The fifth episode of Black Sheep Chronicles: VMF-214 in World War II is now on YouTube. Last year (HERE), Gamble unveiled an exciting new series of episodes focusing on the renowned Black Sheep Squadron (VMF-214). His debut book, “The Black Sheep,” published in 1998, offered a highly engaging narrative that not only expands but also corrects the historical account of VMF-214 and its legendary squadron leader, Greg “Pappy” Boyington. With four titles currently available, Bruce Gamble is widely acknowledged as a leading author of the Pacific Air War.
In this fifth installment, Gunfights Over Rabaul, covers Pappy Boyington’s second combat tour as leader of VMF-214, upsized to 40 pilots. The Black Sheep were involved in some of the biggest dogfights of the war with up to 150 combatants in the air–and the squadron suffered its heaviest losses. Boyington tied the existing aerial victory record but disappeared on the same mission. Presumed dead, he emerged from a Japanese POW camp after the war and became an international icon. As announced in this article, author Bruce Gamble launched his own YouTube Channel called Skywarrior Media. Skywarrior Media is Bruce Gamble’s digital studio, combining his historical expertise with a huge array of photographs and archival footage to create accurate and authentic video presentations. His first production is titled Ride Along: A Flight in an A-3 Skywarrior, which incorporates video footage that Bruce recorded in the venerable naval attack aircraft almost 40 years ago.
Black Sheep Chronicles will consist of 9 episodes created by author and historian Bruce Gamble. Featuring hundreds of archival photographs and rare film clips, this all-new documentary will provide viewers with an unrivaled glimpse into the experiences of America’s most famous fighter squadron. Bruce’s goal is to use his new YouTube channel as a platform to both share his stories as a naval aviator and also his work as a naval aviation historian. In particular, viewers will be able to enjoy an inside view of his work about the war in the Pacific, especially the ‘Blacksheep’ of VMF-214 and its notorious leader, Gregory ‘Pappy’ Boyington. Visit his channel (HERE) and make sure to “follow” what is sure to be a fascinating ride!
