Legends of Airpower
Fifty-two men and women who made America's air power the most respected in the world are profiled in this award-winning series. The series features exclusive interviews with Legends such as Chuck Yeager, Jim Lovell, Buzz Aldrin, and Paul Tibbetts. Spanning the first century of flight, Legends of Airpower effortlessly relates the life and times of these heroes.
- 1999-2003
- 4 seasons
- Hargrove Entertainment
- Documentary
Fifty-two men and women who made America's air power the most respected in the world are profiled in this award-winning series. The series features exclusive interviews with Legends such as Chuck Yeager, Jim Lovell, Buzz Aldrin, and Paul Tibbetts. Spanning the first century of flight, Legends of Airpower effortlessly relates the life and times of these heroes.
Season 4 Episode Guide
13 Episodes 2003
Episode 1
George McGovern
Mon, May 5, 2003 23 mins
George McGovern, a U.S. Congressman for 22 years and 1972 Democratic nominee, is best remembered for his bravery as a WWII B-24 bomber pilot.
Episode 2
Lorraine Zilner Rodgers
Mon, May 5, 2003 23 mins
Lorraine Zilner Rodgers was a WASP pilot in WWII, one of 1,830 accepted from 25,000 applicants. She fought stigma and gained veteran status in 1979.
Episode 3
James Stockdale
Mon, May 5, 2003 23 mins
James Stockdale, a highly decorated U.S. Navy officer, defied orders as a Vietnam POW, leading an air squadron and earning 26 combat decorations.
Episode 4
Glenn H. Curtiss
Mon, May 5, 2003 23 mins
Glenn Curtiss, an aviation pioneer, built engines for airships and founded his aircraft company. He was the "fastest man on Earth" in 1907.
Episode 5
David Lee "Tex" Hill
Mon, May 5, 2003 23 mins
David Lee "Tex" Hill, a top ace of the Flying Tigers in 1941 under General Chennault, later fought with the 23rd and 75th Fighter Groups.
Episode 6
Albert Scott Crossfield
Mon, May 5, 2003 23 mins
Albert Scott Crossfield's military career included roles as a flight instructor and test pilot. He excelled at Edwards AFB, leading the test program during the Korean War.
Episode 7
Richard Bong
Mon, May 5, 2003 23 mins
Richard Bong, WWII's top ace, shot down 40 enemy aircraft with his P-38. He later became a test pilot but died in a P-80 crash in 1945.
Episode 8
Amelia Earhart
Mon, May 5, 2003 23 mins
Amelia Earhart vanished over the Nukumanu Islands after gaining fame in 1932 as the first woman to fly solo transcontinentally and setting multiple records.
Episode 9
Edward Rickenbacker
Mon, May 5, 2003 23 mins
Eddie Rickenbacker's passion for speed began with auto racing. He bought Indianapolis Speedway in 1927 and became a WWI ace fighter pilot.
Episode 10
John Boyd
Mon, May 5, 2003 23 mins
John "Forty-Second Boyd" challenged anyone to beat him in simulated air combat in under 40 seconds. He never lost and developed the Energy-Maneuverability Theory.
Episode 11
Charles Bolden
Mon, May 5, 2003 23 mins
Charles Bolden has over 6,000 flying hours, served in the Marine Corps, flew 100+ combat missions in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and was a test pilot.
Episode 12
Harry B. Combs
Mon, May 5, 2003 23 mins
Harry Combs fell in love with aviation at 13 during a $2.50 mail plane ride. By his teens, he built aircraft and later ran Combs Aircraft after investment banking.
Episode 13
Richard "Steve" Ritchie
Mon, May 5, 2003 23 mins
Richard "Steve" Ritchie, the only Vietnam War ace, downed 5 MiG 21s in 1972, becoming the first U.S. pilot to achieve ace status since Korea.