Whenever the fighter pilots of the Black Sheep Squadron headed out on a mission in their F4-U Corsairs, they always flew in pairs. The guy in the other plane was known as your "wingman." Incredibly, when Bob McClurg joined the Black Sheep Marine Fighter Squadron in the South Pacific theatre during WWII, he barely had any flying hours under his belt. The colorful squadron leader, Greg "Pappy" Boyington, literally took McClurg under his wing and made an Ace fighter pilot out of him. McClurg flew many missions as Boyington's wingman in the distinctive "bent-winged" aircraft. The Corsairs could really take a beating, but they often lacked critical equipment such as working compasses or radios. Outmaneuvered by the swift Japanese zeroes, they often limped back to the base. But the zeroes were fragile, and, as McClurg says, after a morning combat mission there were usually a lot fewer lunches served at the Japanese base than there had been breakfasts. Boyington's combat tactics, which are reprinted in this book, were largely responsible for the high success rate of the Black Sheep. Several books have been written about the Black Sheep, but this is the only one besides Boyington's autobiography, "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep," and Frank Walton's "Once They Were Eagles." that has been written by one of the original squadron members. Thanks to a 1970s television series, the Black Sheep became a cultural icon, but the series did not give a completely accurate portrayal of the squadron, and McClurg sets the record straight. He emphasizes that these fighter pilots and their leader were not "misfits," as is commonly believed. Here is McClurg's story in his own words, with excerpts from his wartime journals accompanied by transcriptions of the actual combat reports from the National Archives, as well as several never before published photographs. A WWII aviation classic! 2003, 5½ x 8½, cloth, 256 pp.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
what a story!!!!!!,
By king sidor (Constantia, N.Y.) - See all my reviews
This review is from: On Boyington's Wing: The Wartime Journals of Black Sheep Squadron Fighter Ace Lt. Col. Robert W. McClurg (Hardcover)
The other day I saw a copy of robert mcclurgs book at my grandmothers and was excited to see it. As a former army man stationed in germany i love the history of our armed forces. Also ,I remebered the show in the 70's with robert conrad and loved it. I think this is great timing for this book because of whats goin on in the the world today. Plus its good to know the truth about black sheep squadron as the tv show portrayed a different light on it. A must read for all military buffs!!!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Genuine account from and everyday hero,
This review is from: On Boyington's Wing: The Wartime Journals of Black Sheep Squadron Fighter Ace Lt. Col. Robert W. McClurg (Hardcover)
I loved the genuine tone of McClurg's book. While many accounts have been colored or embellished McClurg simpply tells the story as it was. Almost like having the privilege of sitting in his living room and listening to him recount those 84 days that have become a part of American military history. Easy to read, full of details.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Black Sheep Squadron,
By Radioman "WEB" (Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: On Boyington's Wing: The Wartime Journals of Black Sheep Squadron Fighter Ace Lt. Col. Robert W. McClurg (Hardcover)
A thorough and entertaining book about the famous Black Sheep Squadron by one who lived it. McClurg's reproduction of the actual combat reports and telling of actual missions gives a great insight to the most famous Marine Aviation Squadron of WWII, VMF 214, The Black Sheep Squadron.
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