Ben Kuroki was a Japanese-American when World War II began. And, wanting to be a good citizen, he volunteered for duty in the army and was sent to the European theater to fight. But, he was given a desk job--and he felt a strong desire to prove his loyalty to America. So, he pushed to be allowed to be a gunner on a B-24 bomber--a very, very dangerous job and one that few in this point in the war survived to finish their tour of duty. But, somehow he did and as a result he was sent home. BUT, still wanting to prove his patriotism, Ben volunteered for yet another tour of duty and was sent to fight in the Pacific--this time in B-29 bombers that firebombed Tokyo (among other raids).
During this time, Ben occasionally had to deal with racism, though it's interesting to see that the average soldier got alone fine with him and accepted him as a compatriot. But, back home, Japanese-Americans were placed in internment camps around the nation. Eventually, and Ben was held up by the US government as a good example of a good Japanese-American. A true hero--in spite of a crazy over-reaction of the government and a few idiots at home.
This is a very compelling film about an amazingly brave man--a guy whose bravery is rarely equaled. You assume he had a strong sense that he had to prove his love of country--and that drove him to almost suicidal gestures. It also helped that he was alive when the film was made--and he and his fellow bomber crew members were interviewed for this film. Fascinating and a wonderful example of a simple man rising to greatness in spite of the odds. Well made and well worth seeing.
During this time, Ben occasionally had to deal with racism, though it's interesting to see that the average soldier got alone fine with him and accepted him as a compatriot. But, back home, Japanese-Americans were placed in internment camps around the nation. Eventually, and Ben was held up by the US government as a good example of a good Japanese-American. A true hero--in spite of a crazy over-reaction of the government and a few idiots at home.
This is a very compelling film about an amazingly brave man--a guy whose bravery is rarely equaled. You assume he had a strong sense that he had to prove his love of country--and that drove him to almost suicidal gestures. It also helped that he was alive when the film was made--and he and his fellow bomber crew members were interviewed for this film. Fascinating and a wonderful example of a simple man rising to greatness in spite of the odds. Well made and well worth seeing.
