Boatner transferred to the Special Projects Branch of the Production Engineering Section in July 1941, and became chief of the branch in October 1942. He retained that position when the branch was redesignated the Aircraft Modification Section. In July 1943, he became assistant chief of the Production Division, serving until February 1944, when he was appointed assistant chief of the Inspection Division. Two months later he became chief of that division. In September 1944, Boatner became chief of the Quality Control Section of the Procurement Division, and in June 1945, was appointed deputy chief of the Procurement Division and chief of the Inspection Section. That same month he was sent to the 501st Army Air Force Base Unit in Washington, D.C. for indoctrination in Air Transport Command policies and procedures. General Boatner, in August 1945, went to Europe as deputy division commander of the 1400th Army Air Force Base Unit, and the following November became commanding officer of the European Wing (Provisional) of Air Transport Command. In April 1946, Boatner was assigned to Army Air Force Headquarters as secretary of the air staff and executive to the deputy commander of the Army Air Force. In January 1947, he was designated deputy chief of Air Staff in addition to his other duties, and the following June was relieved as executive to the deputy commander. In October 1947, after U.S. Air Force headquarters was established he was appointed secretary of the Air Staff. Still at U.S. Air Force Headquarters, General Boatner was appointed assistant deputy chief of staff for personnel and administration, in February 1948. In May of the following year he became assistant comptroller, and in September of that year was redesignated assistant deputy chief of staff, comptroller. General Boatner assumed command of the Air Proving Ground at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, in July 1950. Returning to Air Force headquarters in July 1952, General Boatner was appointed as the inspector general of the Air Force. On April 1, 1954, he was designated Deputy Chief of Staff, Materiel, there.
From the description of Boatner, Bryant L. (Bryant Lemaire), 1907-1986 (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10612125
