Pappy Boyington and his Black Sheep Squadron -Episode 214

This week Bill and Seth discuss one of the most famous pilots and famous squadrons in history, Pappy Boyington and his famous Black Sheep. Seth and Bill debunk some of the myths and lore about Pappy and his men, and in turn reveal the true stories of the professionals who flew the Corsairs of VMF-214 with their legendary skipper.
#wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #destroyer #invasion #boyington #blacksheep #blacksheepsquadron
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[@SirLurkALot]

Many years ago, I had the privilege of interviewing Col. Boyington when I was a newspaper reporter in Florida. I was surprised at how different he was from the way he looked and the TV show's Robert Conrad. He looked like a scrappy, school-of-hard-knocks bull terrier, but he was very soft-spoken and articulate, but gruff. He wasn't reticent by any means, he was direct and fascinating and certainly intelligent, as you noted. He was a special breed of man, no doubt. He's buried in Arlington Cemetery near the boxer Joe Louis. In fact, Losch once said "Ol' Pappy wouldn't have to go far to find a good fight."

[@rjust2297]

Your propriety of intellectualism is outstanding. I appreciate that comment more than most that I read these days. Colonel Greg Boyington is certainly a hero with the Marine Corps and all of the brave people that have and still fight for your rights today. GET SOME 🇺🇲

[@SaundersE5]

Awesome thank you for sharing.

[@rjust2297]

@@SaundersE5 timing is everything 🇺🇲 I can't even believe you've got it And thank you God and Jesus in my viewpoint and it's cool if you want to do another way but yeah it's really good stuff FAITH 🙏⭐🇺🇲🏁⚡

[@johntrgovich4717]

Oh my your so lucky to had that experience.im greatful just to here the story's on him it makes me excited

[@skywarriormedia]

I'm the guy who wrote the first detailed biography of Greg Boyington, and you captured his complexities and achievements very well. Bravo Zulu! ---Bruce Gamble

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

I know your work very, very well. And many thanks for the high compliment.

[@oig40203]

Black Sheep One is a great book! Well done!

[@richardbennett1856]

Thanks Greg. I enjoyed the book and actually liked the TV show when it first came out. As an airman by then, I knew that Hollywood made VF 214 look like drunken troublemakers and not much about maintenance, tactics and realistic living conditions on Esprito. But those Wasp twin radials on those Corsairs were so cool... It made it watchable.

[@paulweston2267]

My father enlisted in the corps in January 1943, at the age of 18. By November, he was a Radar/IFF tech on F4Us. He was at Betio, Saipan and Iwo. They brought the birds in on flattops, they were landing while the grunts were still securing the field. Flying missions that afternoon. I have always had a soft spot for the bent wing bastard.

[@glennredmond3118]

Most beautiful aircraft ever made.

[@jesscarver9882]

​@@glennredmond3118❤❤❤

[@larrytischler570]

In Korea an F4U shot down a MIG.

[@brushhogg1]

I met Boyington at Oshkosh in 1981 or 2. He was so super cool to us, let us hang out with him whilst dad was selling his airplanes. He told us that proper trim at different speeds made the Corsair a monster. He also regaled us with two stories of fighting Japanese aces. At 15 yrs old, it was the most gratifying moment of my life to that point. A great man. At that point I let go of the horrible TV show and the horseshit that surrounded the man and looked my boyhood hero in the eye...

[@bruceday6799]

We had 6 or 8 of these VMF-214 guys on stage years ago. I remember them talking about the TV show - they never saw a nurse and were incredulous at trucks being blown up as a result of strafing. Great guys one and all.

[@rembrandt972ify]

It is an old rule in movies that every truck in a war movie is filled with flash powder. Another rule is whenever anyone throws a grenade it must land in a bucket of gasoline.

[@markveerman3732]

I read this episode with particular interest for two reasons. First I had met Greg Boyington at the Oskosh Air Show where I bought his signed book many years ago. Recently, in 2016 I had read the book "You Are Not Forgotten" by Bryan Bender. In the Prologue, one of the individuals mentioned was Vic Smith who is from Gallion, OH, about 45 miles from my home. Thinking he may still be alive, I was able to find him, and met with him several times in 2016-2018. Sadly, Vic passed away in 2021 at age 99. Vic Smith was a pilot with VMF 321 (Hell's Angels), and this squadron became operational December 24, 1943 at Vella La Vella in the Solomons according to the written narrative he gave to me. Among the many things Vic Smith shared, he mentioned along with his squadron they went to look for Greg Boyington after he went missing. I was able to take pictures of his log book during this time as well. Among the many stories he shared, Vic mentioned the time Charles Lindbergh come to their training base to help the pilots with the number of crashes their training base was having with the F-4U1 during landing. Lindbergh recommended the pilots wheel land on the main gear, rather than the 3 point landings they were used to at the time. You can see to this day the Corsairs still wheel land their aircraft. I treasured the time I was able to talk aviation with someone who was there. Your episodes are outstanding!!

[@billenright2788]

I had a uncle that flew Corsairs in Korea. BSS was his favorite tv show. It was all bs but still a fun show. He loved that plane.

