Black Sheep One is the first biography of legendary warrior and World War II hero Gregory Boyington. In 1936, Boyington became an aviation cadet and earned the “wings of gold” of a naval aviator. After only a short period on active duty, however, he was “encouraged” to resign from the Marine Corps due to his unconventional behavior. Remarkably, this inauspicious beginning was just the prologue to … just the prologue to a heroic career as an American fighter pilot and innovative combat leader. With the onset of World War II, when skilled pilots were in demand, he became the commander of an ad hoc squadron of flying leathernecks. Led by Medal of Honor winner Boyington, the legendary Black Sheep set a blistering pace of aerial victories against the enemy.
Though many have observed that when the shooting stops, combat heroes typically just fade away, nothing could be further from the truth for Boyington. Blessed with inveterate luck, the stubbornly independent Boyington lived a life that went beyond what even the most imaginative might expect. Exhaustively researched and richly detailed, here is the complete story of this American original.
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very dry reading sad story of how a great man could not escape himself nor the bottle his whole life
Well done recount of a true conflicted hero.
Kind of dull.
WWII Biographies are a favorite read of mine. This one especially so because I loved the TV show and had read a little about Boyington before. This bio read like a novel, Entertaining and clear eyed tale of an American icon.
This is a thorough study of the life of “Pappy” Boyington. It chronicles how his struggles with alcoholism ruined his life, which was not a pleasant thing to read. The author describes Boyington’s life and the times he lived in quite accurately (I am a naval aviator myself).
I remember the TV show as a kid. Book provides insight on the man the show is based on.
Somewhat underwhelming. For such a larger than life, courageous, hero, it is a bit pedestrian. Could be a compelling story if told right. As it is, meh.
Revealing autobiography. Never thought he was so narcissistic. Book portrays another side of this hero.
Very informative. I had no idea what a troubled life Boyington lived.
I got the book because I remember watching the TV show years ago. Learned a lot more truth about the man Robert Conrad played in the series. “Pappy” had a hard life, sometimes because of other people (for example, his parents) and sometimes because of his own choices. I enjoyed the book.
Sad life of an honorable adventurer but an alcoholic none the less. One wonders what he could have accomplished if he had applied his energy and ablilty in a more constructive life.
Highly interesting read about one of America’s true heroes. Only real life could be this contorted.
This seemed like a negative review of the life of Gregory Boyington. I expected something different.
I’m more used to police & military novels, but this was pretty good.
Love this historical noval. I loved the movie and this tells the truth of the legend.
The book was very informative. Never realized that he had a drinking problem, it kind of ruined my expectations of him.
Confirmed what I’ve heard about Greg Boyington
A great insight into the times of a great pilot, and a prisoner of war of the Japanese.
Good biography of Boyington. The author gives both the good and the bad about the man, who was a flawed but legitimate hero.
Slow, more focused on prehistory. I don’t know if I will ever have the patience to find out if Boyington reaches Pre-adolescence!