Led by former Flying Tiger Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, one of the best-known fighter squadrons in the Pacific Theater of World War Two was the Black Sheep squadron of the United States Marine Corps. Flying the fast and rugged Chance-Vought F4U Corsair, the Marine aviators of VMF-214 made a name for themselves with their accomplishments in and around the islands of New Georgia, New Britain, New Ireland, Bougainville and the Russell Islands. A major Japanese stronghold in the area was the deep-water harbor of Rabaul on New Britain. The decision was eventually made to bypass Rabaul and neutralize it by cutting it off from the rest of the Japanese forces in the Pacific. However, prior to that actually occurring, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army Air Force flew many sorties against the harbor facilities, enemy shipping and enemy aircraft. One such mission is portrayed in "Black Sheep Over Rabaul" by Stan Stokes. The print portrays the Corsairs of four Black Sheep in formation over the Japanese bastion. The F4U in the foreground is piloted by Pappy Boyington, with Robert McClurg's F4U on Pappy's wing. As Pappy's wingman for many missions, Robert saw a lot of action with the Black Sheep. He eventually retired from the Marines as a Lt. Colonel.
"Black Sheep Over Rabaul" is a Limited Edition Art Print of 500 numbered prints. The print is signed by the artist and Lt. Colonel Robert W. McClurg. It is accompanied by a Certificate Of Authenticity. Included in the artwork are three photographs. On the left is a photograph of Blacksheep pilot Lt. John Bolt if front of his Corsair. The middle photograph is a copy of a photograph of the Black Sheep in front of one of their Corsairs. Added Note: A customer believes this photograph to be of the first Black Sheep squadron, taken a few days prior to VMF-214's first mission. That would date the photograph on September 14 or 15, 1943, as the squadron flew it's first mission on September 17, and saw it's first combat on the famous September 18 mission when 18 Japanese aircraft were credited to the Black Sheep. At that time, the Black Sheep were based at the airfield on the island of Banika.
Pappy and Bob McClurg are seated next to each other in the front row. Again, the photograph is a copy of the signed original. The signatures on the art print are original. The photograph on the right is of Pappy himself.
The finished piece measures 24 ½ " x 31". The print is double-matted in gray-blue and dark blue. The optional frame is solid wood, with a cherry finish (other colors are available. Contact us for info). Please see the "Frame Info" tab for complete information on how we frame our artwork. Item price includes ground shipping to the continental U.S. |
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