[@klsc8510]

The brother of a high school classmate of mine OWNS a Korean War vintage Corsair and flies it. I guess there is money in crop dusting!

[@josephcontreras8930]

I'm glad to see a movie using corsairs in Devotion. They called them the widow makers cause they were so front heavy as they landed. Never saw pappy or others complaining about that.

[@TrainmanDan]

We were all plane geeks. We watched the show for the Corsairs.🤩

[@klsc8510]

The actors were just co-stars!

[@RickandPenny]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3O4fJyBq9Flb7M

[@richardbennett1856]

James West in a Corsair. Not enough combat footage, hokey plots, didn't give other pilots many great story lines. At 12, I knew it was silly.

[@williampockets]

No we watch for the lightning ⚡ sexiest plane we have ever had. Corsairs were cool too lol

[@brushhogg1]

TJ flew a shitty one. It was lighter blue and the cowling was somewhat dented up

[@larrytischler570]

I knew so many men that endured so much in the Pacific in WWII, from one being blown off a ship at Pearl Harbor, to a gunnary officer on Halsey's flagship sailing into Tokyo Bay. And they were all great men. Thank you for giving is a look at a lot of heros I never knew.

[@Steve-dg3md]

Pappy was taught to usin Marine Corps History classes in boot camp... he is place along with Dan Daily, Chesty Puller and Basilone... he was a mean drunk but like the Marine Corps itself... when you get into a fight with him... whatever the outcome... YOU KNOW YOU'VE BEEN IN A FIGHT!!!! OHHRAH!! SEMPER FI guys. Love your content.

[@jasondavis4421]

💩

[@johnferguson1455]

Baa Baa Black Sheep was filmed a short distance from where I grew up. I loved watching a five ship of Corsairs go right over our house. Inspired me to become a pilot and I’ve been a professional pilot for 34 years.

[@EarlSChristy]

WOW!

[@graff324]

A great session about a true American Hero. As were all of the Men of the Black Sheep Squadron. Respect and Honor!

[@stevemccoy554]

You all are are doing the finest job of presenting the best history of that time that has ever been done. I look forward to every Tuesday morning!

[@auracolmanni8040]

Indeed! Great Tuesdays

[@oldcremona]

As a kid I worshipped the Black Sheep Squadron as well as my dad, a radioman on the USS Detroit. Great hero's for a kid to have.

[@jeffreylane5124]

That diagonal black bar on the VMF 214 insignia is the bar sinister. According to Merriam-Webster, “ a bar sinister is a supposed heraldic charge widely believed to be a mark of bastardy.” So they never gave up being Boynton’s Bastards!

[@erikschultz7166]

Once you learn that you will never watch Underdog the same

[@Psychiatrick]

Bastards tend to look for the attention they never had from a dad ... narcissists ...???

[@sailordude2094]

@@erikschultz7166 I got it, Simon Bar Sinister, lol.

[@EarlSChristy]

Them collage boys, it figures!

[@thomaschildress360]

Its 6AM local time, 12:00Z, I am 16 minutes into this Episode, and it feels like movie night!! Do I dare crack a beer and make popcorn for breakfast to continue watching?? Seth and Bill you have no idea how topnotch you are especially after yesterdays Memorial Day show...Thank You so much...back to the show!!!

[@davelane4055]

Beer thirty three or as Alan Jackson opined " it's five 🕔 somewhere"

[@davidlavigne207]

I served with a man with the same name of Gregory Boyington in 1981 through 1983 in U.S. Army. I didn't make the connection right away, but when I saw a picture of "Pappy" Boyington in a book I was reading I was struck by the fact that this soldier I knew was the spitting image of the Major. I asked him if he was related and he told me that he was a Great Nephew of "Pappy." My Greg Boyington acted in many ways like "Pappy." He would do anything on a dare, was disrespectful of authority figures, was a drinker, and would often be the one to start a fight when we went out together to a bar. He once ate a tarantula on a dare during training in the desert of Arizona and though he became very sick, he recovered . (True story!) When on duty he was one of the best weapons system technicians in our section. He was very intelligent and talented as a troubleshooter. I know this sounds unbelievable, but if you ever saw him you would swear he was our hero come back to life. I don't know what has become of my friend as I have lost touch with many of my former comrades. Every time I see a picture of "Pappy" I am reminded of him. Great Presentation!

[@darrelllovett4722]

The best history is UNAUTHORIZED History. It has long been said that history is written by the winners. However; the unvarnished lives that go BEYOND the "clean cut All American" propaga.... version make WINNERS of everyone. Bravo Zulu!

[@frederickking1660]

Wow that was pappy to a t. Boyingtons nick name as a very young boy was Deeds. Sounds like your guy was one in the same wild man.

[@davidlavigne207]

@@frederickking1660 Indeed, to make a slight pun...LOL

[@lt.petemaverickmitchell7113]

I love the opening of these videos. The different clips and music are great! Hope everyone very much appreciated Memorial Day this year.

