Dayton, OH - October 16, 2007 - The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will feature a screening of Silent Wings – The American Glider Pilots of WWII at 10 a.m. on Nov. 10 in the Carney Auditorium.
Narrated by Hal Holbrook, Silent Wings reveals the critical role gliders played in World War II offensives. Through rare archival footage and photographs, the film places the audience right at the center of the action in the dangerous world of the American glider pilot.
During World War II, 6,000 young Americans volunteered to fly large unarmed cargo gliders into battle. For these glider pilots, every mission was critical. It was their task to repeatedly risk their lives landing the men and tools of war deep within enemy-held territory, often in complete darkness. Thousands of lives were saved and battles won because of their efforts.
Distributed by Inecom Entertainment Company, the film includes interviews with former National WWII Glider Pilots Association, Inc. Chairman Michael J. Samek, surviving glider veterans and legendary journalists Andy Rooney and Walter Cronkite, who flew into Holland with the 101st Airborne Division in 1944.
New York congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy who sponsored a House Resolution honoring glider pilots said, “For nearly 50 years, our nation knew very little about these courageous men. They are finally receiving the recognition they deserve through the release of Silent Wings and passage of a House Resolution in their name.”
No tickets are necessary for this free film screening. Doors to the Carney Auditorium open at 9 a.m. More information about the film is available at http://www.silentwingsfilm.com/.
The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Street, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day).
For more information, contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at (937) 255-8046, ext. 490.
