Baa Baa Black Sheep by Pappy Boyington, Signed and Inscribed, in Original Dust Jacket, 1958

Boyington, Gregory. Baa Baa Black Sheep. Fresno: Wilson Press, Inc., 1958. Twice signed and inscribed by Boyington. First edition, seventeenth printing. In the publisher’s original dust jacket, blue hardcover boards with silver titles to the spine.

This first edition, seventeenth printing of Baa Baa Black Sheep is twice signed and inscribed by Colonel Gregory “Pappy” Boyington. On the photograph, just opposite the half title page, Boyington inscribed, “Paul- your dad Jim was a great pilot and a privilege to fly with. Pappy 10/12/1980-” in black ink. On the half title page, the second inscription reads “To Paul Hill- With All The Best- Always- Pappy Boyington” and is dated “Oct. 12, 1980.” Published by Wilson Press in 1958, this book retains its original boldly colored red and green dust jacket and bright blue hardcover boards with silver embossed titles on the spine. 

Col. Boyington was a Marine Corps Ace during WWII and famously commanded the legendary Black Sheep Squadron. Additionally, he was a Flying Tiger and eventually was awarded both the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. This autobiography describes the unconventional hero and his fearless, successful leadership during the war while still maintaining his own wild and independent habits. With eight Aces in addition to Boyington and a confirmed 94 Japanese planes shot down, the Black Sheep Squadron became the most well-known Marine Corps fighter squadron of WWII. This thrilling true story of Boyington’s fall from favor and eventual recovery with his famous leadership is entertaining and well-written.

A fantastic association copy, this book was gifted in 1980 to Paul Hill, son of WWII pilot Jim Hill. Jim Hill was a pilot in the legendary Black Sheep Squadron (VMA-214), known for his combat experience and for being one of the original "plank holders" alongside Pappy Boyington. During his two tours with the Black Sheep, Hill flew a total of 70 combat missions, and also flew a third combat tour with VMF-211 on Green Island. He then flew another combat tour with VMF-521 as a pilot instructor, later joining VMF-324 at Midway. In his career he was awarded 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 12 Air Medals. 

CONDITION:

Overall very good condition. Vibrantly colored, the original red and green dust jacket shows slight signs of rubbing from age, but no significant loss or creasing. Unclipped dust jacket. The bright blue hardcover boards have minor bumping on the bottom, but otherwise have no notable damage and tight binding. Silver titles to the spine. Green endpapers with black and white photographs. Internally, the pages are clean and bright. Signed and inscribed twice, on black and white photograph page facing the half title page, and on the half title page. Colonel Boyington’s two inscriptions and signatures are written in black ink, and are legible without smudges or fading, and dated October 1980. 

Book Dimensions: 8 5/8"H x 5 11/16"W x 1 1/4"D.

Accompanied by our company’s letter of authenticity.