[@slimeydon]

The Corsair was the true star of that tv series. When it came out, one of my teachers in high school was a veteran and he lectured us on how bad it was. My father also a vet had no opinion.

[@giantgeoff]

Actually Robert Conrad said that very same thing during the time or the show.

[@rayhuntermusic]

Who was the teacher ? As a Civil Air Patrol cadet I remember Arlan Potter. Does that name ring a bell?

[@kalynnsmith9944]

I can tell you as a mother of a Marine in the 214 Pappy is highly regarded and loved by all of those who now serve in the 214 Boyingtons Bastards Black Sheep....my son is proud to carry on this legacy.

[@georgeanderson4076]

Thank you gentlemen, I thoroughly enjoy watching you pod cast. I just watched the one on Pappy Boyington and was reminded as a young person I know Pappy (not really well), but my father rented an office to him around 1973 (if I am remembering correctly). My father knew from when he served in WW II. He was a C.B. in the Marianas and Guam. I only saw him in person about 5 times but never really spoke with him due to what my father told me about him. He told me "Don't talk to him! He is a heavy drinker and is not someone to trifle with." I took this to heart and only said good morning or hello. At the time I knew him you could see that he had lived a hard life but was still full of fire. Anyway, the pod cast brought back a lot of good memories.

[@zeronzemesh7718]

Another great episode. Excellent point that heroes can be flawed, and we can still admire them for what they accomplished. Am I the only one as a kid who was terrified by the Eveready commercials where Maj. Pappy was daring me to knock a battery off his shoulder? Probably just me.

[@Oddball5.0]

Absolutely. There was no way I was touching that battery! Cheers.

[@davidelliott5843]

The US Navy rejected the Corsair because their pilots could not land it on carriers using the prescribed method. British test pilot Eric “Winkle” Brown invented a left turn curved approach. This kept the flag man in view until the very last moment. This amazing man flew more aircraft types than any other pilot - ever. He loved the Corsair. He was also the first to land a twin on a carrier (Mosquito) and the first to land a jet on a carrier.

[@babychuma1]

Another Brit, Norman Hanson, flew corsairs off the illustrious and wrote a book.

[@alganhar1]

@@babychuma1 Yes, but in WWII if the Royal Navy needed someone to tell them if an aircraft could be landed on and operated from a Carrier, there was one man they gave that job. Eric 'Winkle' Brown. Period. The man was a legend amongst British Test pilots, and owns many records, some of which will almost certainly never be broken. He was the first man to land a twin engine aircraft on a carrier... LAND it, not take it off (like the Doolittle raid). Aircraft in question was a Mosquito. He was the first man to land a Jet on a carrier. He currently holds the record as the pilot to have made the most Carrier landings thus far in history. That particular record might be broken in the future, but one that will almost certainly not is Winkle Brown flew more distinct types of aircraft than any other pilot in history. That is distinct types, so while he flew ALL the Spitfire Marks, all of them on count as ONE distinct aircraft type. He flew 487 distinct aircraft types. 487... Given how expensive modern aircraft types are to develop, that record is unlikely to ever be broken.....

[@hughmac13]

"British."

[@timihendrix01]

Brown loved the Wildcat and Hellcat too

[@damndirtyrandy7721]

That is a good and commonly believed story, but, Marine Corsairs had already establish an SOP for carrier landing when “winkle” thought he invented something.

[@scottgrimwood8868]

A great episode. I was fortunate to meet Pappy Boyington at an airshow outside of San Diego in the late 1980s. He was there selling his book with a number of other pilots who also had written books. I ended up with several signed books that day!

[@giantgeoff]

My WW2 Marine Corsair outfit story. I was building an accessory apartment/Garage onto a waterfront vacation residence on the St. Lawrence. He would serve as our attorney in the purchase of our first home. He had a single small framed photo of himself standing next to a Corsair with palm trees in the pictures when he saw me eyeing it he asked me not to ask him it as he was tired of the post Black Sheep notoriety since that was not the outfit that he had served with. Something else clicked with me, I thought I remembered my brother-in-law mentioning that his Dad had been a Crew Chief on Corsairs during the war. Turned out they had served in the same outfit and had actually occasionally serviced his plane.

[@jimwatts914]

Outstanding show. A fair look at a great combat airman who was a flawed person. Boyington is a hero of mine since I read Baa Baa at age 11. I’m impressed by the work necessary to get these shows to us. Scripts don’t write themselves. Thank s.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thanks for the compliments. However, the shows aren’t scripted. Yes, we have notes, but we are talking plain. Sometimes I read verbatim if I’m stating a direct quote. And I will refer to the notes for numbers and dates but we aren’t scripted.

[@NobilityandLoyalty]

Great show of Boyington in the air and on the ground. I've read Boyington's book, Chuck Yeager's book and Robin Old's book. All I can say is they had a knack for getting what they wanted and worked the paper trail route. They were all excellent pilots and they all had a mischievous streak in them. Perhaps, that's what made them successful. Years later I went to work with Pappy's cousin who confirmed that he was a direct, intelligent aviator. He loved to fly. Thank you for the accuracy

[@AdmiralYeti8042]

I swear you guys came to my house and stole a look at my bookshelf before you started this season. Gregory Boyington’s book is literally on the shelf next to Fluckey’s; Clear the Bridge and Wahoo are not much further down in the same row. I’ll know for sure I need to change my locks if you guys turn around and do a special episode on Charles Lockwood.

