Mr. Winkie Goes To War

[Jack Cook]

Where's My Avatar

[mustangdriver]

Highest scoring ace in the USMC.

[Jack Cook]

Sorry pal but that's Joe Foss's mark on history and I think you know that

[mustangdriver]

I show Foss and Boyington, tied at 26. Did Foss have more?

[Bluedharma]

Here comes the fight!!!

Bing Bang Boom!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Foss

Even though all of Foss' 26 victories were gained as a Marine Corps officer, the service continues to recognize Gregory Boyington as its leading ace.
This is due to Boyington's wartime claims of 6 victories scored while serving with the American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers)
prior to rejoining the Marine Corps, though the documented records prove otherwise (AVG records only show 2).

[Jack Cook]

Boyington had 22 (some being questionable) in the USMC + 2 (air) in the AVG.
Foss had 26 in the Marines so any way you look he is the #1 ace and was a great guy BTW!

[Jack Cook]

Can you make his mouth go up and down
Now if you're going to count the ground kill the the top ace would be Capt Alvin Jensen of VMF-214 Swashbucklers with 33 combined kills

[mustangdriver]

For extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO FOURTEEN in action against enemy Japanese forces in Central Solomons Area from 12 September 1943 to 3 January 1944. Consistently outnumbered throughout successive hazardous flights over heavily defended hostile territory, Major Boyington struck at the enemy with daring and courageous persistence, leading his squadron into combat with devastating results to Japanese shipping, shore installations and aerial forces. Resolute in his efforts to inflict crippling damage on the enemy, Major Boyington led a formation of twenty-four fighters over Kahili on 17 October and, persistently circling the airdrome where sixty hostile aircraft were grounded, boldly challenged the Japanese to send up planes. Under his brilliant command, our fighters shot down twenty enemy craft in the ensuing action without the loss of a single ship. A superb airman and determined fighter against overwhelming odds, Major Boyington personally destroyed 26 of the many Japanese planes shot down by his squadron and by his forceful leadership developed the combat readiness in his command which was a distinctive factor in the Allied aerial achievements in this vitally strategic area.

/S/ FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

[Jack Cook]

and who comfirmed those last 2 kills???
Oops
and FDR said

blah-blah-blah

[mustangdriver]

That is a quote from his citation for the Medal of Honor. It's kind of a big deal man. You may not like Pappy Boyington the guy you met later in life, and that is understandable. But Pappy Boyington the WWII fighter pilot and ace is a hero and a legend.

[Jack Cook]

but not the top Marine ace
PB himself said "They only gave it to me because they thought I was dead"

[Tailspin]

For what it is Worth-
The American Fighter Aces Association lists Boyington with 2 kills with the AVG for a total of 24 confirmed and 4 probables. (MOH & NS)
Foss is listed with 26 confirmed. (MOH & DFC)
Regards,
Hugh

[mustangdriver]

He is only the top scoring USMC ace to the Marines. They consider him as such.

[Bluedharma]

[mustangdriver]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQCYG0C89uk