BAA BAA BLACK SHEEP.

New York [1958], Wilson. Blue boards, cleank bright & solid copy, dust jacket in Mylar protector, 17th impression of the FIRST EDITION. THE AUTHOR'S DATED 1981, SIGNED PRESENTATION COPY: * "TO JIM XX WITH WARMEST REGARDS 'PAPPY' BOYINGTON" * . *** *** *** . . "PAPPY" BOYINGTON . . . AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN "A.V.G." & "FLYING TIGER" . . . ACE FIGHTER PILOT . . . RECIPIENT OF THE "MEDAL OF HONOR" & THE "NAVY CROSS" . . *** COLONEL GREGORY "PAPPY' BOYINGTON USMC [1912-1988]: Was U.S. Marine fighter pilot and early "A.V.G." ["American Volunteer Group"] later called the "FLYING TIGERS," member, from 1941 went to Burma to fight the Japanese Air Force. . Later the "A.V.G." moved to Kunming, China, where "Pappy" continued to shoot down and kill Japanese Air Force planes & pilots. He flew over and fought in Hanoi & Lao Kai from base in Burma. . When he finished his tour of duty with the "FLYING TIGERS" he returned to Marine Corps. duty in the Solomon Islands where he was the commander of the "Black Sheep" Squadron, shooting down several more Japanese planes. He was shot down, and became a prisoner of war. . *** HEROISM AND RECOGNITION OF HIS SERVICE: . For his heroism flying initially with the A.V.G. and the "FLYING TIGERS" in the Republic of China Air Force during the Second World War, Boyington was awarded both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. . *** THE COMMANDER OF THE "BLACK SHEEP SQUADRON:" Being the oldest Marine fighter pilot and 'misfit' the Navy assigned him a fighter squadron of other 'misfit' pilots, unwanted by other outfits, called the "Black Sheep Squadron." . Boyington was a 'rough & tough,' hard-drinking wild professional Marine flyer who was one of the most unconventional heroes of the war. Winners of the nation's highest honors are inspired to rise above themselves, and set an example for all who respect them. "Pappy" had no desire to change his ways because he happened to be lucky and fearless, and a competent leader of men as wild and independent as he was. . Boyington's Black Sheep Squadron" made one of the great records of the war ! . This excellent work was a labor of love and took Boyington 24 years to write. It is also has 7 b.w. period photographs, 6 are on the end papers, with a nice frontispiece of "Pappy." Of the two books he wrote, this title became a best seller ! . A REVIEWER SAID: "It [this book] is ranked with the best, blunt, honest and ruggedly individualistic with that pleasing ring of realism that can emanate only from the mind of the guy who was there" Boston Herald. . *** "Pappy" Boyington downed in all 28 Japanese planes, 26 by himself during his service career. A full military service was conducted at Arlington National Cemetery. He received the Navy Cross in 1945. This book became a best seller upon publication and was also the inspiration of the popular television series of the same name in 1976-78. See other listings our website for more Boyington signed and other related items. . *** This book is 14 x 22 cm., with 384 pages. . *** Color photos are posted to our website. . *** NOTE: Please inquire at our website for other SIGNED titles by or about Boyington and other "A.V.G." & "FLYING TIGER" fighter pilots & personnel. We have many RARE SIGNED copies. . *** .