[Milsurplus] Common sense- Pappy's stories

[James C Whartenby]

Subtitled: Book Report on "Baa Baa Black Sheep" by Gregory "Pappy"
Boyington

Having just read Gregory "Pappy" Boyington's book less then a year ago, I
reread the chapters concerning the radio communications with the
Japanese.  In essence, it is more complicated then your "specifics"
indicate.  For one, Boyington himself called it a "game", but he is
referring to a game of wits.

The end of Chapter 16 describes the first instance.  Here the Japanese
are trying to find the position of Boyington's flight of Black Sheep in
order to ambush them.  The Japanese ground radio operator's use of
English is too perfect, no use of slang, so Boyington is aware of the
trap.  Boyington gives false information over the radio and is able to
turn the tables on the enemy.  The Japanese lost 12 planes and Boyington
lost none, in 30 seconds of combat.

The next instance is in Chapter 18.  This is close to the thread.  The
radio communication is still taking place between the US and Japanese
forces, but the enemy fighters do not to take to the air.  This is the
passage where Boyington taunts the Japanese pilots on the ground to come
up and fight.  The Japanese response is: "Major Boyington, why don't you
come down if you are so brave".  The Black Sheep are harassed by
antiaircraft fire.

The last indication of Japanese monitoring of US communication is at the
end of Chapter 18.  Here the Black Sheep are communicating with each
other, in flight, as if they are unescorted dive bombers.  The Japanese
pilots take to the air to engage and are then ambushed by Boyington's
Black Sheep.

Historically accurate?  Probably not, but I would think it is close to
what really happened, even with the author's poetic license.  "Baa Baa
Black Sheep" is a pretty good read, if anyone is interested.
Regards,
Jim

On Fri, 20 May 2005 14:13:59 GMT "gl4d21a at juno.com" <gl4d21a at juno.com>
writes:
> 
> Hey, c'mon guys, consider:
> 
> First, it was World War 2.  Now a comfortable history story for 
> many, but a frightening memory for those who were there.  I was just 
> a few years too young, but I still remember relatives who never came 
> home.  In any event, the goal was to kill the enemy whenever they 
> were spotted.  It was not a game.
> 
> Now, specifics:  Case A: Boyington flies near or over a Japanese 
> fighter base.  Reaction, Japanese fighters come up to engage.
> 
> Case B:  Boyington flies over or near a Japanese fighter base, and 
> challenges them over the radio.  His pilots will hear it, and the 
> stories evolve.  Do the Japanese actually hear it?  Does not matter. 
>  Reaction, Japanese fighters come up to engage.
> 
> Cause and effect?  You decide.  
> 
> 
> 73,
> George
> W5VPQ
> 
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