World War II was an era of massive conflict and massive destruction. Bombing raids were an ongoing mission in the defense and offensive strategies of the Allies and Axis powers. “WWII – Bombings and Weapons” pays homage to the American flyers that helped turned the conflict into a win for the Allies. It shows off such planes as the P-41, P-47, P-51, and P-38 and explores unique weaponry implemented by the Japanese to attack the United States.
Included Films:
Target for Today
Target for Today
Produced: 1944
Length: 93 Minutes
A reign of destruction falls upon the German plane assembly plant in precise targeting. “Target for Today” explains the high flying bombing runs of World War II and why they are necessary to win the war, even though at times they seem to accomplish little. It is not one bombing, or two, that will shift the power to allied forces but continued, decisive, strikes against German towns, outposts, and factories. Actual footage from the Eighth Air Force and graphic scenes of bombs reigning down victory add a sense of tragedy with honor.
Japanese Paper Balloon
Japanese Paper Balloon
Produced: 1940s
Length: 23 Minutes
P-38: Flight Characteristics
P-38: Flight Characteristics
Produced: 1943
Length: 35 Minutes
The P-38 would carry the battle for the pacific during World War II. Its precise handling, able reconnaissance capabilities, and swift assault power, created an integral, enduring, wartime fighter plane. “P-38 Flight Characteristics,” explains and dissects the P-38 airplane, focusing on combat information such as routine precautions to take before a mission, single engine flight on the duel engine plane, how to handle one or both propellers being inoperative, landing gear and flap operations, and emergency systems. The P-38 was feared by German and Japanese forces, and with her steel backbone and lead firepower. the Pacific operations in World War II would have been a lot harder.
The fight for the Sky
The fight for the Sky
Produced: 1945
Length: 41 Minutes
In victory against the Luftwaffe, during World War II, the allies poured their sweat, labor, and engineering prowess into the P-41, P-51, and P-38. Masters of these fighting machines was the 8th Air Force Fighter Command in Europe. “The Fight For the Sky,” documents the fight in aerial fight in Europe with shots of fighters destroying enemy planes and communication lines and includes a brief mission discussion by General Doolittle. The airplanes serve the pilots well across the battlefront, and a love story of man’s dependency on machines for power in the skies is aptly portrayed through heartbreak and victory.
The Last Bomb
The Last Bomb
Produced: 1940s
Length: 25 Minutes
The Last Bomb silently shows bomb runs during WWII of B-29 and B-51s. The brave pilots and the dramatic explosions are a tribute to the aviation history of the United States military. Note: Silent.
THE THUNDERBOLTS--RAMROD TO EMDEN
THE THUNDERBOLTS–RAMROD TO EMDEN
Produced: 1943
Length: 34 Minutes
The P-47 Thunderbolt was a pivotal part of World War II bombing operations. It was the biggest, heaviest airplane in action and, while effective in air combat, it proved invaluable in ground assaults and defensive missions. “The Thunderbolts – Ramrod to Emden,” is an account of a bombing mission into Germany. The Thunderbolts serve as an escort (otherwise known as a ramrod) for the bomber planes, Emden being the target of choice. Planning for the mission, pilots getting briefed, air footage of dogfights and German planes falling from the sky, and the return home, serves as a pivotal bird’s eye view into the aerial technology of the 1940s and the means the allies used to their advantage to win the war.
