Mon., June 15, 2015

Boyington statue dedicated

A bronze statue of Maj. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, the famed World War II fighter pilot born in Coeur d'Alene, was dedicated on Saturday, June 13, 2015, at 8 p.m. at Resort Aviation next to the Coeur d'Alene Airport. The Marine Corps League Pappy Boyington Detachment conducted the public event. (Kathy Plonka)

The famed Marine fighter pilot, born in Coeur d’Alene in 1912, led the Black Sheep Squadron in World War II. He downed 26 enemy planes before he was captured by the Japanese and spent 20 months in a prisoner-of-war camp. Boyington received the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. He died in 1988.

“What he was able to achieve in combat and aviation with his leadership was legendary,” said Kevin Gonzalez with Marine Corps League Detachment 966.

Boyington’s son, Greg Boyington Jr. of Oakland, California, planned to attend Saturday’s ceremony outside Resort Aviation. More here. Scott Maben, SR

Posted June 15, 2015, 8:15 a.m.