Four U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs from VMFA-214 made a quick stop at Coeur d’Alene Airport on Jun. 17. Coeur d’Alene is the hometown of World War II ace Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, who was also the commanding officer of VMF-214 during the war.
Pappy Boyington was born on December 4, 1912, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Coeur d’Alene is a city located in the northern part of Idaho, known for its beautiful lake and scenic surroundings. Boyington grew up in Coeur d’Alene and attended high school there before pursuing his higher education at the University of Washington in Seattle.
During World War II, Boyington joined the Marine Corps and became a fighter pilot. He earned the nickname “Pappy” because, at the age of 31, he was considered one of the older pilots in his squadron. Boyington initially served with VMF-122 in the Pacific theater but gained fame and recognition when he took command of VMF-214 in September 1943.
The Black Sheep Squadron, under Boyington’s leadership, became known for their aggressive and effective air combat tactics. They flew Vought F4U Corsair fighter planes and engaged in intense aerial battles against Japanese forces in the Pacific. Boyington himself achieved significant success, shooting down 28 enemy aircraft, making him one of the top American flying aces of the war.
Boyington’s wartime achievements led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, for his extraordinary heroism and leadership during the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. He also received the Navy Cross and numerous other honors for his combat actions.
After spending 20 months as a prisoner of war when his plane was shot down in 1944, Boyington returned to the United States as a national hero. He left the military in 1947 with the rank of colonel and later authored a book called “Baa Baa Black Sheep,” which detailed his wartime experiences.
Following the war, Boyington returned to Coeur d’Alene and lived there for some time before eventually settling in Fresno, California. Throughout his life, he maintained connections to Coeur d’Alene and was recognized as one of its notable residents. Today, the city honors his memory with various tributes, including a statue of Boyington located near the Coeur d’Alene Resort.