Jolly Rogers

Talk about the F4U Corsair and a name comes to mind; Greg Boyington and his Black Sheep. This will be true until you read the story of the VF-17 seen through the eyes of its CO Tommy Blackburn. Even thou the Black Sheep were outrageous, the performance record and unorthodox behaviors of the Jolly Rogers breaks the typical Navy ironed reputation. Loved by his pilots and feared by his enemies, Blackburn and his VF-17 changed the air war tactics utilizing creative new formation and attack schemes that baffled the enemy. A must to read by any F4U enthusiast and a credit to the camaraderie and leadership of a great american warrior.

As an avid student of WWII combat aviation, I don't think a book has ever thrilled me as much as THE JOLLY ROGERS. Tom Blackburn's writing style is easy and effective, especially in conveying the emotions and excitement of close engagement with enemy fighters. The books traces Blackburn's inauspicious debut in Operation TORCH to his glory days as CO of Fighting 17, with stories that are often as moving and tragic as they are exhilarating. Two sections of the book feature numerous photographs of the men and machines of the squadron, as well as detailed maps of the Solomons combat arena. I think I've read this book 3 times in its entirety and I still frequently read select passages just as refresher. I couldn't recommend it more highly. Tom Blackburn remains, even after his passing a few years ago, a true American hero; often frightened, sometimes arrogant, far from perfect, but always devoted to duty and able to stare death in the face and come away better for it.

With help from Eric Hammell, the late Blackburn (he died in 1994) wrote a marvellous book, well researched and personal, citing all the pilots from VF-17 and their story after the war. The action sequences are fantastic, and makes the reader feels like he was aboard one of the fighters. One of the best ever written.

I served under Capt. Blackburn on the USS Midway during the late 1950's. His historical account of his world war 2 naval squadron makes me proud to have known his superb leadership. This man is one of a kind for all times and was never credited fully for his absoulute heroic efforts during the campaign to defeat the Japanese. the book is a must for any aviation buffs, Bob Heath

I enjoyed this rich account of one of our great air combat leaders of WWII. Tom Blackburn understood the concept of teamwork and proved it against the Japenese in the Pacific. I felt like I was with him as he was fighting for his country, his men, and his beliefs. His forsight and determination brought out feelings of pride in me I never thought a book could. After reading his story, I wanted to shake his hand and say thanks!!