The Black Sheep Squadron

Their Marine Corps designation was VMF-214, but for millions of people around the world, they will always be remembered by the name they gave themselves: the "Black Sheep Squadron." Though they fought together for just twelve short weeks under the command of Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, the Black Sheep became the most famous fighter squadron in American aviation history. "Baa Baa Black Sheep," a television show loosely based on their exploits, portrayed them as rebels and misfits but as you will see, their real story shatters the televised myths and boasts an ending that rivaled anything from a Hollywood scriptwriter. In this unforgettable episode of "War Stories with Oliver North," you'll take off with five of the original Black Sheep as their F4-U Corsairs roar into battle against the legendary Japanese Zero. In two combat tours they'd lose twenty percent of their fellow pilots but before they were disbanded in March of 1944, the 51 men of the Black Sheep were credited with an incredible 94 enemy kills. Was "Pappy" Boyington the two-fisted drinker he was portrayed to be? What really happened to him on his fateful final mission? From blistering dogfights over the South Pacific to bar room brawls on the ground, this is the real story of the Black Sheep Squadron from the men who were there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices