FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Col Gregory "Pappy" Boyington ~ 20 January 2025

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[Kathy in Alaska]

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~ Hall of Heroes ~

Col. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington

           

"Months of preparation, one of those few opportunities, and the judgement of a split second are what makes some pilots an ace, while others think back on what they could have done."

Colonel Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, USMC

 

"Pappy" was born in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho on December 4, 1912 and grew up in Tacoma, Washington. In his early school years he became recognized for his aggressiveness and skill in sports and became intercollegiate wrestling champion while attending college in Washington. His interest in flying and competitive spirit caused him to join the Marine Corps where he became a flight instructor. His desire to fly combat and need to pay off some old debts led him to volunteer for the "Flying Tigers" AVG group in China where the pilots were promised $675 a month plus $500 for every enemy plane they downed. Fighting bugs, scorpions, injuries, P-40 engine problems, bad weather and general Chenault's incompetent staff as well as the Japanese, Boyington claimed to have shot down six Japanese fighters, which would have made him one of the first American aces of the war. From AVG records, which were loosely kept, the most kills that can be confirmed is 3.5. He maintained until his death in 1988 that he did, in fact, have six kills, and the Marine Corps officially credits him with those kills.

He returned to the United States following the disbanding of AVG. When the United States entered the war, he rejoined the Marine Corps in early 1942 and was assigned to the Solomon Islands in the Pacific, and also served in the Bougainville campaign.

Colonel Boyington led one of the most successful squadrons in all of World War II. During his combat career with the Flying Tigers, and the Black Sheep Squadron, he successfully shot down 28 Japanese aircraft. VMF-214, the Black Sheep Squadron, flying the F4U Corsair, shot down 94 enemy fighters and had a total of 203 enemy aircraft either destroyed, probably destroyed, or damaged in only 12 weeks of combat.

The constant stress of the tropical climate and combat took its toll however, and suffering from exhaustion and skin disease Boyington flew his last combat mission on 3 January 1944 during a mission in which he and his wingman,  George Ashmun, attacked a flight of 10 Japanese Zero's.  After shooting 3 down, the Marine pilots were attacked by 20 more zeros from above. Boyington managed to down another zero trying to defend his wingman but Ashmun crashed and "Pappy" bailed out of his burning F4U with just inches to spare. Four Zeros strafed Boyington in the water for almost 20 minutes before a Japanese submarine picked him up.  He was subsequently captured and spent the duration of World War II (over 20 months) as a prisoner of war in Japanese prison camps.

The Black Sheep scoured the skies seeking vengeance for their fallen leader, strafing barges and land targets and checking out any rumors about downed airmen sighted at sea. Nothing turned up, however, and on January 6, the Black Sheep carried out their final mission as a unit. In two six-week combat tours, VMF-214 accumulated a stellar squadron record of 1,776 missions and 168 planes destroyed or damaged, earning eight pilots ace status and the squadron a Presidential Unit Citation.

A few days after the cease fire in 1945 some of his POW mates painted "PAPPY BOYINGTON HERE!" on top of the little tin shack that they were living in. Boyington was rediscovered and in a few days on his way back to the states. Even after enduring near starvation, beatings and dysentary at the hands of his captors he gave the Japanese credit for keeping him sober for 20 months.

Life in the states was not always easy for him as the press frequently criticized him for his excess drinking-but press writers never had to fly 7 tons of metal, fuel and explosives at 400 mph with people shooting real bullets at them and then have to write letters to the families of the pilots who would not return home by the dim light of a kerosene lantern. When asked how he accomplished putting together such a good fighting squadron in a short time he commented that he was just a good coach. "My BlackSheep taught me that you get along fine with the American boy if you lead him and show him and do not try to order him or drive him". Something that corporate CEO's and bureaucrats should take to heart. When asked how he felt about being a hero he said " Just name a hero and I'll prove he's a bum".

At the end of the war in August of 1945, after Boyington's release, he was presented the Medal of Honor by President Truman. The MOH had been awarded to him by President Roosevelt while he was listed as MIA. He was promoted to Colonel upon his retirement from the Corps in 1947.

Pappy died January 11, 1988 and is buried in Section 7-A of Arlington National Cemetery.

Portions by: Bruce "BBGunn" Bowen

Click here for a brief history of VMF-214
 

 

Pappy briefs his flock before a fighter sweep over Rabaul
Source: Marine CorpsLink to the Pappy page where I found this info.

More here.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Marine Squadron 214.

Place and date: Central Solomon's area, from 12 September 1943 to 3 January 1944.

Entered service at: Washington.

Born: 4 December 1912, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho.

Other Navy award: Navy Cross.

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 Solomon's 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.

[radu]

Greetings to all at the Canteen!

To all our military men and women, past and present,

[SkyDancer]

~Janey’s Page~ Hi and Welcome

Just a little about me. I've been flying since I was 14, and now I do flight instruction, am a Captain for an executive Bizjet company flying Cessna Citations.

