Paul - remarkable insights. Thanks
A very good Youtube version of this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cuo1sia2-EI
Mr. Bertorelli,
I concur!
After a few sentences, I thought that there is no way that Paul read the book. Go read the book.
Spoilers-
The movie told the core story fairly well, but left out massively important nuances. Hudner was not authorized to make his landing to attempt to rescue Jesse behind enemy lines. In fact, it was prohibited, so he disobeyed orders to do so. On his long journey back to the ship, he was depressed by the loss of his friend, and also by knowing that he’d be court martialed for his disobedience, especially because it was futile.
The ship took a donation for Jesse’s family, raising over $25000 in today’s dollars for the education of his daughter. Tom Hudner also received a cash award from his home town after receiving the MOH, which he promptly donated to Daisy for her education. Daisy got her degree and became a school teacher.
Jesse didn’t disobey orders to attack a bridge. Especially not with rockets.
They didn’t shoot down a Mig.
The carrier landing scenes were worse than the first Topgun movie. All straight ins, ridiculously low or high. There is no reason for it, but Hollywood just can’t help themselves in gross exaggeration of carrier approaches, which need no such embellishment in order to enhance drama. They are dramatic enough in real life.
The F8F and the F4U use the same engine. The latter had about a hundred more horsepower on a much larger and heavier airframe.
Pilots standing on the flight deck watching landings next to the island? Not a chance in hell. Takeoffs past parked airplanes? Nope. Lack of ground crew throughout the flick? Maddening. The Squadron seemingly had about twelve pilots. All JO’s without an XO, Ops O, etc.
The biggest omission was that Jesse Brown was a Christian who read his Bible every day. He knew who he was, and was a confident, skilled Naval Aviator who loved flying. He didn’t get his motivation by a book of nasty epithets as in the movie, he got it from knowing that his value came from above, not from the flawed opinions of lesser men.
Amazing story, long known by Naval Aviators and passed down and enshrined by VF32. I’m glad it will bring some much needed attention to a couple of great men who long ago paved the way to ending bigotry, but anyone who wants to know the true story with nuance and depth would be well served to read the book.
My father, Capt. Walter F. Madden, USN (RET) was CAG (Commander Air Group) of Air Group 3 on board the USS Leyte when this incident occurred. Like most combat veterans he talked very little about the Korean War (or WWII in which he also fought) but he did tell me this story. One point he made was that initially there was a dispute over whether to court martial Lt. Hudner or honor him as his actions were in direct violation of standing orders. Also, Lt. Hudner and the helo pilot discussed trying to free Lieutenant Brown by amputating his trapped leg but could not get access because of the confines of the cockpit made worse by the crash damage which buckled the nose of the F4U up. The only things that that had to use if they had attempted the amputation were a survival knife and a crash hatchet.
When the USS Leyte returned to San Diego my father was assigned to USN Air Station Quonset Point Post. On the family move across the country we stopped and he visited with the relatives of each of the pilots that had been killed in his Air Group. I remember visiting Lt. Brown’s wife (Daisy). She lived in a simple wooden house at the end of a red clay dirt road in Alabama or Georgia. My sister and I were told to stay outside while my father and mother talked with Mrs. Brown. As an almost six year old my principle memories were the sadness of the visit and the yellow honeysuckle that grew up the side of the porch of the house.
Come on, you guys, this is exciting for an awesome story to hit mainstream in theaters, but please put a warning of spoilers. I can’t wait to see it and get the book. BTW, today, Cyber Monday, Barnes & Noble has a discount on total purchase…today only. The newer owner is not as regular with coupons as in the past. So if you shop there, might be a good time to order the book “Devotion”. God bless all our veterans. And thank you to those in “comments” who added personal history. Looking forward. Thanks, Paul!
I know only one comment above had details, and did warn of spoilers, but hoping future comments keep in mind those who have not yet seen the film or read the book.
Thanks for sharing that “first-hand” insight. It adds even more insight to the story.
Since there doesn’t seem to be a way to email Paul I’ll say it here…
The stall strip on the Corsair is on the RIGHT wing.
Good review but as others have said, read the book!
As the brother of a 20 yr old aircrew member lost from Yorktown Mar, 1968 at the coast of Viet Nam, I had no choice but to watch this movie. Thought it was very good, and now I’ll have to read the book. Appreciate the comments here.
Recommend “They Were Our Fathers”, PBS documentary by the pilot’s daughter, available on YouTube.
S2-E Tracker pilot was VS-23 Cdr. Hubbs; brother Thomas D. Barber and other crew Benson and Nightingale.
Jill Hubbs went to Viet Nam, looking for leads, and in Hanoi in 1993 found a grave registration with Cdr. Hubbs name.
War is hell.
I totally agree with you on the book Jack. Having a wife who is the director of a public library, I try to refrain from using the old trope “the book was sooooo much better than the movie”. This very wife brought “Devotion” home for me to read, and I simply could not put it down. In my opinion, the movie provided the visuals (that MOST audiences want to see), while the book provides the heart and soul (and COMPLETE story). I do wish however we got Hudner buzzing a golf course in the movie.
And Paul, Ward Carroll had a great premier interview with the cast and crew, and I THINK I recall it being said that 6 Corsairs were used of the 12(?) that are flying worldwide.
Totally agree with You, Mr. Jack E. Sometimes, before writing (knowing that a lot of folks will reading it), one should read.
The Bridges at Toko-Ri, not Toki-Ri.
My Dad was at Chosin with 7th ID and Brown and Hudner were among many, many who kept the Red Chinese far enough away so the Army units and 1st Marine Division could reach Hungnam and rescue. Watching this film was emotional for me because Pop survived in '50 so I could come along in '52. RIP to both pilots and their families.
Don’t want to read the spoilers have a private screening of it this weekend.
Excellent movie. Yes there are a few discrepancies but overall the story is intact. I have the audio version which I have listened to about 5 times now since it came out and know it well from this. What they left out doesn’t take away from the story, but would have added extra context of Hudner’s bravery.
A good write up Paul, but please read the book.
My hangar is back in pretty much normal service. No significant damage. The rest of the airport is cleaned up, but one hangar block was completely destroyed, several others damaged. And at least a dozen, i think, are without doors.
Got it.
I read the article and I can only find a reference to a nasty left stall. I could not find where the author said the stall strip was on the left wing. As someone who is interested in aerodynamics, I would naturally think a plane with a left stall should be corrected by making the right wing stall sooner with stall strip on the right wing. The idea is to make the plane stall flat if it has to stall at all. If I missed it, I apologize.
“Guys would do anything to help one another.” “The music may be different but it’s all the same story.” Thomas Hudner
Salute!
Good account Paul.