History Presentation and F3A Flight Demo VMF-214 – Greg Boyington and The Black Sheep Squadron in the Pacific
October 12
Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214) was one of the most storied aviation units of WWII. The squadron and its colorful first commander, Major Greg Boyington, became legends and were even the subject of a popular television series that ran in the 1970s.
What became known as “The Black Sheep Squadron” fought for 84 days during its 1943-44 combat tour. Flying F4U Corsairs out of forward bases in the south Pacific, they met the Japanese over their own fields and territory. The Black Sheep Squadron produced nine fighter aces with 97 confirmed air-to-air kills, piled up a record of 203 planes destroyed or damaged, sank several troop transports and supply ships, destroyed many installations, and notched numerous other victories.
The original Black Sheep was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action. The original squadron ended its combat tour on 8 January 1944, just five days after Boyington was shot down and captured by the Japanese. Boyington was credited with 28 aerial victories and was awarded the Medal of Honor.
On Saturday, October 12th, at 9:00 am, museum docent Steve Hein will present the intriguing story of Boyington, the men of the original Black Sheep Squadron, and the F4U Corsair they flew. The presentation will be followed by a flight demonstration of the museum’s F3A Corsair, weather permitting.