I love the book. It is very informative about the subject and his associates and family in ways I never expected. Very hard to put down. One problem is however, I live in one of the key places he references that the subject's family lived. He has the geography worng, the history of the store owner wrong, and even the name of the Indian Reservation wrong. This then causes me to question the accuracy of the book. Most of these issues can be solved by simply looking at a map; no real research there. How else is the author being sloppy? Maybe this is an isolated example, but it makes me wonder. Otherwise, it is still a good read and well worth picking up if you are interested in that time and in finding out more about Greg Boyington. As the author says, "...warts and all..." and there are lots of those I am finding out.Read full review
This is an excellent biography of Colonel Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, WWII Marine ace and Medal of Honor awardee. Unlike a lot of the puff pieces usually written about Boyington, Gamble's biography shines the cold light of fact on Boyington's life. Sadly, coming from a broken home, dysfunctional, alcoholic parents, and probably a genetic disposition toward alcoholism himself, Boyington became one himself. That, along with chain-smoking led to his relatively early death. So, despite his unquestionable ability as a Marine aviator and his heroism in World War II, Boyington's real life was anything but the glamorous one depicted by Robert Conrad who played him in the television series in the "Black Sheep" television series in the 1970's. I just wish Bruce Gamble would write a definitive biography of Joe Foss, another top WWII Marine ace whose life was truly inspiring.Read full review
Great read. Sheds light on why he is who he is.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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