[@gregorymiller6026]

The first time I heard the phrase "ace in a day" it was in reference to Joe Foss, another great pilot, who you covered in great detail in episode 205 on the Cactus Air Force

[@gw2058]

In 1995 whilst on a diving trip to the Solomon Islands I met an elderly US man at the Mendana Hotel in Honiara, me having just returned from diving around Gizo. While in Gizo I did a few dives on the Japanese transport the Toa Maru and he told me he was pilot involved in the attack on the ship on the 31 January 1943. The man was Jefferson DeBlanc and he was the pilot of a “Wildcat” fighter with the USMC (VMF-112) and one of eight of the planes escorting Dauntless dive bombers in attacking the convoy. He shot down 5 Japanese planes including 3 Zero’s that day as well as strafing the convoy, including the Toa Maru. Due to damage to his plane and lack of fuel he bailed out, wounded during the action he swam for 6 hours to Kolombangara Island and was eventually rescued by Solomon Islanders and was rescued 12 days later through Coastwatchers network. Jefferson DeBlanc was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on the 31 January 1943. Due to damage the Toa Maru was abandoned and ran aground 3 days later. After nearly 30 years I still remember this friendly and courteous man and never realised he had been awarded the Medal of Honor until I saw his name on a plaque at Henderson Airport.

[@gregcollins7602]

Another great torpedo Tuesday. I started reading Galloping Ghost last night. I have already read a couple of books on the black sheep and Greg's book. I am thrilled y'all talked about the Corsair. I love nerding out on that kind of stuff. I must have had three or four Corsair models in the 70's. I can't wait for the POW story. I have always been fascinated by their experiences. Like those POWs from the Houston and men like Frank Fujita whom pappy knew. Great stuff. Keep up the good work.

[@thomasbernecky2078]

The Brits loved the Corsair and figured out how to deck land them well (Armoured Carriers has a good episode).

[@just_one_opinion]

I heard to this day, brits only shit unicorns and rainbows....

[@babychuma1]

They added water injection that made it an awesome interceptor and worked out the gear to not bounce on carrier landings.

[@navyreviewer]

If thinking that helps the Brits sleep at night so be it. But they didnt. The USN had figured it out before they got their hands on one. But why put yourself through that if you have the almost as good Hellcat available as a back up?

[@ph89787]

@@navyreviewer and in greater numbers.

[@timihendrix01]

​@@navyreviewer in many ways the Hellcat was actually better.

[@jackbrownii]

One of the books on my shelf that will never get purged is the copy of Pappy's book that my father got for me when I was in my early teens. I loved Corsairs and the TV show. So, my father managed to get an autographed copy for me.

[@fredkitmakerb9479]

Episode 214 - I see what you did there. Well done.

[@carstenwagner3355]

I stumbled across this channel by accident 3 days ago. It was like finding a gold-treasure without a dragon on top of it! Thank you Gentlemen for making this podcast. Greetings from Germany.

[@randallkuehnle8228]

I absolutley love this series. The Pacific campaign has always been my favorite of the history of WWII. Excellent job as always gentlemen.

[@michaelcoe9824]

Gentlemen, as always, this episode is 'en point'. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy both your research and banter. Many on line 'history' offerings, are either under researched or poorly presented, however yours are placed wonderfully. Your guests are knowledgeable and always apt to the moment. Thank you, for an easy listening contemporary historiography.

[@Sharpbevel]

You guys are amazing story tellers. Glad I found this channel.

[@xeutoniumnyborg1192]

7:25 My introduction to Greg Boyington and the Black Sheep squadron was the 1970s TV show. My dad (a Pacific war veteran) disliked that show so much, his reaction was nearly the same as the soldier in the hospital who yelled at Forrest Gump for watching Gomer Pyle.

[@justsomedude7556]

I just happened across your channel and my ears immediately perked up when I heard VP community. I flew in P-3Cs and variants for 10 years in the 80's. It is just an awesome aircraft and a community that does not get the love it deserves.

[@gw2058]

The raid on Balalae Island in the Shortland Islands Group (in the Solomon Islands). The airfield there was built, among other forced labour, by over 500 British Royal Artillery POW's from Java. Some died or were killed (some due to air-raids) during the construction, when the airfield was completed the remaining prisoners were executed. The mass graves were discovered after the war. A memorial to them is on the Balalae Island.

[@jimgoff1170]

Absolutely horrifying story, war crimes continue to be committed to this day. We must all work together to support negotiations over war and reward those who can prevent conflict.

[@davidkiefer6553]

#2! Interesting perspective regarding the WW2 TV show’s being updated for the audiences of the time in the 60s and 70s, as we’re making the same observations now about movies and TV today. Love your book recommendations, I’ve read several previously and added a few of your recommendations. Consider adding a list of books you mention in the show notes.

[@timothybrady2749]

Thank you Seth and Captain Toti for another outstanding and informative presentation. My understanding of the Pacific war has improved enormously through your excellent series. I look forward to each new episode. Best wishes to your families.

[@mikeat2637]

One of the Corsair's nicknames was "Hose-Nose" because of the excessive length of the nose. As far as Pappy's AVG days were concerned, he was not spoken highly of by AVG legends Tex Hill, John Alison and Ajax Baumler. And another AVG note is that they didn't engage Japanese aircraft until after the war in the Pacific had started. The three squadrons were named Adam & Eve, Panda Bears and Hell's Angels. Their main Chinese patron was Soong Mei-Ling a/k/a Madame Chiang-Kai-Shek, Madame Chiang and her two sisters were educated in the state of Georgia in the United States and spoke with a Southern drawl.

[@charlesfaure1189]

Boyington was a notorious liar. Jim Howard was very clear on that.

[@impacking]

Back in high school, Col. Boyington & General Olds came to lecture our JROTC class. That day meant more to me than the game where I snagged 4 interceptions.

[@martinjohnson5498]

The Corsair bent wing was because the huge propeller meant the plane had to sit very high on the front end, and the designers came up with the bent wing to keep the landing gear struts shorter and more functional.

[@ivanthemadvandal8435]

Inverted gull wings predate the Corsair

[@emilrydstrm3944]

The bent wing also had the advantage of enabling the landing gear to be shorter. Landings on aircraft carriers are often hard, so a short and robust landing gear is desirable.

[@patrickcortazzo6251]

The Thunderbolt had the same engine and the same propeller with no bent wing.......hmmmmm.

[@gazzman2631]

​@Patrick Cortazzo While true, the Thunderbolt was not operated off of carrier decks. The strength of the landing gear was of paramount concern in the carrier realm. The differences in landing technique are best summarized in a KZbin short comparing the landing of an F16 Falcon, and a F/A 18 Hornet. You can easily see the differences. A better comparison might be with the F8F Bearcat, which used a weird folding cantilever type of landing gear strut to get them to fit inside the wings since the struts themselves were quite long and spindly to gain clearance for the same 4 blade prop and R2800 engine. *Edit to include link kzbin.infoBRgF4XjcVww?feature=share

[@timihendrix01]

@@patrickcortazzo6251 Hellcat had the same engine and very similar prop too

[@MGlennRoss]

Yet another in a series of great and highly entertaining episodes! I also watched the one you did on USS Franklin. The commander of VMF-214 on Franklin was Major Stan Bailey who was the only remaining Black Sheep in the squadron.

[@chrismack5908]

I so enjoyed this episode as an older adult. I know you all may have negative memories or the TV show, but I loved it! It depicted heroic WWII action in the Pacific theater. This is when I learned about the Slot. Pappy may have been a braggart, but he could fly! Truly a favorite of mine!

[@ernestcline2868]

I was able to easily able to remember my locker number in middle school thanks to this show. 214

[@randyfant2588]

He is one of my all-time heroes. The true tragedy was his early capture. If he had spent that year and a half in the cockpit instead od a prison camp he could easily have been the top scoring American ace of all time.

[@oldcremona]

He probably wouldn't have been allowed to fly combat when 214's tour ended in Jan 1944 (days after he was brought down. He was old at 31 to fly combat and his experience would have made him a valuable instructor.

[@hurch1915]

Yet another great episode. Looking forward to the next. Thank you, gentlemen. 🙂

[@bwcdevices3028]

Another great episode - Thanks guys

[@cheesenoodles8316]

Excellent. Learned about Pappy when reading about Flying Tigers...learned his story...in the 70s. A legend to me by then.... Fast forward 20 years ... Turk, a Hollywood legend...character actor in 50-60s playing big strong guy in so many films. He had a bar in Dana Point Harbor....a wall full of autographed pictures of every Hollywood A lister, producer, writers ect ect. People wound find a name and utter it in excitement. I only saw him comment once ... I exclaimed "There's Pappy's autograph"! That big man of few words turned around and smiled.

[@robertzimmerman6772]

Another great show guys. Appreciate your efforts. Thank you.

[@johnvogt5847]

The show was incredibly innacurate, but how many lifelong ww2 history buffs did it create? I count as one. Another enjoyable episode. Thanks guys.

[@jesscarver9882]

Indeed, this, Rat Patrol, 12 o'Clock High, Combat, WWII buff for life.

[@ppumpkin3282]

Even at a young age I found the show terribly unsatisfying, there was more talk than action.

[@DalonCole]

@@ppumpkin3282 every show was practically the same. Boring

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Black Sheep got me hook line and sinker when I was a kid. I was all in.

[@Canadian_Skeptical]

The Black Sheep was my favorite show when I was a kid.

[@gagamba9198]

Likewise. I loved the F-4U Corsair and spent many school hours drawing pictures of it. From what I remember of the TV series it seemed it was often the same combat footage. Didn't care. Grandparents in the States sent us video tapes of it and other series such Rat Patrol. Our initial excitement changed to sadness when we learned of NTSC and PAL. My father was able find a video player that could play both. A parcel would arrive and dozens of boys gathered for the viewing. We also loved 'I Dream of Jeannie'.

