S3E3: Pappy Boyington Part 2: The Blacksheep

The Aviation Medals of Honor

This episode covers Pappy’s time in the South Pacific, his command of VMF-214, The Blacksheep, and their run through the Solomons in late 1943 and early 1944, and finally his time as a prisoner of war. Initially two parts, I condensed it down cutting much of Pappy’s postwar life. If you’re interested in that, there are many books that cover that, including Pappy’s own autobiography which ends with “Just name a hero and I’ll prove he’s a bum.” A difficult episode to do. A lot has been written about Pappy and trying to do him justice while not ignoring his faults was not easy, especially when you’re dealing with your childhood hero. Had to learn a new editing software as well which involved a long process of which I’m still learning. I hope you enjoy the result and hopefully the next episode one won’t take so long. Let me know at AviationMoH@gmail. Selected readings: Baa Baa Black Sheep by Greg Boyington Black Sheep One, the Life of Gregory “Pappy” Boyington by Bruce Gamble The Black Sheep, the Definitive Account of Marine Fighting Squadron 214 in WW2 by Bruce Gamble Black Sheep, the Life of Pappy Boyington by John Wukovitz Once They Were Eagles by Frank Walton