The part with the two pilots at the end is probbably the whole content of the film. Of course, you can't deny the acting ability of a man like William Holden. Damn fine moie. Kep uo the good work. ajh
Long ago I knew a man who was a WW1 recon pilot and took pictures up and down the battle lines. He had an over the wing Lewis gun, just in case. He was on the hit list of von Richthofen's flying circus because he escaped so often from being shot down. When LT. Brown shot down the Baron this pilot was right behind Brown and saw it happen. He was LT. Lehi Torrey, RFC. After that war he flew the Hump in Burma for USAAC. Back in the States he had his own airfield, which is now Oakland International Airport.
Great rendition of a great set of events. Thank you for the post. Most enjoyable. Recce sorties are always glossed over and never fully get the credit and recognition they deserve. The mention of the need for photos in North Africa is made. Look up how the SAAF squadrons delivered when tasked by British and American generals. Read the excellent book SAAF at war 1940 to 1989.
This was an incredible and historical half hour and very well produced. Filmed during the high point of the world war. I have always been interested in this era. This film was produced when I was born: August 20, 1944. ☮
I realise this is a fictional story and that the screenwriters used a bit of poetic license, but, and there is always a but, I found it strange that a “one Star” General would be flying in combat missions, or did I get the wrong impression, I am assuming that by “One Star” it does mean that his dad was a General, or is that incorrect?. Unfortunately for him the job of Photo recce did need a very good pilot, and as dangerous, if not more so, than a fighter pilot, no armament (defensive or offensive) and an aircraft that would be a bullet magnate, super low flying close to or right on top of the enemy line or whatever the intelligence people wanted and if your aircraft was hit at low altitude a parachute would have been absolutely no use, it took a great pilot and an extremely brave man to take it on.
Yes, his dad was a Brigadier general. And while it was uncommon for generals to fly combat missions, General Jimmy Doolittle himself was almost canned in Europe for flying missions with the Eighth Air Force.
Holding the rank of one star general has nothing to do with what your father's rank might be. Generals do sometimes fly combat aircraft. One that was well known in pilot circles in more modern times flew the F-15C Eagle. His name was Gen. Pete Dixon, call sign 'Tidewater Alligator'. He was one helluva pilot.
The highest ranking USAF officer to be killed in action during the Vietnam War was Major General Robert Worley. In 1968 his RF-4C Phantom reconnaissance jet was hit by enemy AAA fire and crashed approximately 65 miles northwest of Da Nang. A decade later I worked with his son at Randolph AFB. We were both 2nd Lieutenants assigned to the same unit. He later rose to the rank of Major General.
Recon missions are typically very dangerous because the aircraft is stripped of weapons to gain additional speed and range, coupled with flying deep into enemy territory.
Hi buddy, fantastic movie about the recon pilots during the war very brave pilots indeed. Thank you for sharing, mate. cheers Gary from the uk 🇬🇧
The part with the two pilots at the end is probbably the whole content of the film. Of course, you can't deny the acting ability of a man like William Holden. Damn fine moie. Kep uo the good work. ajh
Long ago I knew a man who was a WW1 recon pilot and took pictures up and down the battle lines. He had an over the wing Lewis gun, just in case. He was on the hit list of von Richthofen's flying circus because he escaped so often from being shot down. When LT. Brown shot down the Baron this pilot was right behind Brown and saw it happen. He was LT. Lehi Torrey, RFC. After that war he flew the Hump in Burma for USAAC. Back in the States he had his own airfield, which is now Oakland International Airport.
Outstanding!
Great rendition of a great set of events. Thank you for the post. Most enjoyable. Recce sorties are always glossed over and never fully get the credit and recognition they deserve. The mention of the need for photos in North Africa is made. Look up how the SAAF squadrons delivered when tasked by British and American generals. Read the excellent book SAAF at war 1940 to 1989.
MAJ Arthur L Post died in August of 1944 in the Pacific theatre after crashing into the sea nearby Sorido.
This was an incredible and historical half hour and very well produced. Filmed during the high point of the world war. I have always been interested in this era. This film was produced when I was born: August 20, 1944. ☮
Alone, Unarmed, and Unafraid (motto of USAF reconnaissance)
William Holden. Wait. He was killed by the Japanese when he came back to the camp to destroy the Bridge on the River Kwai.
Oh wait ... he also died in North Korea after bombing the Bridges at Toko-Ri...
... but wait... he was supposed to be still running after escaping from Stalag 17 ....
The great Killum with Filum, 18 TRS (RF 101's)
I realise this is a fictional story and that the screenwriters used a bit of poetic license, but, and there is always a but, I found it strange that a “one Star” General would be flying in combat missions, or did I get the wrong impression, I am assuming that by “One Star” it does mean that his dad was a General, or is that incorrect?.
Unfortunately for him the job of Photo recce did need a very good pilot, and as dangerous, if not more so, than a fighter pilot, no armament (defensive or offensive) and an aircraft that would be a bullet magnate, super low flying close to or right on top of the enemy line or whatever the intelligence people wanted and if your aircraft was hit at low altitude a parachute would have been absolutely no use, it took a great pilot and an extremely brave man to take it on.
Yes, his dad was a Brigadier general. And while it was uncommon for generals to fly combat missions, General Jimmy Doolittle himself was almost canned in Europe for flying missions with the Eighth Air Force.
Great flick, real living history!
Holding the rank of one star general has nothing to do with what your father's rank might be. Generals do sometimes fly combat aircraft. One that was well known in pilot circles in more modern times flew the F-15C Eagle. His name was Gen. Pete Dixon, call sign 'Tidewater Alligator'. He was one helluva pilot.
Rubbish.
The stripped down Lightning was faster than anything except the Germans jet aircraft.
No Japanese plane could get near it.
The highest ranking USAF officer to be killed in action during the Vietnam War was Major General Robert Worley. In 1968 his RF-4C Phantom reconnaissance jet was hit by enemy AAA fire and crashed approximately 65 miles northwest of Da Nang. A decade later I worked with his son at Randolph AFB. We were both 2nd Lieutenants assigned to the same unit. He later rose to the rank of Major General.
Best bit......Kim Hunter.
Bridges at Toko Ri!! HOOYAH!!
19:16 George Jetson
To short needs to be at least one hour long. MKL
Recon missions are typically very dangerous because the aircraft is stripped of weapons to gain additional speed and range, coupled with flying deep into enemy territory.
No it's not.
They had the fastest, highest flying aircraft in the world.
The Japs couldn't get near them.
What a load.
Propaganda rubbish.
Its actually a pretty factual video. How could it be propaganda? Propaganda is made up of misleading information.