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Title: The Black Sheep by Bruce Gamble, Bruce Gamble ISBN: 0-89141-711-7 Publisher: Presidio Press Pub. Date: 22 February, 2000 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $17.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.41 (17 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Everything you wanted to know and more!
Comment: Bruce Gamble's account on the History of the famed VMF-214 provides a detailed look into the lives of Marine fighter pilots during the Pacific War in WWII. From the formation of the squadron thru to it's most recent history, you really get a sense of what it must have been like. This book is a perfect companion to Boyington's, Baa Baa Black Sheep or Frank Walton' s, Once They Were Eagles. Gamble's extensive research includes numerous interviews with surviving members of 214. Having read Boyington's and Walton's books, I expected that Gamble would address the 'story telling' that Boyington was know for, and he does. The Black Sheep were not the bunch of untried misfits that they have been made out to be and Gamble goes the distance in clearing that up. My only problem with his work is that, at times, he seems to take pleasure in proving out Boyington to be a liar. I think most of us would accept that Boyington was telling his story, as he saw it. Certainly he added details to 'enhance' his exploits in the war, but so what? Gamble is right to point out differences when he sees them but the final judgement should be with the reader. Greg Boyington has been credited with 28 air victories during the war. Gamble, and others, have shown that three of his Flying Tiger kills did not likely take place, fair enough. Gamble goes further to say that Boyington's final two victorys should also not count since they were not witnessed, or supported by Japanese records. If that requirement was applied to other aces of the war then there scores would suffer as well. It is enough to say that Boyington most likely had 25 kills, but has claimed and been credited for 28. Let the man rest in peace. Once you get past that, Bruce Gamble's book is a must read for WWII aviation fans.
Rating: 5
Summary: The Black Sheep: The Definitive Account of Marine
Comment: While working on my senior seminar paper for my History degree, I used two of Bruce Gamble's books, this one and Black Sheep One. I found both books great resources and loaded with interesting facts and attention to detail. These books helped me earn an "A" in the class and on the paper itself. Great books for the time period and anyone interested in the Blacksheep.
Rating: 2
Summary: An unfair and unbalanced agenda....
Comment: Decently written squadron history- if a bit dry. Mr. Gamble's relentless attacks on Greg Boyington became old- fast. Like another reviewer said- "He's less of a hero because he lost less in weight in Japanese captivity??" Give me a break indeed... Having my MA in history I recognize the current trend in historical writing- tear down a hero. It's a tactic that's been directed at figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Robert E. Lee of late. Modern writers believe that in order to sell books they need to generate controversy. What better way to stand out from the crowd and sell books than to rip apart an American hero? Was Greg Boyington perfect? No. Was he a hero? Yes. Let the man rest in peace- he earned it. If viewers of the History Channel knew of Mr. Gamble's attacks on Col. Boyington in print I don't think he'd be invited back to chat with Mr. Vanocur. While watching Mr. Gamble's appearances one would think that Greg Boyington was his favorite uncle- these appearances are what lead me to buy and read his book. I was ambushed to say the least. Very disappointing. A missed opportunity- if there ever was a figure in history who required a writer/biographer capable of a balanced protrayal it was Boyington. Unfortunately he didn't get it in this book. I shudder to think of the tone of the Greg Boyington bio Mr. Gamble is working on.
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Title: Black Sheep One: The Life of Gregory "Pappy" Boyington by Bruce Gamble, Bruce Gamble ISBN: 0891417168 Publisher: Presidio Press Pub. Date: 14 November, 2000 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
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Title: Baa Baa Black Sheep by Gregory Pappy Boyington ISBN: 0553263501 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 01 January, 1977 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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Title: Once They Were Eagles: The Men of the Black Sheep Squadron by Frank E. Walton ISBN: 0813108756 Publisher: University Press of Kentucky Pub. Date: July, 1996 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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Title: Lost Black Sheep : The Search for WWII Ace Chris Magee by Robert T. Reed ISBN: 1555715494 Publisher: Hellgate Press Pub. Date: 22 June, 2001 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: Flying Tigers: Claire Chennault and the American Volunteer Group (Smithsonian History of Aviation) by Daniel Ford ISBN: 1560985410 Publisher: Smithsonian Institution Press Pub. Date: April, 1995 List Price(USD): $17.09 |
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