Before They Were the Black Sheep

World War II letters of a New Englander's journey from civilian to elite fighter squadron pilot

Before the Marine Fighting Squadron VMF-214 became known as the Black Sheep squadron led by "Pappy" Boyington, this air group was already flying missions from Guadalcanal. Commissioned in 1942, the squadron was originally known as "The Swashbucklers."

Lt. Carl Dunbar was one of the squadron's original pilots, and his letters home describe the training and living conditions he faced as a Marine in the Pacific theater during the early years of World War II. Dunbar ultimately flew eighty-two missions during the Solomon campaign, and this volume includes his private logbook.

Like many veterans, after returning to the United States Dunbar rarely spoke about his wartime service. Only after his death did his son Peter discover this trove of material, and his commentary provides context for each of his father's letters. Both personal and universal, this volume offers a glimpse of what life was like for a man with a great sense of loyalty and compassion caught up in the war of his generation.