Strap into the cockpit for an inspirational story about duty, honor, and courage. “Pappy Boyington Field” tells the story of the grass-roots effort to honor a WWII Hero in the town of his birth. For many years a controversy brewed over the proposal to add a commemorative name to an airfield in a small town in Idaho. The film follows members of the community who battled against bureaucracy, and weaves in their stories during the campaign. "Pappy" Boyington was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho in 1912, and for his service in WWII, was awarded both the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor. Personal insights into Pappy Boyington’s life are provided by his son Greg Boyington Jr., as well as actor Robert Conrad who portrayed Pappy in the television series “Baa Baa Black Sheep”. Archival film footage of the F4U Corsair is showcased, as well as Jet aircraft flown by today's Marine Corps fighter pilots. Included in the film is music of The United States Marine Band “The President’s Own”.
Film Reviews "A great movie about a real American Hero - and the story of how "Pappy Boyington Field" came to be. It's a tribute to people who care, and who know that America is the home of the Free because it is the home of the Brave. Semper Fidelis" Oliver North, Lieutenant Colonel-U.S. Marine Corps (Ret); Host of War Stories on FOX News
"Controversy over Pappy Boyington's supposed lack of sterling character is not the issue at hand in the re-naming of the airfield. What's important is the opportunity for a patriotic community to recognize a local hero who put it all on the line for his country in WWII...and did it so heroically that he was awarded the Medal of Honor. If that's not worthy, I don't know what is. The film points this out in an effective an convincing way, and I recommend you see it." Dale Dye, Captain-U.S. Marine Corps (Ret); Actor and Author, Warriors Inc.
"While the story remains inspirational, we should also not forget the effort from those independent filmmakers outside of Hollywood who have the courage to take on such projects. Film's like this set a good example that hopefully grows into a larger trend in filmmaking in the future." Chris Yogerst, Film Critic - Parcbench
"A Marine Corps Salute to Kevin Gonzalez who has produced a must-see film about a truly important, somewhat controversial but fortunately successful campaign to rename the airport after one of America's greatest aviation heroes, Medal of Honor recipient Pappy Boyington." LtCol W. Thomas Smith Jr. (S.C. Military Dept.) author, columnist, military analyst, and former U.S. Marine
"As a World War II aviation buff, I've a fondness for F-4U Corsair and the men who flew them. None flew that aircraft better than Pappy Boyington. That the airport in his hometown of Coeur d'Alene be named in his honor, is a tribute to the man and the machine." Dick Couch, Captain-U.S. Navy (Ret), and resident of Ketchum, Idaho Author, "The Sheriff of Ramadi", "SEAL Team One", "The Finishing School", "The Warrior Elite", "Chosen Soldier", "Down Range"
"Pappy Boyington Field" is a thoroughly entertaining and educational documentary that should have mass appeal to a wide audience. By telling this story, the film not only pays appropriate tribute to Pappy Boyington and his fellow WWII Marine heroes, but it also honors the dedication, perserverance, and true embodiment of "Semper Fidelis"-Always Faithful. During the official proceedings it was stated that Boyington was a 'heroes hero', and the new airfield name could spur an interest in history and in the veterans who have fought for our country. This film sparks a similar interest by paying tribute to those who have fought, and to those who are still fighting for our freedom." Lieutenant Colonel Glen Butler, USMC, (UH-1N Pilot). Director, Operations and Training, Marine Corps Base Hawaii
"Thank you for your efforts to call attention to Pappy Boyington's contributions. I also appreciate your involvement in the making of 'Pappy Boyington Field', a film that captures what it truly means to be a hero, and how to honor one of our very own. Governor C. L. "Butch" Otter, State of Idaho
"This is a movie for Marines, about Marines, and by a Marine. This film shows how grass root campaigns run by motivated Americans can make things happen in their local communities. Kevin Gonzalez does a masterful job of bringing Pappy Boyington's story to life his film is a timely, relevant, and inspiring tale in today's turbulent world." Wesley R. Gray, Captain-United States Marine Corps, and author of Embedded: A Marine Corps Advisor Inside the Iraqi Army
"We were delighted to present PAPPY BOYINGTON FIELD at the Idaho International Film Festival. Though familiar with the legendary pilot - originally from Robert Conrad's indelible portrayal of him in 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' - the hit 1970s television program, I had no idea of the controversy that surrounds him to this day until I watched the film. There are many layers to this story the tale has national and international relevance, and it played out in our own backyard. Like any good documentary film, when the lights come up you realize you're too entertained to notice that the filmmakers taught you something new." Bruce Fletcher: Idaho International Film Festival
"Thank you for the special viewing of your film for MACG-48. Your recognition of one of the Marine Corps' greatest aviators and your committment to educating the next generation is to be commended. This period of military education rekindled an awareness of Pappy Boyington and sparked an interest in WWII Marine Corps history that will not soon be forgotten at this command." Colonel Peter Yeager, U.S. Marine Corps, Commanding Officer, Marine Air Control Group 48
"While this film tells the story of how the airfield naming came to pass, it is so much more than that. It is a history lesson told by the heroes themselves, heroes who continue to 'fight' for their country by insisting that future generations have a place to bear witness to the history of this great land. Heroes driven by the desire to honor one of their own, and in doing so, allow all of us to honor them. The tone of this film is beautiful, eloquent, and inspiring. I thank God for the freedom I enjoy today because of these amazing men, and I am eternally grateful to the films Director for so masterfully telling their story for all of us to enjoy." K. Amanda Boyington-Lippa, Granddaughter of Pappy Boyington
"It was heartwarming to see how Marines and Veterans of all ages and walks of life still find a sense of community and heritage in our service, and come together for a common cause. I am grateful for the time and attention you have given this matter in honoring, not only Lt.Col. Gregory 'Pappy' Boyington, one of the storied heroes of the Marine Corps, but also the unknown heroes, the Marines who have done their duty and answered their nation's call without press or fanfare." Donald R. Gardner, Major General-U.S. Marine Corps (Ret). President, Marine Corps University
"Thanks for the terrific film on Pappy Boyington! We honor him and his fellow Medal of Honor recipients everyday onboard the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point Museum on Charleston Harbor. We have our nation's Medal of Honor Museum onboard and it is fantastic, Pappy would be proud!" Hugh D. Tant III, Brigadier General U.S. Army (Ret) Executive Director, Patriots Point Museum - Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
"Thank you for doing the film on Pappy, you did a great job. Semper Fi" Wesley L. Fox, Colonel-U.S. Marine Corps (Ret), Medal of Honor Recipient |