"For extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty as
Commanding Officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 214 in action
against enemy Japanese forces in Central Solomons Area from September
12, 1943 to January 3, 1944. Consistently outnumbered throughout
successive hazardous flights over heavily defended hostile territory,
Major 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, Major Boyington
led a formation of twenty-four fighters over Kahili on October 17, and,
persistently circling the airdrome where sixty hostile aircraft were
grounded, boldly challenged the Japanese to send up planes. Under his
brilliant command, our fighters shot down twenty enemy craft in the
ensuing action without the loss of a single ship. A superb airman and
determined fighter against overwhelming odds, Major 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."
From Major Gregory Boyington's Medal of Honor citation, awarded in March 1944.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian
Boyington's autobiography.
A spy novel by Boyington.
Baa Baa Black Sheep aka Black Sheep Squadron tv show roughly based on his exploits in the war.
Medal of Honor memorial at the University of Washington.
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