Watch Proudly We Served: The Men of the USS Mason

The movie Proudly We Served: The Men of the USS Mason from 2011 is a powerful and moving documentary that tells the story of the courageous and inspiring crew of the USS Mason, the first US Navy ship to be manned by African American sailors during World War II. The film is directed by Michael L. Sellers and features interviews with surviving crew members and their families, as well as historical footage and reenactments.

The USS Mason was commissioned in 1944 and was initially tasked with convoy duty in the North Atlantic. The crew faced many challenges and obstacles during their service, including discrimination and racism both on board and on shore. Despite these challenges, the crew of the Mason remained resilient and dedicated to their duties, serving with honor and integrity throughout the war.

The movie begins with a brief overview of the history of African Americans in the military, from the Buffalo Soldiers of the Civil War to the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. The story then shifts to the USS Mason and the experiences of the crew, including their training, their deployment to the war zone, and their encounters with enemy forces.

Through interviews with surviving crew members, we learn about the daily routines and duties on board the Mason, as well as the camaraderie and sense of purpose that kept the sailors going during the long and dangerous days at sea. We also hear about the racism and discrimination that they faced, both from their fellow sailors and from civilians in the ports they visited.

One of the most powerful moments in the film comes when the crew members describe their experiences of being fired upon by enemy forces. The Mason was engaged in several battles with German U-boats and planes, and the sailors recall the intense fear and adrenaline that came with these encounters. We also hear how their training and bravery allowed them to successfully defend their ship and crewmates.

Throughout the movie, we are given a sense of the incredible courage and dedication demonstrated by the crew of the Mason. These men faced not only the dangers of war, but also the additional burdens of racism and discrimination. Despite these obstacles, they served with distinction and honor, paving the way for future generations of African American sailors and soldiers.

The film also explores the aftermath of the war, including the discrimination that many of the crew members faced upon returning home. Despite the sacrifices they had made for their country, they were still seen as second-class citizens by many Americans. This segment of the movie highlights the important role that the crew of the Mason played in the fight for civil rights and social justice in the United States.

Overall, Proudly We Served: The Men of the USS Mason is a moving and inspiring tribute to the brave and dedicated crew of this historic ship. Through interviews, historical footage, and reenactments, the film provides a vivid portrayal of the challenges and triumphs of these sailors during one of the most difficult and tumultuous times in American history. Their stories are a testament to the power of courage, determination, and hope, and serve as a reminder that the fight for equality and justice is an ongoing struggle.

Proudly We Served: The Men of the USS Mason is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.