[@bryanfields5563]

Great episode with lots of interesting detail. I've read that the main reason for the Corsair's inverted gull-wing design was actually based on aerodynamic recommendations from NACA, which had learned (through wind-tunnel tests) that a wing design that connected to the fuselage at a 90 degree angle generated the least amount of drag, enabling more speed.

[@alganhar1]

That may have been one reason, but it was not the main reason. The main reason is remarkably simple. The Corsair was a big aircraft, with a big prop. A more traditional straight wing would have required long landing gear to ensure the prop cleared the ground. Long landing gear is prone to damage upon landing, especially on carrier aircraft, and of course takes up more room in the wing which could be used for other things, like fuel tanks and armament. The bend in the wings enabled the designers to retain the large prop, while keeping the landing gear at a reasonably short length.

[@leojeidy8010]

​@@alganhar1 Bryan is correct as in order to keep landing gear short and more durable for carrier service this was the trade off. They could have used a mid wing mount like the f6f. However naca reports said keeping the wing root a 90 degrees to fuselage was more aerodynamic.

[@timihendrix01]

@@leojeidy8010 the Hellcat also placed the intakes for the supercharger and oil cooler below the engine, which meant the engine and prop were mounted higher in the fuselage

[@markpaul-ym5wg]

Gentlemen,I have been waiting for this one.The show the Blacksheep was no more terrible than the six million dollar man.I bought his book in 1977.

[@devjaxvid]

So did I. I think it was the first book I ever purchased from a Mall bookstore. I can still remember that day.

[@rembrandt972ify]

Baa Baa Blacksheep was way more realistic than the Six Million Dollar Man.

[@markpaul-ym5wg]

@Rembrandt972 YES IT WAS.But the guys on the show said it was terrible.I was making a statement about that.

[@markpaul-ym5wg]

@@devjaxvid Me 2.First book I ever bought.

[@erwin643]

OMG what a fascinating podcast, especially listening to two SME's starting and finishing each others sentences regarding Pappy Boyington! Not only that, I was laughing my ass off! I was not only glued to the first two seasons of the TV series as a kid, but also read his autobiography (During a time in the post-Vietnam era of the 1970's, I might add, when anyone serving in the military at that time was seen as an F-up). Then of course, I learned later of all the BS that Boyington claimed in his writing. Part of my laughter was regarding the evolution of the name "Pappy." I once worked as a civilian for a certain State Military Dept. that got some huge post Cold-War electronics projects. We happened to have one part-time bench technician, a college kid who's name rhymed with "Grampy" (He, like many of us had experience with the high-level electronics Army National Guard unit that served there). He was a good kid, and everyone liked him. However, being a military environment, during a typically boring day, songs evolved, which included the words "Grampy" and "slapping pappy." At one point, I counted five of us all singing five different Grampy songs. Grampy knew were weren't meaning to be cruel, and just took it in stride. My particular song for some reason was based on an old Hootie & The Blowfish tune: Graaaampyyyy, why'd you have slap that pappyyyy? Graaaampyyyy, why'd you have slap that goddamn pappyyyy? "Cause you got Grampy slappin' pappy, pappy slappin' Grampy Grampy slappin' pappy, pappy slappin Grampy, slappin' pappyyyy. 🤣🤣🤣 Good times! BTW: So in other words, he went into that Marine air cadet program without any pay allowances for being married (assuming they had those tax-free allowances back then)??? I don't think the word "broke" even described his situation (although you guys still did a pretty good job).

[@nltalbottgmail]

It's abundantly clear that Seth is a great historian and story teller.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thank you very much.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

I totally agree and Captain Bill is the perfect Wing man and submarine historian! And then when you have your guests on the show it just takes it to the next level! This is the finest history show on the internet bar none!😊💯🇺🇲⚓️

[@lavernedofelmier6496]

I really enjoy your channel and the accuracy of your podcast. Thanks to both of you.

[@DickVanaria-wo9jg]

Thes podcast are the best. Throughly interesting. Have been sharing them with my friends. Thank you so much

[@alganhar1]

Fleet Air Arm were the ones who worked out how to land the Corsair on Carriers, Royal Navy was operating F4U's on their Carriers a year or more before they started operating off US Carriers in 1944. More specifically it was an individual named Eric 'Winkle' Brown who did the majority of the work. Eric Brown is famous at least in the UK. He flew more distinct aircraft types than any other pilot, ever, a record unlikely to be broken. He also still holds the records for the most carrier takes offs, and most carrier landings of any pilot. He was the first man to land a twin engine aircraft on a carrier (a mosquito), and was also the first pilot to land a jet on a Carrier. The guy was a remarkable pilot, and had a remarkable career. He started off flying Fairy Swordfish, and ended up his career flying the most modern jets of the early Cold War..... EDIT: And not, the gull wing was not designed for any esoteric flight characteristic or for ease of wing folding. The Gull wing was designed because of Landing Gear. The F4U Corsair as you literally stated had a HUGE four blade propeller. The gull wing was added to keep the landing gear as short (thus as rugged) as possible, while still allowing for the clearance for that massive, massive prop. There were plenty of carrier aircraft that were straight winged, the idea that the gull wing was to make it easier for wing folding is an utter fallacy. I love you guys, honestly I do.... but you do make mistakes. That is one of them. The gull wing was to ensure the Corsair did not have weak assed landing gear, it was ALL about the landing gear. To make sure that that huge prop (which was a large contributor to the aircrafts fantastic performance) cleared the deck. Don't believe me? Well take a real, real close look at the F4U and look at WHERE the landing gear is situated in the wing..... Oh, and the Fleet Air Arm Pilots LOVED the F4U, and the Royal Navy was operating those aircraft of their carriers over a year BEFORE the USN did......

