A sensitive revision of a controversial legend, this book stands out as one of the best extant squadron histories and as a significant contribution to the lieterature on air power.-Publishers Weekly
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Biased!:
Well researched as it is (hence three stars), the book disappoints due to the author's open aversion to Boyington. The fact that the CO of the Black Sheep occasionally drank too much, apparently did not affect his flying skills, which were well above average, nor did it endanger his men in any way. Still, to Mr Gamble Boyington's alcoholism is the subject he enjoys most and a source of his numerous derisive remarks. More than that. Because as a PoW of the Japanese, Boyington was smart enough to get himself... more info
True Historical Account of a Great Squadron in Naval Aviation History:
For some reason, I have never related to the European aviation theatre. It's almost like I was there, in the Pacific, in my previous life, and I was flying something in that war. If I did, I wish I had flown with the Black Sheep of VMF 214. My ex-father-in-law was an ordnance rep on Guadalcanal with that squadron, and had a signed photo of "Pappy" on his wall. My high school friend's dad was his wingman-Don Fisher, an ace himself.
In today's aviation, breaking a few rules gets a pilot placed "in... more info
Son of Black Sheep veteran approves this book.:
My father is written about in this book and other people's critique of Gamble's writing in regards to Boynton - especially about being captive - is insulting. Gamble thoroughly researched this book by interviewing LIVING MEMBERS OF THIS SQUADRON, my father being one of them. Gamble combined official Naval and Marine Corps records along with actual life experiences into this book. For the over all accounting of the 214, this book is as complete as possible and well written. I found myself emmersed in... more info
"We Are Poor Little Lambs Who Have Lost Our Way...":
Author Bruce Gamble has done a teriffic job of describing Marine squadron 214 and their heroic actions over the Solomons during 1943-1944. Commanded by Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, a hard-drinking, hardfighting pilot, the Black Sheep compiled a record of enemy kills that other squadrons could only dream about. Boyington himself was credited with twenty-eight enemy planes shot down, including six as a member of the famed "Flying Tigers". He was the leading Marine Corps ace of WWII. I remember... more info
