Masters of the Air focuses on the experiences of the men in the U.S. Army Air Forces’ 100th Bomb Group during World War II, with Major Harry Crosby serving as the true narrator of the series. However, it is unclear how accurately the show portrays the real-life Crosby. The series boasts an impressive cast, including Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Barry Keoghan, and Anthony Boyle, and is produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, who also worked on Band of Brothers.
Despite the large ensemble of characters, Major Harry Crosby stands out due to his role as the narrator. Although he is not the first character introduced and does not have the most screen time, Crosby’s voice guides viewers through the narrative. Additionally, his unique storyline as a navigator who struggles with airsickness and makes mistakes with coordinates adds to his distinctiveness.
The focus of this piece is on Major Harry Crosby’s tenure in the 100th Bomb Group and his place in the history of the Army Air Force
As Masters of the Air is a true story, it is not surprising that Major Harry Crosby was a real individual. Following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Harry Herbert Crosby made the decision to suspend his graduate studies at the University of Iowa and enlist in the United States Army Air Forces. He underwent training at the Mather Air Force Base in California to become a navigator for Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses. In May 1943, he and 36 other original “Bloody 100th” combat crews successfully flew into their base, Thorpe Abbotts, in England.
Major Harry Crosby, a real person, enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in December 1941 after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, putting his graduate studies at the University of Iowa on hold. He trained at the Mather Air Force Base in California to become a navigator of Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses and successfully flew into his base, Thorpe Abbotts, in England with 36 other original “Bloody 100th” combat crews in May 1943. From 1943 until the end of the war in 1945, Crosby flew 32 combat missions and acted as Lead Navigator for much of his tenure, leading the 100th Bomb Group on various important missions. He participated in the significant “Blitz Week” mission, where the 100th traveled from England to Norway and beyond. In November 1943, Crosby was promoted to Lead Navigator of the entire 100th Bomb Group, and although the 100th classifies him as a major, other sources consider him a lieutenant colonel.
Did Harry Crosby pass away in Masters of the Air
In Masters of the Air, Harry Crosby ultimately does not meet his demise. He managed to survive his stint in Europe during World War II and made his way back to Iowa to complete his postgraduate studies in 1947. In 1953, he obtained his Ph.D from Stanford University. Crosby then commenced his career as an English composition and American Literature lecturer at his alma mater, the University of Iowa. After a brief period, Crosby relocated with his family to Newton, Massachusetts, where he worked at Boston University until 1984. During his tenure, Crosby co-authored six college writing textbooks.
Harry Crosby’s military service may have only lasted for three years, but its impact on him lasted a lifetime. He played a key role in developing the curriculum at the Air Force Academy and even took a two-year break from his position at Boston University to serve as the Director of Studies at the Pakistan Air Force Academy. Additionally, he worked with the CIA to monitor Pakistan’s use of US military aid and its international relationships. Crosby was also involved in local politics and religious activities.
Why Harry Crosby is the narrator of Masters of the Air
The primary reason for Harry Crosby’s narration of Masters of the Air is that he authored the book on which the series is based, despite his crucial role in the 100th Bomb Group. The show draws heavily from Crosby’s 1993 memoir, “A Wing and a Prayer,” and as such, much of the events depicted are from his viewpoint. Therefore, it is fitting to use his voice to convey the story to viewers. Additionally, as the Lead Navigator for the 100th, it is logical that Crosby would be the one to recount their experiences to the audience.
In the end, Masters of the Air effectively honors Major Harry Crosby’s narrative by vividly depicting his experiences. Although accurately portraying historical events can be challenging, the series utilizes primary sources and extensive research to present a faithful account. As a result, Major Harry Crosby and his fellow members of the 100th Bomb Group are well-represented in Masters of the Air.