Once They Were Eagles

The Men of the Black Sheep Squadron

By: Frank Walton

Narrated by: David Randall Hunter

Marine Corps Fighter Squadron 214 was hastily organized in the field during World War II to meet the urgent need for another combat squadron in the South Pacific. The squadron, self-named the "Black Sheep", went on under the leadership of the swashbuckling "Pappy" Boyington to become the most famous in Marine Corps history. Now comes the true story of the Black Sheep Squadron and the men who wrote its record in the Pacific skies.

Once They Were Eagles tells how and why the squadron was formed, provides brief sketches of every member, and creates a vivid picture of the exciting but deadly aerial sorties over the South Pacific. Frank E. Walton located the 34 survivors of the 51 original Black Sheep. In a unique series of interviews, former "Eagles" share their recollections of those days of high adventure and their experiences in the years to follow.

©1986 Frank E. Walton (P)2016 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A study of immense value of how Marines battled the vaunted Japanese Zero and emerged victorious." ( Leatherneck)

"A fascinating study of the overnight development of a diverse group of American youth reacting with shock to the attack on Pearl Harbor." ( Marine Corps Gazette)

"A new and refreshing look at this truly remarkable fighter pilot-'Pappy' Boyington-and his squadron." ( Military History)

Interesting story. Terrible narrator

I've listened to Pappy Boyingtons book and I really enjoyed it. This was a great story also, and would've been a 5 star if it would've had a good narrator. The narrator has a complete and total disregard for punctuation and delivers the story in the same tone of voice with terrible inflection. Lots of times the reader doesn't know when a different character is talking as the tone never changes.

great insight at the leyendary squadron

it gives you a different view into the story of the black sheep squadron not only it addresses the tours but it gives you a more broad look at the menu that served and their stories.
nice to see a tale that is not overexagerated

Ruined!

I really liked the story and history of this book. This narrator just ruined the audio version of this book!
Punctuation has a purpose for a reason! This guy doesn't do anything but take a breath and let it pour our. Almost lime an auctioneer!
Sad, really disappointed!

Worst narration of any audiobook so far

The story is great. Lots of details and it clears up the misconception they were screw ups.
But the narrator just speed reads through the book. It’s hard to tell where one thought ends and another begins.
Overall the stories were interesting despite bad job narrating

Great Story but Narration Lets it Down

I love everything about the Black Sheep Squadron and this book is no different. Very informative and written from an insider perspective, it provides a good picture of the Pacific war. However, the narrator doesn't seem to know what a period or comma is supposed to mean and it feels like one long run-on sentence. The upside is the book is done in record time!

Listen to "Baa Baa Black Sheep" instead Far Better

A valient attempt by a ground officer who never flew a plane. Get Pappy Boyington's Baa Baa Black Sheep. To ride in Corsair with a great ACE fighter. Much, much better than this book. It is 5 stars. This book is a three/3

Narrator

Narrator did not pause for new story just went straight into it without a pause. Therefore had to try catch up what he wa talking about.
Too fast.

it sorted fact from fiction

I grew up watching Black Sheep Squadron it is nice to have the information sorted out and a better understanding of Squadron

Very good story first hand account

I really enjoyed this story. It is similar to Fighting Corsairs. I thought that the personal accounts were just that but the story itself perhaps not as well written. The performance made it easy to feel the author was reading. I hope the Black Sheep eventually forgave the TV show. There are a lot of 50 somethings that are interested in their and others’ legacy because of it. Go college boys!

The worst narration I have ever heard.

The reading is the worst. WTH? Otherwise, everything. To do with the VMF214 is incredible.