Who Is Pappy Boyington? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Pappy Boyington would have celebrated his 113th birthday had he remained with us. He was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and gained fame as a Marine Corps aviator during World War II. Boyington was a fighter pilot, credited with 28 aerial victories, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor in combat. He became a legend within military aviation and influenced pop culture, notably inspiring the TV series "Baa Baa Black Sheep."
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 4, 1912 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, United States |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 11 January, 1988 |
| Died Place | Fresno, California, United States |
Popularity
Pappy Boyington's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Pappy Boyington was noted for his athletic build, standing approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm). His weight was around 175 lbs (79 kg) during his military service. While specific measurements aren't widely documented, his physique contributed to his capabilities as a fighter pilot and his rugged persona.
Boyington was the inspiration for the NROL-82 mission patch that launched in April 2021. ("GPB" on the shoulder patch and an F4U Corsair in the background)
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Pappy Boyington married his first wife, Grace Boyington, in 1934, but their marriage faced challenges due to his military career, leading to their separation in the 1940s. He later married his second wife, Phyllis, with whom he remained until his death in 1988. Boyington had four children throughout his life, and his family has preserved his legacy through various initiatives and tributes in his honor.
Boyington began his military training in college as a member of Army ROTC and became a cadet captain. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Coast Artillery Reserve in June 1934, and then served two months of active duty with the 630th Coast Artillery at Fort Worden, Washington.
In the spring of 1935, he applied for flight training under the Aviation Cadet Act, but he discovered that it excluded married men. Boyington had grown up as Gregory Hallenbeck, and assumed his stepfather, Ellsworth J. Hallenbeck, was his father.
When he obtained a copy of his birth certificate, he learned that his father was actually Charles Boyington, a dentist, and that his parents had divorced when he was an infant. As no record was found of any Gregory Boyington ever being married, he enrolled as a U.S. Marine Corps aviation cadet using that name.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 1988, Pappy Boyington's net worth was modest, reflective of a military officer's pension and a lifetime dedicated to public service. His legacy has continued to grow in value, especially with the rise of memorabilia and collectibles associated with his military exploits. While specific figures are hard to pinpoint in 2025, it is estimated that his estate could be valued in the millions due to historical significance and collectability.
Career, Business and Investments
Pappy Boyington's career spanned from a Marine Corps pilot to a successful author and public figure. After World War II, he wrote his autobiography, "Baa Baa Black Sheep," which became a bestseller and later turned into a series. His military expertise and promotional efforts led to various speaking engagements and endorsements, which contributed to his post-war earnings. Boyington also engaged in public service roles, further cementing his reputation as a hero and leader.
While serving as an instructor at Pensacola, Boyington punched another officer during a disagreement, and was informed by his superiors that he likely faced a court-martial. At this time, representatives looking for volunteer fighter pilots to fight in China visited Pensacola.
Boyington quickly resigned his commission in the Marine Corps on August 26, 1941, to accept a position with the Central Aircraft Manufacturing Company, which was a civilian firm that contracted to staff a Special Air Unit to defend China and the Burma Road. This later became known as the American Volunteer Group, the famed Flying Tigers in Burma.
During his time with the Tigers, Boyington became a flight leader. He was frequently in trouble with the commander of the outfit, Claire Chennault, and reportedly was disliked and distrusted by the other pilots in the organization, who considered Boyington a "liar and a drunk".
Boyington was officially credited with two Japanese aircraft destroyed in the air and one and a half on the ground. Boyington always claimed that he shot down six in the air, a claim accepted by the Marine Corps. In April 1942, he broke his contract with the American Volunteer Group and returned on his own to the United States.
Social Network
While Pappy Boyington did not have access to modern social media, his legacy is celebrated through various platforms today. Fans and historians share his storied past on sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where groups dedicated to military history discuss his life and contributions. Online platforms have helped preserve and disseminate his story, ensuring it reaches new generations.
On January 3, 1944, he beat World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker's record of 26 enemy planes destroyed, before Boyington was shot down, though his last two kills for a total of 28 were confirmed after his return.
On that mission, 48 American fighters, including four planes from the Black Sheep Squadron (plus planes from VF-33 and VMF-211), were sent on a sweep over Rabaul. Boyington was tactical commander of the flight and arrived over the target at 8:00 am.
He was seen to shoot down his 26th plane, but he then became mixed in the general melee of dogfighting planes and was not seen or heard from during the battle, nor did he return with his squadron. Boyington's wingman, Captain George Ashmun, was killed in action.
In later years, Masajiro "Mike" Kawato claimed to have been the pilot who shot down Boyington. He described the combat in two books and numerous public appearances (often with Boyington), but this claim was eventually "disproven", though Kawato repeated his story until his death.
Kawato was present during the action in which Boyington was shot down, as one of 70 Japanese fighters that engaged about 30 American fighters. The IJN Forces were the 204th Kōkūtai and 253d Kōkūtai (Naval Aviation Group Formations).
The 204th Kōkūtai losses are unknown; however the 253d Kōkūtai reported 1 Zero shot down and Pilot slightly injured.
Education
Boyington attended the University of Washington, where he studied civil engineering before enlisting as a Marine. His education, coupled with his military training, equipped him with skills that were essential to his successful career as a fighter pilot. Although formal education played a role, Boyington's life experiences, including his time in combat, were unparalleled teachers that shaped his character and leadership style.
Born on December 4, 1912, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, he moved with his family to the logging town of St. Maries at age three and lived there until age 12. He is of part Brulé Sioux descent. He then lived in Tacoma, Washington, where he was a wrestler at Lincoln High School. He took his first flight at St.
Maries when he was six years old, with Clyde Pangborn, who later became the first pilot to fly over the Pacific Ocean non-stop.
