Posted on 02/13/2006 11:03:15 PM PST by Exton1
Students reject honor to WWII hero Member of Marines not 'sort of person UW wanted to produce' Posted: February 14, 2006 1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com
Lt. Col. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington during World War II (Photo: National Archives) The University of Washington's student senate rejected a memorial for alumnus Gregory "Pappy" Boyington of "Black Sheep Squadron" fame amid concerns a military hero who shot down enemy planes was not the right kind of person to represent the school.
Student senator Jill Edwards, according to minutes of the student government's meeting last week, said she "didn't believe a member of the Marine Corps was an example of the sort of person UW wanted to produce."
Ashley Miller, another senator, argued "many monuments at UW already commemorate rich white men."
Senate member Karl Smith amended the resolution to eliminate a clause that said Boyington "was credited with destroying 26 enemy aircraft, tying the record for most aircraft destroyed by a pilot in American Uniform," for which he was awarded the Navy Cross.
Smith, according to the minutes, said "the resolution should commend Colonel Boyington's service, not his killing of others."
The senate's decision was reported first by Seattle radio talk-host Kirby Wilbur of KVI, whose listeners were "absolutely incensed," according to producer Matt Haver.
Brent Ludeman, president of the university's College Republicans, told WND in an e-mail the decision "reflects poorly on the university."
"Pappy Boyington went beyond the call of duty to serve and protect this country – he simply deserves better," Ludeman said. "Just last year, the university erected a memorial to diversity. Why can't we do the same for Pappy Boyington and others who have defended our country?"
The resolution points out Boyington, a student at the UW from 1930-34, served as a combat pilot in the 1st Squadron, American Volunteer Group – the "Flying Tigers of China" – and later as a Marine Corps combat pilot in charge of Marine Fighting Squadron 214, "The Black Sheep Squadron."
Along with the Navy Cross, Boyington was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his heroism. He was shot down and spent 20 months in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp.
The resolution says, "Be it resolved … [t]hat we consider Col. Gregory Boyington, United States Marine Corps, to be a prime example of the excellence that this university represents and strives to impart upon its students, and, That we desire for a memorial for Col. Boyington be commenced by the University of Washington by 11 January 2008, the twentieth anniversary of his death, which will be publicly displayed, so that all who come here in future years will know that the University of Washington produced one of this country's bravest men, and that we as a community hold this fact in the highest esteem."
Commenting on the decision, a blogger who says he met Boyington on numerous occasions at a museum and air show over the years noted the famous flyer "was no rich boy," having grown up in a struggling family in which he was forced to work hard to make it through school. The blogger, who hosts the website Paradosis, also pointed out Boyington was part Sioux.
Boyington was open about his marital problems and alcohol abuse, saying notably, "Just name a hero and I'll prove he's a bum."
The blogger wondered, "have our Washington youth revised history so much as this? To compare Boyington – or for that matter any of our WW2 vets – to murderers? What are these kids being taught today? They don't deserve those 20 months Pappy spent being tortured and beaten in a Japanese prison camp ... they don't deserve any of what our grandfathers and grandmothers sacrificed to free Europe and the Pacific."
Boyington wrote a book in 1958 that reached the best-seller list, "Baa Baa, Black Sheep." In 1976, he sold rights to Universal, which aired a TV series for two seasons of the same name.
Boyington, who died Jan. 11, 1988, is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Welcome, drop in on our local board.
Do you have a link for the other thread?
Look at the boobs on that dude!!!! His age is really showing.
Different school. This is University of Washington, Seattle.
Excellent point. I'm of the same mindset.
All of the universities in Kansas (and every other state) are just as bad. I left one behind after hearing enough of the ranting, screeching man haters and the men who suck up to them in hopes of getting some. ...don't have to put up with it. The problem that people like the UW chick have with men in combat specialties (now and before), is that they're jealous of any high regard for real masculinity.
He knew the pond for what it was.
He did pretty well at the job, but was never infected with the germ of self-importance.
As for them determining what monuments will be present, if nothing else, they will carve the folly of their age in stone and bronze. It is a shame, though, they do not have to raise the money for the privilege.
Buy him one for me, too. I'll send you the money, honey. Tell him, also, we appreciate his service to our country and his courage in standing up to ignorance posing as academia.
