School Library Journal Review
Gr 5 Up-As a thousand veterans of World War II die each day in our country, it's imperative that their accomplishments be documented, preserved, and honored. A small and relatively unrecognized group of these warriors receives such an honor in this grandly engrossing review of their significant contributions to our victory in that conflict. Gliders, those unpowered and unarmed transportation workhorses first used by the Nazis in the war, and their crews never quite received the recognition afforded other branches of the armed forces. Until now. Producer, director, and writer Robert Child melds a rich collection of archival photographs and motion footage with interviews with surviving pilots, crew members, and passengers in those flying boxcars into a fascinating acknowledgement of these veterans. TV personalities Walker Cronkite and Andy Rooney share their experiences as young war correspondents who experienced first-hand the excitement and even terror of flying in the gliders. Actor Hal Holbrook's rather lackluster narration is counterbalanced by the enthusiasm still evident in the voices of the veterans. A stirring musical score enhances the well-paced tempo of this excellent program. Among the bonus features are an interview with Child about his project and a tour of the Silent Wings Museum in Lubbock, TX. This striking tribute to some of America's bravest soldiers deserves a place in every school media collection.-Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Library Journal Review
One area of World War II history that has remained largely unheralded is the role of glider pilots in the Allied victory. Beginning with the assault on Sicily, the Allies relied heavily on 6000 volunteer glider pilots to deliver troops and equipment behind enemy lines. The missions were dangerous, and the pilots knew theirs was a one-way ticket--they were expected to join the infantry after landing. Silent Wings features expert narration by Hal Holbrook, still photos, archival footage, and interviews with glider veterans and news icons Walter Cronkite and Andy Rooney. The production quality is excellent. Among the bonus DVD features is a virtual tour of the Silent Wings Museum in Lubbock, TX. Recommended for public and academic libraries.--Rod Bustos, Georgia State Univ. Lib., Atlanta (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
