Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

appalachiablue

(42,341 posts)
Sat Jun 22, 2024, 02:14 PM Jun 22

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

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.

14 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
V. Tuskegee Airmen WW2, African Americans: Interviews- Red Tails Pilot; Top Gun Winner Turns 100 (Original Post) appalachiablue Jun 22 OP
I recommend the movie "Red Tails." Irish_Dem Jun 22 #1
Thanks much, I'll look for it. The T. Airmen were remarkable esp given appalachiablue Jun 22 #2
I watch a lot of WWII movies and I thought it was great. Irish_Dem Jun 22 #3
The movie isn't factually correct Ontheboundry Jun 22 #4
The point is that their loss rate was good. Irish_Dem Jun 22 #5
Here is the problem Ontheboundry Jun 22 #6
That is not how Hollywood makes money. Irish_Dem Jun 22 #7
Yes, men of courage, honor and perseverance in very difficult times appalachiablue Jun 22 #8
I don't know if there was a high level series done on this topic. Irish_Dem Jun 22 #9
Same, and it's so impt.and esp. relevant now. appalachiablue Jun 22 #10
Yes it is. Irish_Dem Jun 22 #11
Amen, if only.. I find these times quite dangerous, democracy is appalachiablue Jun 22 #12
Yes November will answer our questions. Irish_Dem Jun 23 #14
Kick & Rec Hiawatha Pete Jun 23 #13

Irish_Dem

(55,557 posts)
1. I recommend the movie "Red Tails."
Sat Jun 22, 2024, 02:34 PM
Jun 22

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

appalachiablue

(42,341 posts)
2. Thanks much, I'll look for it. The T. Airmen were remarkable esp given
Sat Jun 22, 2024, 02:47 PM
Jun 22

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

Irish_Dem

(55,557 posts)
3. I watch a lot of WWII movies and I thought it was great.
Sat Jun 22, 2024, 02:56 PM
Jun 22

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

(219 posts)
4. The movie isn't factually correct
Sat Jun 22, 2024, 03:51 PM
Jun 22

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

(55,557 posts)
5. The point is that their loss rate was good.
Sat Jun 22, 2024, 04:19 PM
Jun 22

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

(219 posts)
6. Here is the problem
Sat Jun 22, 2024, 05:46 PM
Jun 22

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

(55,557 posts)
7. That is not how Hollywood makes money.
Sat Jun 22, 2024, 06:22 PM
Jun 22

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

(42,341 posts)
8. Yes, men of courage, honor and perseverance in very difficult times
Sat Jun 22, 2024, 10:41 PM
Jun 22

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

appalachiablue

(42,341 posts)
12. Amen, if only.. I find these times quite dangerous, democracy is
Sat Jun 22, 2024, 11:30 PM
Jun 22

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

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Veterans»V. Tuskegee Airmen WW2, A...