VF-17 was duly commissioned and proved that the fighter could fly off a carrier but instead of being the first Navy squadron to fly off a carrier; they were rushed to the Solomons where all the available fighters were needed. Combat operations were a mixture of exhilaration and boredom, but the war took its toll on VF-17. Thirteen pilots were to lose their life in the war including one where a ‘golden bb’ from a rifle caliber sized bullet made a lucky hit and killed the pilot instantly. But for each loss the squadron suffered; the Japanese were to pay a higher price. VF-17 destroyed 154.5 Japanese aircraft and 13 pilots became aces with VF-17 and two others went on to be aces with other squadrons. Thus for every pilot that VF-17 lost; the Japanese lost nearly 12 planes. Perhaps the high point for VF-17 came right before it was rotated out of the line. During operation: Chatte Flambee which was to be a strike against a strategic target frequented by Imperial Japanese Navy Officers. With a successful strike, VF-17 left the line.

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The Jolly Rogers is a Zenith reprint from the 1998 version published by Words To Go Inc. The book is highly interesting to read, but has several flaws. First there were several spelling errors, which while not crucial, were annoying. Secondly there were three misprints in the book. These misprints look like somebody took White Out to these pages to correct errors. It is unknown what form of publishing was used to print this book, but if it was camera ready pages and digital printing than the use of White Out to correct errors is another annoying flaw that shouldn’t have happened.

Perhaps the most confusing aspect to the book was the glossary. In it there was stuff that didn’t need explaining, but he left out the term Tyro. One other fault I found with the book was that while the photos were excellent; the maps left something to be desired due to a lack of clarity and readability. It must be emphasized that these flaws are minor. The book is an excellent read and well worth the $17.95 list price. Anybody interested in a first hand account of the war in the Pacific or about flying the Corsair in combat is highly encouraged to purchase the book for their library. And for the record; a Tyro is the same as a nugget. He is a young, inexperienced or novice in a trade. In this case Tyro pilots.

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