From the early race to build gliders to the D-Day invasion at Normandy and Nazi Germany's final surrender, Silent Wings - The American Glider Pilots of WWII narrated by Hal Holbrook, reveals the critical role gliders playe... more »d 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 WWII, 6000 young Americans volunteered to fly large unarmed cargo gliders into battle. For these glider pilots every mission was do-or-die. 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, using only a stopwatch to navigate. Thousands of lives were saved and battles won because of their efforts. In fact, one pilot interviewed said - the 'G' in their emblem didn't stand for glider; it stood for 'guts'.« less
"I did not know the full history of the glider pilots. Now I do, and I am impressed and awed by their unselfishness and heroics. Everyone interested in WWII should see this documentary."
A Long Past Due Tribute
David M. Nolan | Palm Harbor, Florida | 05/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"They all volunteered - to serve in a branch of the service that no longer exists. They knew they were to be pilots on a one-way mission. Fly them in and then grab a rifle and join the infantry. That was the lot of a Glider Pilot. The G on their wings surely stood for "Guts"
Watch this exciting tape and you will certainly want to tip your hat to the few living veterans of this extrodinary branch of the Army Air Corp."
Well worth watching
C. Harris | Germantown, TN USA | 04/16/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This documentary covers a subject that has not been told in it`s own light.
Well worth watching. I learned many things I was unaware of and I pride myself on being knowledgeable in WWII History. Yet I still find more every time I get a new DVD or Book.
"
Silent Wings DVD Review
Doug E. Wilber | Schenectady, NY | 08/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A month ago a man in my late father's platoon set me the DVD "Silent Wings" the story of American glider pilots during World War II. Since this man, Bill Shorter and my Dad Charles Wilber were glider riders I found this nearly 2-hour documentary very informative and a pleasure to watch. Many Americans don't realize that the gliders were an important and dangerous part of the American airborne forces during that war. Using interviews with both German and American glider pilots along with great insite by reporters Walter Cronkite and Andy Rooney the DVD was excellant. It not only showed American glider action but also German glider assualts. I recommend this documentary for not only WWII buffs but anyone interested in history."
Answered a question.
D. Burke | Pittsford, N.Y. | 07/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When my graduating grandson (heading for college) asked me about "gliders" in wartime for an essay on WWII, my interest in anything that flies answered some of his questions, and to reinforce it, I got him the copy of Silent Wings and that gave him a better documented story; bravery, heroism, victory and tragedy."