United States Marine Corps History Division
http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/HD/Historical/Whos_Who/Boyington_G.htm
Colonel Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, Marine Corps Ace credited with the destruction of 28 Japanese aircraft, was awarded the Medal of Honor "for extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty" while in command of a Marine Fighting Squadron in the Central Solomons Area from 12 September 1943 to 3 January 1944. He was shot down over Rabaul on the latter date, and his capture by the Japanese was followed by 20 months as a prisoner of war.
Gregory Boyington was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on 4 December 1912. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington, and majored in aeronautical engineering at the University of Washington, graduating in 1934 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Always an athlete, he was a member of the college wrestling and swimming teams, and was a one-time holder of the Pacific Northwest Intercollegiate middle-weight wrestling title.
During his summer vacations he worked in mining camp and logging camps in his home state. One summer, he was employed by the Coeur d'Alene Fire Protective Association in road construction and lookout work.
The famed flyer started his military career while still attending college. As a member of the Reserve Officers Training Corps for four years, he became a cadet captain. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Coast Artillery Reserve in June 1934 and served two months of active duty with the 630th Coast Artillery in Fort Worden, Washington. On 13 June 1935 he enlisted in the Volunteer Marine Corps Reserve. He went on active duty that date and returned to inactive duty on 16 July. In the meantime, he had become a draftsman and engineer for the Boeing Aircraft Company of Seattle.
It was on 18 February 1936 that he accepted an appointment as an aviation cadet in the Marine Corps Reserve, and was assigned to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, for flight training. Years before, he first flew when he was only eight years old, with Clyde Pangborn, who later flew the Pacific non-stop.
He was designated a Naval Aviator on 11 March 1937, and was transferred to Quantico, Virginia, for duty with Aircraft One, Fleet Marine Force. He was discharged from the Marine Corps Reserve on 1 July 1937 in order to accept a second lieutenant's commission in the regular Marine Corps the following day.
Detached to the Basic School, Philadelphia, in July 1938, 2dLt Boyington was transferred to the 2d Marine Aircraft Group at the San Diego Naval Air Station upon completion of his studies. With that unit he took part in fleet problems off the aircraft carriers USS Lexington and USS Yorktown. Promoted to first lieutenant on 4 November 1940, he returned to Pensacola as an instructor the next month.
First Lieutenant Boyington resigned his commission in the Marine Corps on 26 August 1941 to accept a position with the Central Aircraft Manufacturing Company. CAMCO was a civilian organization formed for the protection of the Burma Road. The unit later became known as the American Volunteer Group, the famed "Flying Tigers" of China. During his months with the "Tigers," he became a squadron commander and shot down six Japanese planes to secure an appreciable lead over other American aces who didn't get into the fight until after 7 December 1941. He flew 300 combat hours before the AVG disbanded.
He returned to the United States in July 1942 and accepted a commission as a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve on 29 September 1942. He reported to active duty at the Naval Air Station, San Diego, on 23 November 1942 and was assigned to Marine Aircraft Wing, Pacific. He was promoted to major (temporary warrant) the next day.
Major Boyington joined Marine Aircraft Group 11 of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and became Commanding Officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 214 after a short tour in the Solomons with another squadron. The new squadron was made up of a group of casuals, replacements, and green pilots and was dubbed the "Black Sheep" Squadron.
Before organizing the "Black Sheep," Maj Boyington participated in combat at Guadalcanal in April 1943, as Executive Officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 121, but had added no enemy planes to his score. However, during those two periods of intense activity in the Russell Islands-New Georgia and Bougainville-New Britain-New Ireland areas, and nicknamed "Pappy" because of his older age (31) compared to that of his men, added to his total almost daily. During his squadron's first tour of combat duty, Maj Boyington personally shot down 14 enemy fighter planes in 32 days. On 17 December 1943, he headed the first Allied fighter sweep over impregnable Rabaul. By 27 December his record was 25. He tied the then-existing American record of 26 planes on 3 January when he shot down another fighter over Rabaul.
Typical of Maj Boyington's daring feats is his attack on Kahili airdome at the southern tip of Bougainville on 17 October 1943. He and 24 fighters circled the field persistently where 60 hostile aircraft were grounded, goading the enemy into sending up a large numerically superior force. In the fierce battle that followed, 20 of the enemy planes were shot out of the skies. The Black Sheep roared back to their base without the loss of a single aircraft.
On 3 January 1944, 48 American planes, including one division (4 planes) from the Black Sheep Squadron took off from Bougainville for a fighter sweep over Rabaul. Maj Boyington was the tactical commander of the flight and arrived over Rabaul at eight o'clock in the morning. In the ensuing action he was seen shoting down his 26th plane. He then became mixed in the general melee of diving, swooping planes and was not seen or heard from again. Following a determined search which proved futile, Maj Boyington was declared as missing in action. While a prisoner of the Japanese, he was selected for temporary promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
During mid-August 1945, following the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the subsequent Japanese capitulation, he was liberated from Japanese custody at Omori Prison Camp in the Tokyo area on 29 August and arrived in the United States shortly afterwards.
On 6 September the top ace who had been a prisoner of the Japanese for the past 20 months accepted his temporary lieutenant colonel's commission in the Marine Corps.
At the time of his release, it was confirmed that LtCol Boyington had accounted for the downing of two Japanese planes on 3 January before he himself was shot down. That set his total at 28 planes, which was the highest total for Marines.
Shortly after his return to his homeland, LtCol Boyington was ordered to Washington to receive the nation's highest honor, the Medal of Honor, from President Harry S. Truman. The medal had been awarded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in March 1944 and held in the Capital until such time he was able to receive it. On 5 October 1945, "Nimitz Day," LtCol Boyington appeared at the White House with a number of other Marines and Naval Personnel and was decorated by President Harry S. Truman.
On the previous day, he was presented the Navy Cross by the Commandant of the Marine Corps for the ace's heroic achievements on the day he was declared missing in action.
Following the receipt of his Medal of Honor and Navy Cross, LtCol Boyington made a Victory Bond Tour. Originally ordered to the Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, he was later directed to report to the Commanding General, Marine Air West Coast, Marine Corps Air Depot, Miramar, San Diego, California.
Lieutenant Colonel Boyington was retired from the Marine Corps on 1 August 1947 and, because he was specially commended for the performance of duty in actual combat, was advanced to his final rank of colonel.
Colonel Boyington died on 11 January 1988 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
In addition to the Medal of Honor and Navy Cross, Col Boyington held the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Thank God, she never says anything if that is the best we can look forward to!!
I also believe this individual has never had to make that choice or else she would not be so adamant about something she knows nothing about.
It is easy to make negative judgements concerning a what-if situation when you are daily and nightly surrounded by the peace and prosperity that our country's standing military and way of life guarantees!
"Miz lady" you need to get a life and be thankful and we, all of us, should bend knee and praise The Most High God for our fore-runners both military and non-military for their service and sacrifices for us and our posterity!
http://www.medalofhonor.com/GregoryBoyington.htm
http://www.medalofhonor.com/PappyBoyington.htm 
Medal of Honor citation:
For extraordinary heroism and valiant devotion to duty as commanding officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 214 in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Central Solomons area from 12 September 1943 to 3 January 1944. Consistently outnumbered throughout successive hazardous flights over heavily defended hostile territory, Maj. Boyington struck at the enemy with daring and courageous persistence, leading his squadron into combat with devastating results to Japanese shipping, shore installations, and aerial forces. Resolute in his efforts to inflict crippling damage on the enemy, Maj. Boyington led a formation of 24 fighters over Kahili on 17 October and, persistently circling the airdrome where 60 hostile aircraft were grounded, boldly challenged the Japanese to send up planes. Under his brilliant command, our fighters shot down 20 enemy craft in the ensuing action without the loss of a single ship. A superb airman and determined fighter against overwhelming odds, Maj. Boyington personally destroyed 26 of the many Japanese planes shot down by his squadron and, by his forceful leadership, developed the combat readiness in his command which was a distinctive factor in the Allied aerial achievements in this vitally strategic area.
