Who Wants To See Something Cool...(Part XII)

[SteyrAUG]

Again, I love Amazon.

People sell used books cheap and sometimes you pick up a real gem. Back in 2015 I ordered a copy of "Black Sheep Squadron" by Greg Boyington and ended up with a signed copy that I only paid $4.22 for. Obviously those huge used book sellers don't look closely at every copy.

Well I've had one of his other books, "Tonya" on my "to buy" list ever since then. It's rarely available and when it is it can be pricey. But recently one in acceptable condition came up for about $18 so I was like why not.

Well lightning does strike twice.





It's not a prefect specimen, there is a bar code sticker and a tear on the jacket cover...but who cares. I bought it to read and it's also actually signed by Boyington.

If I went looking for something like that I'd probably have to spend a hundred bucks on egay and then still worry about authenticity. So now I have two books in my collection, both signed by an actual MOH winner and the guy who served as the basis for one of my favorite tv shows growing up (even if the show itself was 85% pure Hollywood fiction).

[Coal Dragger]

Outstanding.

[Diamondback]

Nice score! Small world, my main client is building their next release around Boyington and the Black Sheep... even though the overall intent of their product is the Cactus Air Force and the harsh On D fighting was done long before VMF-214 arrived in the Solomons.


Too bad they're cheaping out and only doing ONE Corsair miniature with decal ID numbers... I tried to get a second in for VMF-124 as the first to fight, but ever try to win an argument with an Italian who's achieved autistic-level fixation on something?

[Nightvisionary]

Very cool piece of history you have there. This is hanging on the wall in my shop just to my left as I type this. That's Pappy's signature alright because it looks just like the signature in my signed pic and I was standing right next to Pappy when he signed it for me 41 years ago. It reads: August 19th 1979, To xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx with Black Sheep Greetings From Pappy Boyington.

[SteyrAUG]

Very cool piece of history you have there. This is hanging on the wall in my shop just to my left as I type this. That's Pappy's signature alright because it looks just like the signature in my signed pic and I was standing right next to Pappy when he signed it for me 41 years ago.

When these books came out or went into additional printings following the success of the TV show he probably signed thousands of these at events. But finding them today can be tricky as many were lost, discarded or sold without realizing they were signed copies.

The signature matches my copy of Black Sheep Squadron which was endorsed to a person (another indicator it is authentic) but your signed photo is pretty amazing. I'm assuming the Corsair is one they personalized for the tv show?

[Nightvisionary]

When these books came out or went into additional printings following the success of the TV show he probably signed thousands of these at events. But finding them today can be tricky as many were lost, discarded or sold without realizing they were signed copies.

The signature matches my copy of Black Sheep Squadron which was endorsed to a person (another indicator it is authentic) but your signed photo is pretty amazing. I'm assuming the Corsair is one they personalized for the tv show?

Im guessing it was the same one from the show but I was just a kid when I met him at the Corvallis, Oregon air show so I don't know for sure.

[jbjh]

...but ever try to win an argument with an Italian who's achieved autistic-level fixation on something?

That just sounds like having a discussion with my Italian family at any random meal.


Sent from 80ms in the future

[chuckman]

I have a copy of Chesty Puller's autobiography Marine! my mother gave my dad one anniversary in the early 60s, signed by Chesty Puller. That is a GREAT find, SteyrAUG!

[gaijin]

That is absolutely cool.

[flenna]

That just sounds like having a discussion with my Italian family at any random meal.


Sent from 80ms in the future

I am with you, sounds just like my Sicilian family. Back to the topic, I have a mint copy of Robert Sherrod’s book Tarawa in the pocket book edition, which was made in the smaller format to send to servicemen overseas during WW2. I also have a first edition of Richard Tregaskis’ Guadalcanal Diary with the green canvas cover.