"Reconnaissance Pilot" (1943) - Pacific War Pilot William Holden - REEL History

This dramatized U.S. Army Air Forces military training film was produced in 1943. The film stars American actor William Holden ("Bridge on the River Kwai") as a pilot in the Pacific theater of World War 2 who flies reconnaissance missions over Japanese-held islands using an F-5 variant of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning aircraft. Photo recon pilots ('Photo Joes') had one of the riskiest jobs in the war. Flying camera equipped, unarmed, and often unescorted aircraft, recon pilots flew deep into enemy territory. The film begins showing Lt. 'Packy' Cummings (William Holden) returning home from the war. Then the picture digresses, showing him in flight school. During this time, he learns that his father – a renowned World War I ace – was recently killed in action and this gives him a strong incentive to be the best in his class. He is upset when he learns that he was too good in his class. Instead of being assigned to a fighter squadron, he's being assigned to fly a "stripped down" P-38 fighter... on photo reconnaissance missions. This means he'll be flying high, flying fast and WITHOUT guns! "REEL HISTORY" - is a new series featured only on this channel to bring back to life (and hopefully to a new audience), original military history films produced during the 20th century... covering topics from all conflicts and branches of the U.S. Military. 🇺🇸👕🎖️** Find All Of Our Exclusive Patriotic & History-Oriented Merchandise Here - Every Sale Supports The Channel And Keeps Us "On The Air": https://teespring.com/stores/lionhear... Even more Historically Nerdy Products can be found here! https://lionheartfilmworks.etsy.com ☕ If you appreciate our content and want to support us further, direct donations are always welcome at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lionheart PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, CLICK THE 'BELL' ICON FOR ALERTS ON NEW CONTENT - AND SHARE THIS VIDEO TO HELP US GROW AND KEEP HISTORY HAPPENING! Some other videos you might like on our Channel: 400 Evolution of the United States Army Uniform:    • Evolution of the United States Army Uniform   Cpl. Freddie Stowers - 1918 Medal Of Honor Moment:    • Video   "Civil War Uniforms of Blue & Grey - The Evolution" Volume 1:    • "Civil War Uniforms of Blue & Grey - The E...   U.S. Army Battles & History - World War Two - Heroism & Honor:    • U.S. Army Battles & History - World War Tw...   Lt. Robert T. Waugh - 1944 Medal Of Honor Moment:    • Lt. Robert T. Waugh - 1944 Medal Of Honor ...   Medal of Honor Moment - Sergeant York:    • Sergeant Alvin York - Oct. 8th 1918 Medal ...   ✈️🚁⭐ ** ONE WAY YOU CAN SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL! If you love military history, and to collect and model the great warbirds of the past - please visit our friends at Air Models in the UK - Each purchase really helps this channel out: http://airmodels.net/?aff=60 ** #lionheartfilmworks #militaryhistory #worldwartwo