When Ashley isn't busy talking out her ass, she's hosting events like this:
Back To School Cosmic Bowling
Event Scheduled:
Friday 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Location: HUB Games Room
Kick off the year BENT style!!! Bowl like only the Queers know how: flair, fun, fashion and some funky grooves. That's right, COSMIC BOWLING IS BACK! DJ Mitcho will be spinning to some of the hottest drag performances around. Doors open @ 6:30, but get there early. Free with UW ID. This event is especially for the queer community and those who love and support us! Door prizes every hour and prizes for the best "back-to-school" outfits! Hosted by ASUW Vice President Ashley Miller and MPowerment's Leoule Goshu.
Hosted By: MPowerment Project, Q Center, Seattle Gay News, ASUW Gay Bisexual Lesbian Transgender Commission, Working for Equality Project, Queer Womyn Identified Interest Group (QWIIG), Seattle University Triangle Club, Seattle LGBT Community Center, PUSH Magazine, Mr. and Ms. Gay Washington
Web Site: http://www.youthmpower.org
Looks are deceiving, but those females in the pic's would have to sneak up on a mirror....
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Rallies planned to protest inauguration
Downtown events will show opposition to Bush policies
By CHRISTINE FREY
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
Ashley Miller will walk out of her international studies class at noon today.
She will carry a sign -- "Make love legal; UW student for peace" -- to Red Square, where she will join other students on a march through the University of Washington campus. She will then hop on a bus to Capitol Hill and walk downtown to protest President Bush's inauguration.
"The decisions that (have been) made, whether it be going to war or not taking care of our environment or torturing people in Abu Ghraib ... those are not things that represent me, and I want to make sure everyone knows it," said Miller, a 20-year-old junior.
As Bush begins his second term today, anti-Bush activists are encouraging people to walk out of class, take the day off of work and refrain from spending money.
Some Bush backers may turn out downtown to counter the protests. The Republican Party has not organized a formal event in King County, but supporters are expected to celebrate Bush's inauguration at private parties or, like Dino Rossi, actually attend the event in Washington, D.C.
Rossi, the Republican who still hopes to become Washington's governor, will be among the hundreds of Pacific Northwest residents in attendance at the president's swearing-in ceremony.
After watching the inaugural parade, Rossi plans to attend the black-tie Independence Ball, which honors Washington and 14 other states at the D.C. Convention Center.
Protesters have turned out for every presidential inauguration since at least 1969, when Richard Nixon took the oath of office, said David Olson, a UW political science professor.
War, domestic policies and the validity of the election itself are recurring themes in inaugural protests, he said.
"It's become routine and repetitive, and it's part of our politics," he said.
During the last presidential inauguration, protesters targeted the validity of Bush's election to the presidency; this year, however, they say they are focusing on what his presidency stands for.
His victory in November was not a mandate, some activists say, and they want their opinions to be heard.
Hundreds, possibly thousands, are expected to gather at Westlake Park in downtown Seattle for a 2 p.m. rally, during which a Bush statue will be toppled.
Demonstrators will then walk to the Federal Building for another rally at 5 p.m.
"What we're trying to do is actually inspire people to pull out of that depressive and what-can-we-do mode and say, 'Hey, there are any number of things that we can do ... but we need to motivate ourselves to do them,' " said Margo Polley of the activist group Not In Our Name, which organized the Westlake rally.
Her suggestions: Write a letter to an elected official, post a sign or form a study group.
One national campaign, called Not One Damn Dime, encourages people to boycott all spending on Inauguration Day.
"That's the great thing about America is that everybody can show in their own unique way their opinion of the administration," said Michael Young, chairman of the King County Republican Party, who attended an inaugural party earlier this week for the Republican Cambodian American Association.
College junior Jennifer Power plans to miss an afternoon philosophy class at Seattle University to attend today's events in downtown Seattle.
She said she opposed the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and doesn't agree with Bush's environmental policy.
Bush won the election, "but it doesn't mean he can do whatever he darn well pleases," she said. "And I suppose I'm going to remind (Bush) that even though he's the president of the United States, and possibly the most powerful person in the world, he's still a civil servant."
IF YOU GO
# No Work, No School, No Business As Usual Inauguration Day Protest
Westlake Park at Fourth Avenue and Pine Street
2 p.m.
# Counter-Inaugural Demonstration
Federal Building at Second Avenue and Marion Street
5 p.m.
P-I reporter Christine Frey can be reached at 206-448-8176 or christinefrey@seattlepi.com This report includes information from The Associated Press.
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