[@kobra289]

I met him when I was in High School signing his book at an air show in Mesa, AZ. He signed my Baa Baa Black Sheep book. I think I even got a picture of me standing next to him. I've read the Bruce Gamble books on him & the squadron. I've got the Frank Walton book, signed by Junior Heier one of the Black Sheep. One of my heroes, but kinda a bum. Great in the air, but fought demons on the ground. Good episode.

[@somerandomperson3781]

Fantastic episode thank you guys don't know why it's taken me so long to find the channel.

[@tferedo]

One of your best episodes. Thank you

[@denniscahill9683]

Would LOVE a short episode about what's on Bill's wall in this episode...

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Maybe we will try to do this

[@karenblair3630]

Everytime I see the opening and hear the music as the video begins , it touches my heart every time . Ty !!!

[@mhmt1453]

Come on Bill, that show was great! May not have been true, but it was still cool for 11 or 12 year old me.

[@chucklambert9033]

Back in the nineties I worked for Pappys wingman’s business. Very nice man.

[@MadLudwig]

Wonderful story gents. Another enlightening episode that presented a much clearer story about an American legend.

[@user-iw8sn8ct4l]

You’re Memorial Day segment was quite good. Thank you.

[@kidhammer2567]

Thank you both once again for this telling of VMF-214. My mother purchased Pappy Boyinton's book shortly after it was published in all places, Guam. I was in my early teens in all places, Bitburg, West Germany in 1967 when I read Greg's book for the first time. Not until the TV show came out in the middle 70s when I was in the US Army did I have friends who knew just who Pappy Boyington and VMF-214 were, and folks thought I was making this fellow up. I so appreciate your sharing this most marvelous US Marine story. I never did meet Greg, though I wish I had. Yet, I did meet Joe Foss and his wife in the early 1990s. Oh, and I am a P-47D and A-10A fan (A-10A crew chief in the USAF), not a Corsair or Mustang fan, though I respect them all.

[@jayledermann7701]

One of my 3 childhood heroes. Showed me through his books and show that u don't have to be perfect to be a leader and hero.

[@rogerhuner6566]

I had the honor of knowing one of the Black Sheep Squadron who was an enlisted support personnel. He spoke highly of Major Boyington.

[@ricardokowalski1579]

Many times the heroes we need at war are incompatible with the people in peacetime. Even Churchill was booted when the war ended, and he drank openly all along. We must understand that sending people to kill others, and cheer them for it, takes a toll on the individuals. You can argue if it is "necessary" ( yes, it is), but first you have to accept the bargain.

[@billw2126]

well said friend

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

As a 69 year old man who has struggled with addiction since my late teens it's with a heavy heart that I watched this episode. Addiction is no joke and alcohol is the worst. They tell us not to compare addictions or substances but alcohol withdrawals can kill you. And the way alcohol ravages your body over time is no joke and cannot be repaired. Rest in peace Pappy. You answered the call, you did your job and you did it exceedingly well! Thank you for your service and for helping to secure the freedom that we enjoy today. 🇺🇲⚓️🙏💖😔👏🌹

[@JohnGWitherspoonJr-ku9nc]

I look forward to this show every Tuesday. I love the Human interest sider roads. John Witherspoon

[@billechols7136]

Great show gentlemen.

[@rodsands7646]

I have always considered the P-47 the leading US plane of WW2. The F6F being the 'best' Naval aircraft, as it was very forgiving, unlike the F4U which was nicknamed the Ensign Eliminator.

[@TheBruceGday]

I always liked the F4U better. Faster and cooler looking than the Hellcat!

[@rodsands7646]

@@TheBruceGday Agree, however the F6F was the cheaper, safer and better 'system' for Carriers, that's the reason the USN selected it. Early on a lot of F4U were 'killed' due to accidents, however once in the sky it was very formidable, despite being rough around the edges eg hydraulic fluid leaks, poor finish

[@Fulcrum205]

An F4U would spank the Hellcat in a fight. The Hellcat was slower and less responsive than the Hog

[@highland-scott902]

I had the pleasure of talking with Greg "pappy"Boyington, Great Guy! He signed his book for me, which I still have. I was sorry to hear he passed away a little over a year later..

