The Untold Tale of the 100th Bomb Group in Masters of the Air

Article Overview

"Masters of the Air" is a World War II mini-series on Apple TV that recounts the tales of the courageous soldiers from the 100th Bombardment Group, an authentic US Army unit established in 1942.

The mini-series will delve into the real-life accounts of World War II, serving as a companion to "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific." Produced by Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman, it will shed light on the harrowing experiences of the 100th Bombardment Group, famously known as the "Bloody Hundredth," who suffered devastating losses. Approximately 229 planes were lost, and 757 men were killed or went missing in action.

Apple TV's upcoming mini-series, Masters of the Air, delves into the courageous tales of the 100th Bombardment Group, a genuine United States Army unit established during World War II. With esteemed executive producers including Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman, the war drama serves as a companion piece to the acclaimed Band of Brothers (2001) and The Pacific (2010), further exploring the gripping stories of the war. Specifically, Masters of the Air focuses on the experiences of the 100th Bombardment Group as they take to the skies to confront the enemy.

Scheduled to premiere on Apple TV on January 26, 2024, Masters of the Air boasts an impressive ensemble cast portraying significant figures from World War II's early Air Force. Headlined by Austin Butler, renowned for his lead role in the 2022 film Elvis, the mini-series delves into the narratives of the dedicated squadron of hundreds of men who committed themselves to the "Bloody Hundredth." Drawing inspiration from Donald L. Miller's non-fiction book, Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany, the series unravels the identity of these men, sheds light on why the 100th Bomb Group earned its notorious reputation, and reveals their pivotal role in turning the tide of the war against Adolf Hitler and his allies.

The 100th Bombardment Group Was Activated In November 1942 In Boise, Idaho

The 100th Bombardment Group, known as the real-world Masters of the Air, was officially established on June 1, 1942, at an Orlando Army Base (according to the 100th Bomb Group Foundation official website). It wasn't until October 27, 1942, when "Special Order 300" authorized the transfer of 230 enlisted men and 24 officers to the group. However, its formal activation didn't take place until November 14, 1942, when the group was stationed in Boise, Idaho. By December, during the group's second phase of training, the 100th Bombardment was divided into 37 crews, with each crew consisting of ten men. Col. Darr Alkire assumed the role of the Group's initial Commanding Officer, but he was replaced after the first training mission.

The Group's Commanding Officer Left After Their First Practice Mission & Was Replaced By Howard Turner

The 100th Bomb Group received intensive training led by Darr Alkire until April 20, 1943, when they embarked on their initial training mission. Starting from Kearney, Nebraska, all 37 flight crews were slated to cover a distance of roughly 1300 miles to Hamilton Field, California. Regrettably, the practice mission yielded unfavorable outcomes, resulting in Col. Alkire assuming complete responsibility for the unsuccessful endeavor. Consequently, he was relieved of his command of the 100th Bomb Group merely five months after his appointment and subsequently reassigned to the 449th Bomb Group.

Following Alkire's departure, Col. Howard M. Turner was reassigned to Kearney to assume command of the 100th Bomb Group. Turner oversaw additional training for the group, and by late May, the men were prepared for their journey across the Atlantic Ocean. On June 6, 1942, the 100th Bomb Group arrived at the operational base in Podington, England, and a few days later, all teams reached their permanent base in Thorpe Abbotts, England. Col. Turner's command, however, lasted only until July 1, 1942. Neither Alkire nor Turner, the first two commanders of the 100th Bomb Group, are included in the character and cast list for the Apple TV series Masters of the Air. Instead, the show will feature the Group's third commander, Col. Neil B. "Chick" Harding.

Col. Neil B. Harding will be played by The Crown's James Murray in Masters of the Air.

