Historical documentary flies high

John Depko

“Silver Wings and Civil Rights” is a compelling documentary that

shines intense light on the events that led to the order that

desegregated the entire American military. Harry Truman’s monumental

decision in 1948 was profoundly influenced by the combat exploits and

civil rights struggle of the pilots in the first all-black squadron

in the Army Air Corps.

These courageous men were forced to overcome many more obstacles

than their white counterparts would ever endure to earn their silver

wings. Yet, their loyalty and personal bravery is beyond reproach. Of

the nearly 1,000 black pilots who got their wings at the Tuskegee Air

Base in Alabama, more than 400 were killed in action in some of the

fiercest air battles of World War II.

After their heroic performance in the skies over Nazi Germany,

they returned home to find unabated racial hatred waiting for them on

their own army bases. The white German prisoners of war on these

bases had more privileges and freedom of movement than these

decorated black combat officers. The outrage they felt led to a

revolt against the standing orders of their superiors. They risked

court-martial and the ruin of their lives to bring racial justice to

the military. Their plight made headlines and eventually led to the

famous presidential order that put an end to official segregation in

the military.

Their story is told in the manner of the excellent HBO World War

II series “Band of Brothers.” We see and hear the aging survivors

recount their amazing story in their own words. As they tell their

tales, the film cuts to actors in reenactments of the stories being

told. Real combat footage is interspersed throughout the film,

providing a dramatic background to everything on the screen. This is

an outstanding and riveting account of an important chapter in

American history.

“Silver Wings and Civil Rights” will screen at 5 p.m. Thursday at

the Orange County Museum of Art.

* JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator

for the Orange County public defender’s office.