Press Release
☷Guard Wing Supports Film Production of First Black Naval Aviator MOH Recipient from Korean War
National Guard ( By Press Release office)
Nov 24,2022
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ARLINGTON , Va . - “Devotion” details the heroic efforts of Navy Capt . Thomas Hudner Jr . , who purposely crash - landed his own aircraft in an attempt to rescue downed fellow naval aviator Ensign Jesse Brown during the Korean War . Tragically , Brown – the first African American to complete Navy flight training – did not survive . Hudner’s bravery earned him the U . S . military’s highest award for valor – the Medal of Honor – for the attempt . The Georgia Air National Guard’s 165th Airlift Wing , which supported the production of the movie from March 12 - 15 and March 27 - 29 , 2021 , helped turn this story into cinematic magic . “The filming could have been done without military support , but the contributions of the 165th Airlift Wing enabled the Department of Defense the opportunity to be a part of the coordination process , ensuring an accurate depiction of the events being portrayed , ” said Christine Thompson , a National Guard Bureau entertainment liaison . Military officials authorized the production team to “set dress” all locations with equipment , props and wardrobe that one would expect for a war movie taking place more than 70 years ago . Officials also vetted , cleared and authorized civilian aircraft seen in the movie to land at the wing’s home station , Savannah Air National Guard Base , and use a hangar during filming . In addition to supporting logistical requirements , Georgia Air Guard members provided escorted access for approximately 250 production personnel . “The U . S . military has assisted motion picture productions since 1927 , even working on the first movie ever to win the best picture Oscar , “Wings , ” said Alán Ortiz , of the DOD Entertainment Media Office . “We’re especially proud of the support the National Guard and Navy have given to this movie , helping to get this incredible , true story to the big screen so Americans can learn and be inspired by it . ”In addition to portraying Hudner’s efforts to save his wingman , the movie depicts some of the adversity Brown had to overcome . “The contributions of Black service members are central throughout the history of the United States , back to the Revolutionary War . However , leadership opportunities for Black service members were sparse , ” said Chief Master Sgt . Maurice L . Williams , command chief of the Air National Guard . “The Armed Forces did not fully integrate people of color until after World War II . ”To thank the National Guard for supporting the production , Air Force Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead , the SEA to the chief of the National Guard Bureau , attended an advance screening of the movie Nov . 17 . “This was not a light undertaking for the Georgia National Guard , and I am proud that our Guard members contributed to honoring the valor and heroism depicted in the movie , ” said Whitehead .
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