What’s a Hollywood movie that would satisfy patriots, history buffs, folks concerned with social justice, and those worried about the future amid the coronavirus pandemic?
How about a movie on the real-life story of Jesse Brown and Thomas Hudner?
Brown was born into a poor African American family in Mississippi — not exactly the ingredients for social mobility in 1920s America. But raised with values of aspiration, resolve, and faith, Brown worked hard to save money for college and the prospect of a better future. Taking different jobs to pay his way, Brown attended Ohio State and was able to make the grades necessary to apply for the Navy’s aviator program. Throughout his life, Brown faced racist prejudice, although he did receive friendlier treatment from his Navy instructors and fellow cadets.
But whether it was getting into college, or overcoming prejudice, or meeting the high standards required to make it as a naval aviator, Brown didn’t give in. He became the first black naval aviator in the history of the United States.
Hudner’s early life could hardly have been more different from Brown’s. The white son of a wealthy Massachusetts business owner, Hudner would be educated at the exclusive Phillips Academy, then accepted to the Naval Academy at Annapolis.
Then it was the Korean War. Ensign Brown and Lt. Hudner were assigned to Fighter Squadron 32 and embarked on the U.S.S. Leyte aircraft carrier.
Then came the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where U.S. Marines were surrounded by Chinese forces and engaged in a brutal breakout attempt amid freezing weather. Outnumbered nearly 10 to 1 and lacking cold weather clothing and adequate combat equipment, the Marines faced fearful odds. Aviators such as Brown and Hudner were crucial to keeping the Marines alive. They flew relentless close air support missions to hold off the encroaching Chinese forces.
On a December 4, 1950, mission, Brown’s F4U Corsair aircraft was hit. Losing fuel, Brown was forced to crash-land behind Chinese lines. He was wounded in the landing, his leg trapped in his cockpit. Hudner and the other pilots in Brown’s flight desperately sought to guide him into freeing himself. At the same time, they flew low, seeking to deter any Chinese ground forces from approaching Brown’s position, but Brown was hopelessly stuck, his aircraft ablaze.
Hudner took the only action he believed would save his friend and wingman. He successfully crash-landed his own aircraft and moved to try and free Brown from his wrecked airframe. Despite his valiant efforts to put out the fire with his bare hands and snow, he could not do so. But he stayed with his wingman until a rescue helicopter arrived. Regrettably, despite Hudner and the rescue pilot’s joint efforts, they were unable to free Brown, who died soon thereafter, his last words offering love to his wife.
Hudner and the rescue pilot were forced to withdraw amid the approaching darkness. Brown’s body was napalmed the next day to prevent its desecration at Chinese hands.
Yet the story was not over. A legacy of heroism was born. Brown’s courage and patriotism would inspire more African Americans to follow in his footsteps, helping make the Navy the truly representative force it is today. And Hudner would receive the Medal of Honor, going on to lead a long life.
One question remains: Why on Earth hasn’t Hollywood made this movie?
