The white skull and crossbones emblem has been ubiquitous on US Naval fighters for decades.  It has been painted on the cowls and tail fins of planes ranging from the F4U Corsair to the F-14 Tomcat and F-18 Hornet.  The insignia has served several squadrons including VF-17, VF-61, VF-84, VF-103 and the current VFA-103.

The book “The Jolly Rogers” is the history of the first unit to carry this insignia, written by its illustrious founding commander LtCdr John T. “Tommy” Blackburn.  VF-17 was formed at NAS Norfolk on January 1, 1943 and grew through training using lessons learned by LtCdr Blackburn in his time as an aviation instructor at Opa-Locka (NAS Miami) and from his previous command of VGF-29.

VF-17 was one of the US Navy’s first fighter squadrons to operate the Grumman F4U Corsair, lovingly nicknamed “Hog” by those who flew them.  Flying against the powerful Imperial Japanese Navy and Army with their vaunted A6M Type Zero “Zeke“, VF-17 scored 152 aerial victories and produced 11 aces before it finished its combat tour on May 10, 1944. 

“The Jolly Rogers” is mostly written in the first person and very “in the now” such that you get the feeling you are there right along with LtCdr Blackburn.  His accounts of events from training flights, personnel decisions through to combat operations are narrated in such a manner they are brought to life for the reader.  That last portion - combat operations is what really stirs the blood in his timely accounting of each mission, detailing pilot assignments, formations flow, timing, tactics, maneuvers and scores for VF-17.  Pilot losses are also detailed with due respect for the departed.

Throughout the book I got the sense of the urgency and dire seriousness of the business of being a fighter pilot as well as the humanity of those who fulfilled this dangerous and valuable role.  I would often close my eyes and envision the previous paragraphs, soaking up the mental imagery.

LtCdr Blackburn is all business when need be but also very much the hard drinking rogue as well.  Several humorous events are also interspersed amongst the cycle of combat sorties.  My favorite is the account of how the squadron managed to “smuggle” over 100 cases of beer when they were returning from R&R to their new airfield on Bougainville Island.

I liked this book a great deal.  It is written in such a manner that nearly anyone from those not at all versed in combat aviation to those like myself who have veritably steeped themselves in such tales can be both informed and entertained and above all get a feel for what it was like to be there.

Men such as LtCdr Blackburn, the Fighting 17th and all the rest who fought in WWII and other conflicts are to be honored and respected for their service.  I find that respect to be so much more heartfelt when an understanding of that service is achieved.  This book helped grow that understanding.