FORMER “FLYING TIGER”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 3, 5 January 1944, Page 5

FORMER “FLYING TIGER”

NEIR HEAD OF ACE PILOTS fOfHrial War Corr^apondent— N.Z.E.F.) South Pacific, Dec. 30. A United States Marines fighterpilot based on an air-strip on a New Zealand-occupied Solomons island brought his total of Japanese aircraft destroyed to 24 the other day when he flew back from a successful sortie over Bougainville. He is Major Gregory Boyington. 32 years old, a former member of the "Flying Tigers" and now commanding a lighter squadron. Of his squadron s total of 12 Jap victims last Thursdaj Major Boyington got fogr. The Marine major knocked down the first three aircraft within a few minutes of each other shortly after the bombers his squadron was protecting had arrived over their target at Raboul. Lingering behind after the rest had headed for home. Major Boyington shot down his fourth in a solo attack against a formation of nine Zeros. Now on his third and possibly last tour of combat duty before his return to the United States. Major Boyington needs only two more victims in the next two weeks to equal the 26 plane record held jointly by Major Joe Foss and Captain Rfckenbacker. Captain Ricker.backer's tally was a World War 1 record, and Major Foss' equivalent was scored over Guadalcanar in thia