French-based aviation apparel brand Barnstormer has recently unveiled a commemorative polo shirt celebrating the legendary American fighter pilot Gregory “Pappy” Boyington. Known for his daring exploits during World War II, Boyington led the famed VMF-214 “Black Sheep Squadron,” a group of U.S. Marine Corps pilots renowned for their success against Japanese Zero fighters in the Pacific theater.
Barnstormer, a brand born out of a passion for aviation and a desire to capture the spirit of barnstorming, creates clothing that tells stories from aviation’s golden era. Their latest release honors Boyington’s extraordinary career and the enduring legacy of his squadron.
During the height of the war, in 1943, while stationed on Vella Lavella, Boyington made a memorable bet: for every baseball cap sent by Major League Baseball (MLB) players to his squadron, he promised to shoot down a Japanese plane. The St. Louis Cardinals, fresh off their 1943 World Series victory over the New York Yankees, sent 20 caps along with bats and baseballs. True to their word, the Black Sheep Squadron far exceeded expectations, downing 48 enemy aircraft instead of the promised 20. These simple items of support became powerful morale boosters for the pilots risking their lives daily over the Pacific.
Boyington himself distinguished himself as a combat ace with 28 confirmed victories (although 22 seems a more realistic and confirmed number, based on Bruce Gamble’s research). Captured in January 1944 and held as a prisoner of war until the end of the conflict, he returned home to receive the Medal of Honor, cementing his place in aviation history. The story of Boyington and VMF-214 later reached a wider audience through the 1970s television series Baa Baa Black Sheep, which dramatized the adventures of the Black Sheep Squadron and introduced the legendary pilot to a new generation.
Barnstormer’s commemorative polo pays tribute to this remarkable legacy. The shirt embodies not only Boyington’s courage and leadership but also the enduring themes of resilience, camaraderie, and determination that defined the Black Sheep Squadron. It’s a fitting addition for aviation enthusiasts and collectors alike, offering a wearable connection to one of history’s most celebrated fighter pilots. For more on Barnstormer and their range of aviation-inspired apparel, visit Barnstormer USA.
