things to get recognized. I appreciated even being nominated, and winning the award was a meaningful experience I could share with my wife and my mom.”  

The award marks the 80th anniversary of Carswell Jr. ’39 receiving the Medal of Honor and recognizes a veteran student or dependent of a veteran who exemplifies courage, sacrifice and selfless service. The award reflects a legacy of leadership shaped by service to others. 

Carswell was recognized for extraordinary heroism during World War II. During a mission over China, he sustained significant damage to his aircraft but remained at the controls to protect his crew, ultimately sacrificing his life to ensure their safety. 

Leading Through Service 

Boonyachai was selected from a group of finalists who were also recognized for their service and leadership, including Wade Burchett, a U.S. Army veteran; Rosa Cardenas, a U.S. Navy veteran; Krista DeGuelle, a U.S. Air Force veteran; and Scott Ward, a U.S. Navy veteran. Together, they represent the strength of TCU Neeley’s student veteran community.  

Boonyachai served two sea tours aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, experience he brought to Neeley as a full-time MBA student. He also helped revitalize the Veterans in Business and Entrepreneurship (VIBE) club after a yearlong hiatus, expanding opportunities for graduate student veterans pursuing careers in business. 

In addition to serving as president of VIBE, he was the vice president of veteran affairs for the TCU Graduate Student Senate, president of the Graduate Supply Chain Club, a Professional Development Center coach and a principal consultant for projects with Bell Flight and Oncor Electric Delivery. Following his May 2026 graduation, Boonyachai will join American Airlines on its commercial strategy team. 

The Carswell Legacy 

The award draws directly from the legacy of Major Carswell Jr., whose time at TCU reflected a foundation of discipline, hard work and responsibility. As a student, Carswell balanced academics, athletics and the financial demands of paying his way through school, experiences that grounded his discipline and sense of responsibility. 

After leaving TCU, Carswell found his purpose in aviation, serving as a pilot during World War II. It was there that his leadership and commitment to others became fully realized.  

Carswell’s impact continues to resonate across TCU and the Fort Worth community, from Carswell Air Force Base, named in his honor, to ongoing efforts that preserve and share his story. His example serves as a reminder that leadership is defined not by early recognition, but by character, purpose and the decisions made in critical moments, said Craig Crossland, the John V. Roach Dean of the Neeley School of Business. 

“Carswell’s legacy challenges us to think differently about leadership,” Crossland said. “It is not defined by titles or accolades but by responsibility, service and the choices we make when it matters most.” 

Beyond the Classroom 

During the ceremony, where more than 100 students, alumni and community members gathered, Miguel Leatham, a leading expert on Carswell, narrated the major’s final mission, reinforcing the standard the award seeks to uphold. Established by Monica and Les Garrett ’96 and David Grantham ’15, the award recognizes students whose leadership extends beyond the classroom and into their communities and professions. 

For Boonyachai, the recognition reflects the people behind it.  

“When I think about my time at Neeley, I come back to that same word,” he said. “I’m thankful for the opportunities, for the people who invested in me and for the chance to continue serving in a different way.”