Once They Were Eagles

The Men of the Black Sheep Squadron

Frank Walton

Narrated by David Randall Hunter

Available from Audible

Book published by University Press of Kentucky

Marine Corps Fighter Squadron 214 was hastily organized in the field during World War II to meet the urgent need for another combat squadron in the South Pacific. The squadron, self-named the “Black Sheep,” went on under the leadership of the swashbuckling “Pappy” Boyington to become the most famous in Marine Corps history. Now comes the true story of the Black Sheep Squadron and the men who wrote its record in the Pacific skies. Once They Were Eagles tells how and why the squadron was formed, provides brief sketches of every member, and creates a vivid picture of the exciting but deadly aerial sorties over the South Pacific. Frank E. Walton located the thirty-four survivors of the fifty-one original Black Sheep. In a unique series of interviews, former “Eagles” share their recollections of those days of high adventure and their experiences in the years to follow

REVIEWS:

“A study of immense value of how Marines battled the vaunted Japanese Zero and emerged victorious.”

—Leatherneck

“A fascinating study of the overnight development of a diverse group of American youth reacting with shock to the attack on Pearl Harbor.”

—Marine Corps Gazette

“A new and refreshing look at this truly remarkable fighter pilot—’Pappy’ Boyington—and his squadron.”

—Military History