by Andrew Marshall

Who was Pappy Boyington?

Introduction Gregory “Pappy” Boyington (04 December 1912 to 11 January 1988) was an American combat pilot who was a United States Marine Corps fighter ace during World War II. He received the Medal of Honour and the Navy Cross. A Marine aviator with the Pacific fleet in 1941, Boyington joined the “Flying Tigers” (1st American… Read More

by Andrew Marshall

Who was Doris Miller?

Introduction Doris Miller (12 October 1919 to 24 November 1943) was a United States Navy cook third class who was killed in action during World War II. He was the first black American to be awarded the Navy Cross, the highest decoration for valour in combat after the Medal of Honour. Miller served aboard the… Read More

by Andrew Marshall

Who was John Basilone?

Introduction John Basilone (04 November 1916 to 19 February 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who received the Medal of Honour for heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of… Read More