Nightfighters: The True Story Of The 332nd Fighter Group--The Tuskegee Airmen

One of the few truly essential videos I've come across over the years, Nightfighters is successful in a number of areas. As a WWII documentary, it's outstanding. As an incredible look at an indomitable group of African-Americans, it's without equal. As a story of inept decisions based on hatred and fear, it's downright scary. Few people believed that blacks had the ability to fly airplanes or even to maintain composure under combat conditions. A stupid military report published during the 1930's actually offered 'proof' of the untrustworthiness of blacks under fire. The story of how the "Tuskegee Airmen" attempted to overcome this ignorance is one of the greatest human interest stories of WWII. Interviews with some of the original airmen demonstrate that these men flew their planes with pride and determination, often surpassing their white counterparts, but never receiving the recognition they so richly deserved. Their commander--Lt. Col. Benjamin 0. Davis--is singled out for special praise. After enduring four years as a non-person during his West Point training and emerging as a great military leader after suffering repeated humiliations, Davis instilled love (mixed with a healthy dose of fear) into his troops. 'The Germans are the enemy, not the white man; let's fight one battle at a time' seemed to be his philosophy. Following the successful HBO movie The Tuskegee Airmen, starring Laurence Fishburne, this video will find a wide audience among viewers of all ages. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (J. Carlson)