Watch Silent Wings - The American Glider Pilots of WWII

Silent Wings - The American Glider Pilots of WWII is a documentary film that tells the story of the unsung heroes of World War II - the American glider pilots. The film is directed by Robert Child and narrated by legendary news anchor Walter Cronkite. The film takes us back to the early days of the war when the United States Army realized the need for a new kind of aircraft - one that could silently take troops and equipment behind enemy lines. The solution was the glider, a plane without an engine that could be towed by a larger plane and released to glide to its destination.

The film tells the story of the glider pilots, a group of men who flew the fragile gliders into battle zones, carrying troops and equipment into battle. The glider pilots were a unique group of individuals, most of whom had never flown a plane before. They were tasked to become expert pilots in a matter of weeks, and then be ready to face some of the most dangerous missions of the war.

The film talks about how the glider pilots were not only trained to fly the gliders but also to be a part of the infantry once they landed. They were often the first troops to land behind enemy lines, and their success was crucial to the success of the larger mission.

One of the most poignant moments of the film is when the glider pilots talk about their experiences landing behind enemy lines. They recount their fear and the overwhelming sense of relief when they landed safely. They also talk about the sense of isolation they felt, knowing that it could be days before they were rescued, if at all.

The film also discusses the dangers of the glider missions. The gliders were often towed by larger planes at night, with no lights and no sound. The pilots had to rely on their instincts and their instruments to fly the gliders. Once released, the gliders had no engines and had to land unpowered. This made the landing incredibly difficult and often dangerous, with many gliders crashing or landing in enemy territory.

The film also talks about the discrimination faced by the glider pilots. Despite their bravery and their sacrifices, they were not recognized as combat pilots and were denied veterans' benefits for many years after the war.

Silent Wings - The American Glider Pilots of WWII is a moving tribute to the brave men who flew the gliders into battle. The film is expertly narrated by Walter Cronkite, who brings his signature gravitas to the story. The interviews with the glider pilots are deeply moving, and the archival footage adds a sense of authenticity to the film.

The film is also aided by the stunning score, composed by John Keltonic. The score perfectly captures the sense of danger and isolation felt by the glider pilots, and it adds an emotional depth to the film.

In conclusion, Silent Wings - The American Glider Pilots of WWII is a must-watch for anyone interested in World War II history. The film sheds light on a group of men who were crucial to the success of the war but were often overlooked in the history books. The film is a fitting tribute to these brave men and their sacrifices.

Silent Wings - The American Glider Pilots of WWII is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes.