Allow me to respond; Couldn't it be argued that flying under orders between
and around cover of 12,000ft mountain ranges through raging snow storms
under strict radio silence to avoid the detection of Russian spies is
vastly more "heroic" than driving on the sun-bathed 405 freeway to a
defense plant? As a pilot with personal experience flying in this exact
part of the country, I can assure you that these men, who were also aware
of the dangers of this type of flying, knowingly risked all.
Yep. The Brits did help win WWII. For that I am grateful. But so what? My
Scottish mother lived through the bombing of the UK. You miss the point;
This story is about US servicemen and civilians sacrificing their lives to
build arguably the most important spy plane ever to fly in the protection
of not only the USA, but the UK and all enemies of communism. Let them have
their due, and be grateful, unless of course you are sympathetic to
communism. If that is the case, then "bugger-off"!!
I frequently pilot aircraft in this part of the country where this event
took place. It is a challenging landscape for low-level flight, and is
littered with airplane crash sites. There is no doubt in my mind that every
single man on this airplane knew that flying at low altitude dodging
terrain through low visibility and icing conditions was risky and
potentially deadly. They were heroic patriots and at the very least deserve
a simple monument. I am glad a memorial is being erected.
Is this another case of the US trying to rewrite world history? I think the
forward to this film should have mentioned the fact that Great Brittan was
also Allied to the US and If my memory serves me correctly then, Great
Brittan also played a small part fighting the Germans in WW2.
Such a great thing to do... To finally give recognition to those brave
souls who gave all so that the rest of us could live more in peace than in
war. Thank you to all who bravely gave up everything for the love of their
country, family, and fellow countrymen. We honor you.
If you are interested in getting updates on the committee please search
"Silent Heroes of the Cold War" at Facebook. "Like" the site and you will
receive updates on progress with the memorial.