[@sailordude2094]

Such interesting stories, great channel! Boyington taking his first drink reminds me of the WC Fields film, The Fatal Glass of Beer, lol.

[@johnmarlin4661]

In 1977 at the Chino Air Show in Calif. I was able to shake Boyington's hand in a tent with a Japanese Zero pilot .Told him I had his book !

[@alanr5601]

Regarding the zero just off the wing of Pappy that did not seem to recognize it was an enemy plane, it is likely a “fog of war” issue as you guys said. Another interesting consideration is the uniquely Japanese phenomenon of seeing blue and green as the same. For example, the green light on a traffic signal is referred to as blue (“ao” means both green and blue while “midori” is specifically green). If the Zero was in green livery, then it may not have appeared as different to the Japanese pilot in the heat of battle as we would think. Considering the battle was underway when the Corsairs dropped out from the clouds, the Japanese pilots would not have seen them previously so they just magically appeared. While humorous on one hand, it is equally tragic on the other as a brief lapse can result in the loss of one’s life. Great storytelling, guys! Very riveting listening to these experiences as if we are right there (thankfully without the bullets and bombs zipping around!!).

[@johnthomas2485]

HA! A very appropriate episode number to devote to The Black Sheep. Wasn't there an episode of Victory At Sea called "Eyes of The Cat?"

[@philh2497]

Episode 214 has 214 likes. Great episode guys

[@kentiffany8872]

President Grant seemed to have a similar issue with alcohol. When bored he would fall off the wagon. But in combat he made it happen.

[@klsc8510]

I have heard that President Lincoln once said of General Grant something to the effect, "Find out what General Grant is drinking and give it to my other Generals."

[@SkylersRants]

I think that was probably the best and most intelligent presentation regarding Boyington I’ve seen. From his book, the funniest (in a dark way) scene was when he realized the sub “rescuing” him was Japanese, he starting throwing away everything that showed his name, only to realize that his inflatable boat had his name stenciled on it in really big letters.

[@dave3156]

Very interesting program. I watched Seth today on WW2TV and Part 1 of the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot. Anxiously waiting for Part 2. After the program today, I immediately subscribed to your channel and this was the first installment I selected. I can agree with your portrayal of the TV show, however the one thing the show never did was shirk their duties in fighting the enemy, so I give them credit for that. Thx!!

[@daffodildude1143]

You guys are so fun!

[@uselesswatcher1]

I thought for sure I would go through withdrawals but you came out with another good one.

[@walterrider9600]

thank you . yup comshaw was still around back when i was a machinist aboard the sub tender . back in 72-76

[@THE-michaelmyers]

As far as I know, ALL single-engine aircraft have to have some right rudder applied to offset that torque during takeoff. In fact, when you watch a takeoff and see the wing dip just as the airframe leaves the runway the pilot is not using their rudder properly. I can only imagine 2000 HP and the torque at takeoff. As to that name Japan gave the Corsair. I have a business contact who told me about his father's service on one of the Japanese ships during the time the Corsair was being used. The father survived and actually later (in the mid-1950s) moved to the US. This man told me that after the war his father from time to time had nightmares about that whistling sound until the end in the late 1990s.

[@stephenlawyer3031]

My father-in-law enlisted in 1942 in the Navy. He did his training at Great Lakes ( in the middle of winter) and then was assigned to an LST 713 which was a part of the pacific campaign. They were a part of the island hopping where they landed their Marines at Iwo Jima and witnessed the Flag raised there. I have a piece of history from there. The signalman was ordered to take the flag down from their mast and to destroy it and replace it with a new one. He didn't destroy the flag, instead he kept it in his foot locker. I did an annual reunion for the crew of the LST starting in 1994 and did it for 20 years. The signal man gave me the flag in 2008 before his passing. It is my most cherished possession

[@kimduncan8603]

Wow lucky you. That’s great. 😊

[@HDBee]

I raced motocross at Indian Dunes in the 70s. That is where they filmed Black Sheep. It was neat to see the Corsairs sitting on the runway and sometimes flying around. My dad and 2 of his younger brothers where in the pacific in WW2. My dad was in the Army with 1 brother in the Navy and the other in the Coast Guard. I enjoy listening to your videos and getting a real perspective of what they lived through.

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

Episode 214.......I see what you did there.

[@jesscarver9882]

😂😅

[@johncross9737]

😂 lol

[@chrisgaleziewski8303]

Very well done

[@tgmccoy1556]

Imagine surviving Arizona . Then being a Black Cat. Now it's your turn to rain hell on your enemy.

[@crisg.9967]

Hey Bill, nice to see you in your new home. Lovely wall back there with all the pictures, medals and insignias! Big hug from Santiago, Chile.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thanks Cris. Maybe I should do a walk around the wall one day?

[@crisg.9967]

@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar Sure! That would be awesome.

[@morganhale3434]

It took you guys long enough to get to the Chance-Vaught F-4U Corsair. If you want views out of your wildest dreams just do an episode about the Corsair. Other WWII channels have some of their most popular shows which the F-4U is a star. That plane is an American hero.

[@cv6enterprises]

That would be F4U.