~ This Is Home ~

~ Comforting The Grieving ~

~ "In prayer we laid before G-d our suffering, our rage, our filth, our fatigue,our exposure, our hunger, and our misery " - Aime Bonifasi~

Abandoned children - Warsaw Ghetto - 1941

~ Child Hit With Rock By Palestinian Rioters ~

~ With Us It's Never An Accident ~

~ Super Girl - The Early Years ~

~ You Are ~ "Supergirl"

Supergirl		85%
Wonder Woman		80%
The Flash		70%
Superman		65%
Robin		62%
Spider-Man		55%
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Hulk		45%
Iron Man		35%
Catwoman		20%
Batman		15%

Lean, Muscular And Feminine.
Honest And A Defender Of The Innocent

~Janey ~

This Is Who You Are

You are incredibly sexy. There's no way you could hide it, so you just flaunt it. You are a naturally talented flirt. You make everyone feel fascinating and attractive. You have a wild streak. You like to have fun, and your idea of fun is pretty outrageous. You dare to be yourself and live life courageously. People respect you for it. You are totally spontaneous and unpredictable. Even your best friend doesn't know what you'll be up to next.

You are full of joy and enthusiasm for life. You love adventures, and you always want to include your friends in your plans. You are usually the one who brings the fun. Nothing can be boring when you're around. You are flexible and easygoing. You're willing to go along with almost anything! You are an amazing friend - you are the perfect mix of fun and loyalty.

You believe in yourself and in others. You think the world is a bright and brilliant place. You are a positive thinker and a total optimist. You believe it's important to dream big. You are very liable and charming. People know they're going to have a blast when you're around.

You Are an Adventurous Valentine Your heart soars whenever you have the chance to do something new, and that goes double for Valentine's Day. You would love excitement and novelty to celebrate this special day. You especially love surprises! Your ideal Valentine's Day is unconventional, quirky, and not traditionally romantic by any means. You don't like a lot of pressure on V-Day.

You just want to have some fun! Compared to most people, you are very active and energetic. You have a daring, challenging spirit. You're willing to go into something blind. You are playful, carefree, and optimistic. You are up for trying anything. If you dream it, you usually end up doing it. You're not one for putting your dreams on hold.

You are down to earth, well grounded, and practical. Some may even call you sensible. You say what you mean and you mean what you say. You're straight shooting and honest. It's likely that you're more of a productive type than a creative type. You enjoy working hard. You live in the now and enjoy every moment. You appreciate what you've got, and you're also very humble about what you deserve.

~ Live your life in such a way that the Westboro church will want to picket your funeral ~

~ Have A Nice Day!!! ~

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LylRZXQ_D-8/>The Israeli National Anthem Like You've Never Heard Before

[HartleyMBaldwin]

One of my brothers met Pappy Boyington at an air show and got an autographed copy of his autobiography.

[MoochPooch]

Evening, Kathy! Getting excited about tomorrow.

[Kathy in Alaska]

~ Hall of Heroes: Gregory "Pappy" Boyington ~

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[Kudsman]

Happy Inauguration Eve!

[Maine Mariner]

I believe his son attended the US Air Force Academy.

[Rummyfan]

Greg ‘Pappyt’ Boyinton was a true American hero. No question.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, radu...has the COLD arrived? No wind, I hope.

It has started snowing here, sort of...so far it is little round pellets, but supposed to turn into real snow pretty soon.

[radu]

Howdy, Kathy.

Yep, the cold rolled in last night and as I’d heard would be the case, we’re colder than you are.
And we do have the wind they predicted. Not steppin’ foot out the door.

I saw there was something frozen falling. There’s a dusting of white all around the airports.

I saw 4 or 5 large flakes this afternoon when I looked out the window. My sister said there was a decent dusting where she lives - - only around 6 miles north of here. Crazy weather.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, HartleyMBaldwin...how exciting that must have been to meet Pappy Boyington in person, and get his autograph in his autobiography.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Mooch...I am SO ready to start taking our back. MAGA!!

Are you staying inside and staying warm? Is it snowing?

[Kathy in Alaska]

A true hero...I agree!

[Flash Bazbeaux]

He was at an air show a friend of mine and I attended in the summer of 1986 at the Hawthorne, CA airport, next door to where Space X has its facilities now. It was the home airport for Northrop Corp. I didn’t see him, but they were announcing him on the PA system.

The friend I was with worked at Northrop, and used to mention a guy Charlie he worked with, a Luftwaffe pilot.

At another air show with the same friend, at the Planes of Fame Air Museum, in Chico, we were looking at their ME-262 static exhibit when I overheard two attendees say “We just spoke with a Luftwaffe pilot.” I told this to my friend, and he said “Charlie was a Luftwaffe pilot.” I told him “That’s probably who they spoke with.”

We went outside, and there was Charlie [Faludi], who recognized my friend immediately.

https://www.internetmodeler.com/awn/98-march/ambush.htm

In March 1945 Faludi and the remnants of the Pumas retreated to southern Germany when the Russians finally over-ran Hungary. He was fortunate to be in the western Allied sector of the front after the war’s end, and later he and his new bride (Rose, the sister of his best friend and fellow 101/1 Sq. pilot Jozsef Nagy) emigrated to the U.S. Now known as Charles K. “Charlie” Faludi, he lives in southern California and works for Northrop Aviation.

[luvie]

Pappy Boyington....a REAL hero!

[left that other site]

yes indeed.

[luvie]

What a beautiful page! The image I like best is the “parachute” of birds carrying the girl up into the air. Oh, and your portrait at the end. :)

[william clark]

For a few years after splitting with my first wife, I rented a small apartment across the street from Warner Bros. in Burbank. I was informed that the apartment had housed Pappy Boyington while he was acting as consultant for Baa Baa Black Sheep/Black Sheep Squadron being shot up the hill at Universal.

[radu]

Howdy, luvie.

I see you survived heading out into the cold today and this evening.
I haven’t opened a door. LOL