Film about WWII Marine ACE Pappy Boyington screens Monday

A film based on the life of famed Marine aviator Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington will be screened at Camp Lejeune on Monday, March 30 at 2 p.m. at the main Base Theater.

“Pappy Boyington Field” tells the story of the grassroots effort to honor the World War II ace in the town of his birth with a commemorative naming of an airfield in his honor.

The effort was not without controversy.

Boyington was the commanding officer of the Black Sheep Squadron, VMF-214, which operated out of Pacific’s Solomon Islands during the war. Boyington’s aggressive fighting spirit in flying the Corsair and his fellow pilots shot down 94 Japanese planes. Boyington was credited with 26 victories.

Boyington was also a Prisoner of War for 20 months and later a Medal of Honor winner. The pilot’s best selling book “Baa Baa Black Sheep” was made into a popular television series in the 1970s.

“Pappy Boyington’s Field” will surely be of interest to fans of Marine history, aviation enthusiasts, and veterans.

Film maker Kevin Gonzalez will be present for the screening and will have a question and answer session afterwards.

Reservations are required. Call the Base Theater at 451-2785 to reserve seats. The Base Theater is located in Building 19 on McHugh Boulevard.

Attendance is free of charge.