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08 - WWII - Pacific & Asia
Black Sheep At Munda by Jim Laurier
On Sept. 7, 1943, VMF-214 officially began its first combat tour at Munda, on the island of New Gerogia. Munda was an inhospitable place - hot, humid, barren from shelling, and for a time, smelled of the aftermath of battle from the Marine assault in August. It was from this island airstrip that Marine Squadron VMF-214 launched many successful missions during their first two tours.
VMF-214 flew the beautiful F4U-1 and later, F4U-1A Corsairs against their very capable Japanese opponents, often flying two or three missions a day. VMF-214 was known as the "Black Sheep" squadron and their squadron commander was the legendary Major Greg "Pappy" Boyington. The Black Sheep became the top guns in the Pacific, racking up an impressive score in a relatively short time. The Black Sheep's second tour on Munda ended on Oct. 18, 1943. After a short period of R & R, they resumed combat operations at Vella Lavella in mid-November, 1943.
Today, the airstrip at Munda is still in service, though it is now covered with trees and lush vegetation. Likewise, the tents and warplanes have been replaced by small homes and fishing boats of the natives living there.
Print signed by the following WWII VMF-214 Black Sheep:
Glen L. Bowers
Ned Corman
Tom "Long Tom" Emrich
William D. Heier
Edwin A. "Harpo" Harper
Jim "J.J." Hill
Fred S. "Rope Trick" Losch
Bruce "Mat" Matheson
Robert W. McClurg
Edition size: 400 signed and numbered
Print size: 35"w x 23"h
