John K. Wukovits is a military expert specialising in the Pacific Theater of World War II. He is the author of many books, including Eisenhower: A Biography; Pacific Alamo: The Battle for Wake Island; and American Commando: Evans Carlson, His WWII Marine Raiders, and America's First Special Forces Mission. He has also written numerous articles for such publications as WWII History, Naval History, and World War II. He is a resident of Trenton, MI.
Wukovits's depth and breadth of research into the life of Pappy
Boyington are remarkable. Rather than solely focusing on his
subject's exploits, the author paints a picture of the man from all
angles. It is no secret that Boyington had his faults, but one must
first understand them in order to appreciate his successes.
Wukovits pulled stories of Boyington from a variety of first-person
accounts, both complimentary and caustic--an analysis that this
reviewer considers completely objective. Readers can draw their own
conclusions and judge him without any implied bias from the author.
Furthermore, Wukovits makes the book easy to read by dividing
Boyington's story into manageable, digestible vignettes." -- Air &
Space Power Journal "Well-researched and well-written, Black Sheep
presents a balanced account of Pappy Boyington. He was one of
America's top aces, but a greatly flawed hero nonetheless. The book
is highly recommended." -- The Journal of America's Military Past
"A valuable contribution to the literature on Boyington and mainly
his famous Black Sheep squadron. Wukovits brings the real Boyington
into focus. His clean and clear prose engages readers from page one
and keeps them on board." -- Marine Corps Gazette "…A provocative
biography...Wukovits delivers a vivid, split portrayal of
Boyington…" -- Military Officer "Pacific War expert Wukovits gives
us a deeply personal window on the life of a Marine Corps aviation
icon….This book strips away the myths behind the man, yielding an
unbiased, unflinching, but sympathetic portrait of a true war hero,
with "warts and all." -- Dr. Bob Schneller, Top Ten Navy Reads blog
"....Will appeal to serious Marine aviation fans. Wukovits expertly
sifts fact from myth and shows why Boyington inspired and
infuriated in equal measure. Above all, he reminds us that, when
leading men in combat, "Black Sheep One" not only had the right
stuff--he was one of the very best."
-- World War II, November-December 2011
"John Wukovits cracks the myths that have surrounded the life of a
great warrior and fighter ace--not just what Boyington did, but
more importantly, the whys in the up-and-down life of this
Jekyll-Hyde character. Little wonder so much misinformation has
persisted about Boyington, for as Wukovits deftly exposes, the
great ace's reputation rests on just who is telling the story, and
at what stage in his life they knew him. This is a fascinating and
balanced study; a tribute to a man who was a winner in war, yet a
loser in the battle with his own personal demons."
--Col. Denis J. Kiely, USMC (Ret.), senior editor, Naval Aviation
Museum Foundation
"Military expert John Wukovits is well-known to Leatherneck readers
for his books, American Commando: Evans Carlson, His WWII Marine
Raiders, and America's First Special Forces Mission and Pacific
Alamo: The Battle for Wake Island which received positive reviews.
In his latest Black Sheep: The Life of Pappy Boyington, the author
offers his finest writing yet. Thanks to his intense immediacy, we
know that the pilot was essentially a nice person, strong without
having to prove it."
-- Leatherneck, September 2011
"Pappy Boyington was one of those rare military figures--colorful,
unconventional, undisciplined, obstinate, disdainful of rules and
regulations, a true maverick. Although an infuriating antagonist to
his superiors, he was beloved by his men, who would have flown by
his side if he had decided to attack Hell. John Wukovits'
brilliantly insightful biography has allowed us to penetrate the
myth and discover the real man. A joy to read, Black Sheep will
become the final word on Boyington."
--Flint Whitlock, editor, WWII Quarterly
"Along with being a biography, the book is nearly a primer for
World War II fighter combat."
-- Air & Space Magazine, September 2, 2011
"The leading popular historian of the Pacific War adds to his
laurels with this fine biography of famous and notorious WWII
marine ace Gregory Boyington. . . Wukovits has done something
extraordinary in this book. Besides his usual thorough research and
clear writing, he has produced a balanced portrait of a not
entirely sympathetic protagonist that is certain to engage, at
least, the reader's interest."
--Booklist, starred review, May 1, 2011
"Black Sheep is enthusiastically recommended as a vibrant and
unforgettable portrait of a gifted World War II ace."
-- The Midwest Book Review, June 2011
"Well researched, well written, and best of all unbiased, this
sympathetic account of a flawed hero will please both amateurs and
experts as it lays out the controversial life and great
achievements of the flamboyant, mercurial, and in many ways, sad,
pathetic, Pappy Boyington."
--Col. Walter J. Boyne, USAF (Ret.), National Aviation Hall of Fame
member, author of Hypersonic Thunder
"Intensely researched and splendidly written, Black Sheep is a
scrupulously honest treatment of the damaged and intense character
that was Gregory 'Pappy' Boyington. Wukovits strips the cheap
varnish that has distorted the Boyington legend for too long, and
then reapplies a well-considered patina that fairly and accurately
describes the man's faults and merits."
--Lt. Col. Jay A. Stout, USMC (Ret.), author of The Men Who Killed
the Luftwaffe
"A deeply personal and revealing look at one of the Marine Corps'
enduring aviation icons, a troubled but equally gifted
combat-proven fighter pilot."
--Peter B. Mersky, author of U.S. Marine Corps Aviation Since
1912
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