V. Tuskegee Airmen WW2, African Americans: Interviews- Red Tails Pilot; Top Gun Winner Turns 100

[appalachiablue]

Tuskegee Airmen, African American Pilots Fought in WW2; Memories of Tuskegee Red Tails Fighter Pilot Harold Brown; 1st Top Gun Winner, Lt. Col. James Harvey Turns 100 in 2023,
https://www.democraticunderground.com/11635234

- Cross post from American History group.

[Irish_Dem]

1. I recommend the movie "Red Tails."

Tells the story of the WWII AA flyers who are very impressive.
I loved this story.

[appalachiablue]

2. Thanks much, I'll look for it. The T. Airmen were remarkable esp given

the challenges they faced and overcame. Bravo to Eleanor Roosevelt for her support.

[Irish_Dem]

3. I watch a lot of WWII movies and I thought it was great.

The movie did not get great reviews. But I liked it.

Yes I am glad ER endorsed the group.

It is really neat how the red tail fighters gave support to the US AF bombers
on raids. At first the bomber groups didn't want them, but then the red tails
were so skilled and brave, with no loss of bombers, they were in demand!

Yes a story of a group of highly intelligent, well trained AA flyers,
risking their lives for a country they love, but the country doesn't
love them back. They still do their best in a heroic way.

[Ontheboundry]

4. The movie isn't factually correct

They did lose bombers, but their record was still good. The air force confirmed that the movie wasn't factually correct in that

[Irish_Dem]

5. The point is that their loss rate was good.

And sometimes on a run they lost no bombers.

I have never seen a movie that is factually correct right down the line.

I come from a military family, I could tell stories going way
back about the truth in wartime. Small and big stories.

But people don't want to hear it, and the military doesn't want to tell it.

[Ontheboundry]

6. Here is the problem

When the movies make these falsified facts, people drag the Tuskeegee airmen thru the mud l

They should have posted the facts and let them stand on the facts so nobody would tear them down

[Irish_Dem]

7. That is not how Hollywood makes money.

People don't pay cash money to hear the truth.

The major facts of the red tails are accurate.
The tiny details don't matter.

Racists are just looking for an excuse to complain.

[appalachiablue]

8. Yes, men of courage, honor and perseverance in very difficult times

and situations who served extremely well. They led the way for others as the Hampton, Va video above notes. Respect. Thanks for your posts!

I hope to look into whether there were ever any efforts to make a quality film or TV program - PBS, Ken Burns about The Greatest Generation, esp since so many of them have passed away and with the the rise of fascist and antidemocratic movements here, in Europe and other places.

I watch little TV, so I could have missed a series or special features on this subject that were made in the years since Brokaw's 1998 book came out.
-----------
- Wiki, The Greatest Generation.
(I know plenty in this group who wouldn't be described as conservative, below).
-----
.. Later years and legacy:
According to a 2004 study done by AARP, "There are 26 million people aged 77 or older in the United States.

These people are largely conservative on economic (59%) and social (49%) issues, and about one-third of them say they have become more conservative on economic, social, foreign policy, moral, and legal issues as they have aged. Over 9 in 10 (91%) of this age group are registered to vote and 90% voted in the 2000 presidential election.

The last member of this generation to be elected president was George H. W. Bush (1989–1993), and as of 2024 the last surviving president from this generation is Jimmy Carter (1977–1981). In its latter years, this generation was introduced to continued technological advancements such as mobile phones and the Internet.

As of 2023, approximately 119,550 (under 1%) of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II remain alive. Living members of this generation are either in their late 90s or are centenarians.

The lives of this generation are a common element of popular culture in the western world, and media related to this generation's experiences continues to be produced. The romanticizing of this generation has faced criticism by some. However, some also praise the traits and actions of this generation and cite their sacrifices as a lesson for current generations...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greatest_Generation

[Irish_Dem]

9. I don't know if there was a high level series done on this topic.

If so, I would like to see it.

[appalachiablue]

10. Same, and it's so impt.and esp. relevant now.

[Irish_Dem]

11. Yes it is.

I hope Americans are willing to fight this hard for democracy once again.

[appalachiablue]

12. Amen, if only.. I find these times quite dangerous, democracy is

under attack like I've never seen. We'll find out more this fall, for sure.

[Irish_Dem]

14. Yes November will answer our questions.

Good or bad.

[Hiawatha Pete]

13. Kick & Rec