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Race of Aces: WWII's Elite Airmen and the Epic Battle to Become the Master of the Sky (Season 5, Episode 69)
TV Episode | Documentary, History, Talk-Show
Race of Aces: WWII's Elite Airmen and the Epic Battle to Become the Master of the Sky Part of Aviation and Naval Battles in the Pacific Week In 1942, America's deadliest fighter pilot, or "ace of aces" -- the legendary Eddie Rickenbacker -...See moreRace of Aces: WWII's Elite Airmen and the Epic Battle to Become the Master of the Sky Part of Aviation and Naval Battles in the Pacific Week In 1942, America's deadliest fighter pilot, or "ace of aces" -- the legendary Eddie Rickenbacker -- offered a bottle of bourbon to the first U.S. fighter pilot to break his record of twenty-six enemy planes shot down. Seizing on the challenge to motivate his men, General George Kenney promoted what they would come to call the "race of aces" as a way of boosting the spirits of his war-weary command. What developed was a wild three-year sprint for fame and glory, and the chance to be called America's greatest fighter pilot. In today's show our guest, John R. Bruning tells the story of how five American pilots contended for personal glory in the Pacific while leading Kenney's resurgent air force against the most formidable enemy America ever faced. The pilots -- Richard Bong, Tommy McGuire, Neel Kearby, Charles MacDonald and Gerald Johnson -- riveted the nation as they contended for Rickenbacker's crown. As their scores mounted, they transformed themselves from farm boys and aspiring dentists into artists of the modern dogfight. But as the race reached its climax, some of the pilots began to see how the spotlight warped their sense of duty. They emerged as leaders, beloved by their men as they chose selfless devotion over national accolades. John R. Bruning is the author or collaborating writer of the national bestseller Indestructible, as well as Outlaw Platoon written with Sean Parnell, Shadow of the Sword with Jeremiah Workman, How to Break a Terrorist with Matthew Alexander, House to House with David Bellavia, The Devil's Sandbox, and Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent with Fred Burton. Bruning is well traveled as an embedded combat correspondent. For his reporting in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense presented him with the Thomas Jefferson Award in 2010. Written by Paul Woodadge See less
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Oct 7, 2022
Release date
Oct 7, 2022 (France)

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