Warbird Information Exchange

I think the truest statement PB ever uttered was that "they gave me that medal only because they thought I was dead".
The movie you're thinking of is Point Break with Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayzee.

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Don't touch my junk!!

That's not the measure of a man in any way shape or form. My gramps grew the best apples in the Hood River Valley.
My cousin had only 5 kill flags on his Corsair. So they don't measure up in your computations

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Don't touch my junk!!

First off, when has that been the measure of a person? Both are equally ridiculous. There's no glory in killing another human being, regardless of the reason, nor is there any sort of individual achievement that consists of simply "being on TV".

For what it's worth, I've been interviewed on two History Channel shows, one about the war in Iraq and one about Afghanistan. What got me there? Being at the right place at the right time.

Also killed plenty of baddies on the ground , but they weren't from a group rich enough to have their own airplanes (except when they're hijacking them). I'm not particularly happy about having to do any of it, outside of the personal pride I have knowing I've honorably served my country. Other than that, I fail to see how that's something to measure a man by.

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I've begun thinking Boyington was successful despite himself. A lot of his contemporaries didn't think much of him including the late Marion Carl, for whom I have enormous respect. I read BAA BAA Blacksheep when I was in the eighth grade, and watched the TV show until it got too silly (the kid with the disco haircut) and I really wanted to like Boyington. But the more I've learned about him the less I care for the guy. I have enormous respect for anyone who could fly so well (especially while drunk) but I do believe he became an oppurtunist cashing in on his military record and exagerating his record with the AVG when he needed money. I don't think he was very sincere.

I give the guy my respect as a war veteran and fighter pilot. Someone who defended our country. I am not a fan of some of the stuff he did, but I think he is still one of the greatest leaders in the history of aviation. All of the veterans that ever siad anything bad about him from VMF-214, when also asked would they follow him into combat again, said yes. I just like to joke around with Jack about the subject. We were just having some fun. JAck is also right that kills don't make a man. Jack's relative with 5 kill flags on his Corsair is no less of a hero that Boyington. I have the most respect for Randy not only as a friend but as a defender of our freedom. Outside of the aviation side of things that he enjoys, you almost never hear him talk of combat, and never hear him call himself a hero. Two quotes I love on this subject,
"If a guy tells you he is a hero, stay away from him, he is an a$$hole"-Chuck Yeager
"Just because you put on a uniform, that doesn't make you a hero"-Bruno Sember, 35 missions B-17 ball turret gunner 8th AF

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

There are lots of weasels and jerkheads (sorry for the overly strong language there, fellas) who excel in their fields. That doesn't lessen their achievements...it just means I don't necesarilly want to have a beer with them (Ty Cobb or CY come to mind).

We can all say whatever we'd like about such men, but let's not denigrate anyone's achievements in the service of our nation.

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"Anyway, the throat feels a bit rough...the legs have gone...but I'm still able to chant, so let's get going."

Joe Strummer, 1999

I agree. Boyington earns any respect he gets. But I also agree that simply putting on a uniform doesn't make you a hero. I was never in the military but wore uniforms with the medical helicopter squadron. People were fast to throw that word at us, and not one of us thought it was true. The same goes with the military in my opinion. Putting on a uniform doesn't make you a hero, it is what you do once it is on that matters. That sign hung above our door to the hangar.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager