Gregory “Pappy” Boyington’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to

MAJOR GREGORY “PAPPY” BOYINGTON

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gregory “Pappy” Boyington (0-5254), Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer and a Pilot of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-214), Marine Air Group ELEVEN (MAG-11), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, during action against enemy aerial forces in the New Britain Island Area on 3 January 1944. Climaxing a period of duty conspicuous for exceptional combat achievement, Major Boyington led a formation of Allied planes on a fighter sweep over Rabaul against a vastly superior number of hostile fighters. Diving in a steep run into the climbing Zeros, he made a daring attack, sending one Japanese fighter to destruction in flames. A tenacious and fearless airman under extremely hazardous conditions, Major Boyington succeeded in communicating to those who served with him, the brilliant and effective tactics developed through a careful study of enemy techniques, and led his men into combat with inspiring and courageous determination. His intrepid leadership and gallant fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service.

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Born: 4 December 1912 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho… Flew for the “Flying Tigers” before returning to the Marine Corps… Also awarded the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart… Boyington scored his final aerial victory of the war on the above mission, then was himself shot down and rescued by a Japanese submarine… Spent a year and a half as a prisoner of war… Passed: 11 January 1988… Interred: Arlington National Cemetery