How The Group Earned Their "Bloody Hundredth" Nickname

It didn't take long for the 100th Bombardment Group to earn the nickname the "Bloody Hundredth." Although Masters of the Air's Air Force team suffered similar casualties as other Bombardment groups by the end of World War II, they gained notoriety for losing a majority of their aircraft on multiple individual missions. After their arrival in England, the 100th Bomb Group focused their attacks on German airfields, factories, and naval facilities in France. Typically, these missions involved 13 to 15 aircraft, out of which only one or two managed to return home. In total, the 100th Group's losses amounted to approximately 229 planes, with 757 men killed or missing in action and 923 taken as prisoners of war.

The Real 100th Bomb Group's Biggest Battles & WWII Exploits Explained

The first combat mission conducted by the 100th Bombardment Group (under the command of Col. Howard Turner) took place on June 25, 1943. This mission targeted the submarine yards located in Bremen, Germany. Unlike the later missions that led to the Group's infamous "Bloody" reputation, this initial operation resulted in comparatively fewer casualties, with only three planes (totaling 30 men) lost. A few months later, under the leadership of Chick Harding, the 100th embarked on its most successful and notable mission on August 17, 1943. This operation focused on attacking a German aircraft factory, which accounted for approximately 25 to 30 percent of the country's fighter planes.

The loss of nine 100th Bombardment crews (a total of 90 individuals) resulted in their first Distinguished Unit Citation. Despite the mission's success, the 100th continued to suffer losses, leading to the period known as "Black Week" in October 1943. Following the targeting of Bremen, Germany on October 8, numerous planes were destroyed or heavily damaged, leaving only 17 operational aircraft for the subsequent mission to Marienburg, Germany on October 9. Surprisingly, no further planes were lost during this attack, but the mission in Münster on the 10th resulted in only one airplane returning safely.

"Black Week" posed a significant threat to the 100th Bombardment, but in March 1944, they entered a phase now referred to as "The Big Week." After a period of rebuilding, the 100th resumed their assaults on German aircraft factories and received another Distinguished Unit Citation. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the 100th Bombardment famously bombed essential bridges and gun emplacements, with only a few planes lost in the process. This period of good fortune continued throughout their remaining operations until their final mission in Berlin on April 20, 1945, where no losses were recorded.

What Happened To The 100th Bomb Group's Surviving Soldiers & Pilots After The War

Despite losing approximately 757 men in action or as missing, and with another 923 confirmed as prisoners of war, a number of soldiers from the 100th Bombardment were fortunate enough to return home to their loved ones after World War II. Following the end of the war, the 100th continued to organize reunions every two years for its surviving soldiers and their families. The first reunion took place in 1947 and was attended by 39 survivors. Among them is Robert Rosenthal (Nate Mann), who has been interviewed multiple times about his experiences with the group and will be featured as a character in the upcoming series, Masters of the Air.

Additionally, the first reunion of the 100th Bombardment also saw the presence of 19 friends and family members of those who perished alongside their planes during World War II. Masters of the Air will delve into their stories, highlighting the actions of soldiers like Gale Winston Cleven (Austin Butler), who sacrificed their lives for the freedoms achieved in the war. As the series focuses on the titular Masters of the Air, the expectations are high, as these stories undoubtedly deserve to be told with excellence.

Source: The 100th Bomb Group Foundation

Editor's P/S

As an aviation enthusiast and history buff, I am eagerly anticipating the release of "Masters of the Air," Apple TV's upcoming mini-series that will recount the heroic exploits of the 100th Bombardment Group during World War II. This group, known as the "Bloody Hundredth," suffered devastating losses in their battles against Nazi Germany, with approximately 229 planes lost and 757 men killed or missing in action. Their story is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served in the air forces during the war.

The series will serve as a companion to the acclaimed "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific," and will explore the harrowing experiences of the 100th Bombardment Group as they took to the skies to confront the enemy. The cast includes Austin Butler, who recently starred in the 2022 film "Elvis," and the series will draw inspiration from Donald L. Miller's non-fiction book, "Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany."