“Pappy” Boyington, Marine Corps Fighter Ace

Shifting gears to the United States, and to a great American hero and fighter pilot, this post is dedicated to Gregory “Pappy” Boyington. A very colorful personality, he was known for his brashness, dislike of authority, and hard drinking. He was, however, an aggressive and skilled pilot, first joining the American Volunteer Group (AVG), known famously as the “Flying Tigers”. They fought the Japanese on behalf of China, a topic to be discussed in a later post!

After assembling a unit of unassigned “orphan” pilots, who had few airplanes and no support crew, Boyington formed his legendary “Black Sheep” squadron (VMF-214). He earned the nickname “Pappy” being some 10 years older then many of those in his command. Doing things his way, his squadron amassed an impressive combat record. During a large dogfight on Jan. 3, 1944, Pappy achieved his 26th confirmed kill. While going to the aid of his wingman he was shot down while heavily outnumbered. He survived the final 20 months of the war as a prisoner of the Japanese.

Interestingly, the Corsair often attached to him (#86, LuluBelle, shown here), he said he never flew in combat. A publicity photo showed him in this plane, though he said he never flew the any plane regularly. Often he took the plane in the worst shape available, saving his pilots that concern.

For his exploits and leadership, Pappy received the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, and many other decorations. His Black Sheep lost 23 pilots in action, downing 97 enemy planes in the process. He is listed as America’s 8th highest scoring fighter ace of WWII (when his victories with the AVG are included). He died in 1988, at the age of 75, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, with many other legendary WWII heroes.

His autobiography, “Baa Baa Black Sheep”, published in 1958 should be in every World War II library.