Black Sheep Chronicles, Part 5: Maj. Boyington’s 2nd Combat Tour

In this fifth installment of the Black Sheep Chronicles, Maj. Greg Boyington leads an upsized echelon of 40 pilots on his second combat tour as CO of the Black Sheep. He achieves his personal goals, but at significant cost to himself as well as the squadron.

Lucybelle was actually Lucy Malcolmson, a former showgirl he met aboard the SS Brazil in 1942. Photo via Bruce Gamble
Aircorps Art Dec 2019


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.
Maj. Boyingtons 2nd Combat Tour
Maj. Boyington and his pilots celebrate after a successful hunting day. Photo via Bruce Gamble

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!

Previous Episodes

Black Sheep Chronicles, Part 1: Wildcat Days
Black Sheep Chronicles, Part 2: Corsairs and Swashbucklers!
 
Black Sheep Chronicles, Part 3: The Origins of The Black Sheep
Black Sheep Chronicles, Part 4: Maj. Boyington’s 1st Combat Tour
Moreno-Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

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About Moreno Aguiari 3373 Articles
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

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