The Luft Gangster: Memoirs of a Second Class Hero is a 2016 biographical documentary starring Alexander Jefferson. The film is based on the memoirs of Alexander Jefferson, a former Tuskegee Airman and Prisoner of War (POW) during World War II. The film starts with Jefferson recounting his early childhood in Detroit, Michigan, and how he was inspired to become a pilot after seeing a flying circus. Despite racial segregation in the armed forces at the time, Jefferson persevered and trained with the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American fighter pilots who trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Jefferson went on numerous combat missions during the war, and in August 1944, his plane was shot down over Germany. Despite his injuries, Jefferson managed to parachute to safety and was eventually captured by German soldiers. He spent the next nine months as a POW in several different camps before being liberated by Allied forces in May 1945.
The film follows Jefferson's experiences during the war, both as a fighter pilot and as a POW, and offers a unique perspective on the discrimination and segregation faced by African American soldiers during that time. Throughout the film, Jefferson offers personal commentary on his experiences, offering insight into the challenges he faced and the emotions he felt during some of the most difficult moments of his life.
The Luft Gangster: Memoirs of a Second Class Hero also explores the broader historical and political context of the war, touching on topics such as race relations, the fight for civil rights, and the importance of the Tuskegee Airmen in breaking down racial barriers in the military.
The film features a mix of original footage and interviews with historians, military personnel, and other individuals who offer their perspectives on Jefferson's story and the larger historical context of the war. The film also includes images and footage from historical archives, giving viewers a deep and immersive look into the world of World War II.
Overall, The Luft Gangster: Memoirs of a Second Class Hero is a powerful and moving tribute to the bravery, courage, and perseverance of Alexander Jefferson and the Tuskegee Airmen. Through his own personal account of his experiences, viewers gain a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by African American soldiers during one of the most challenging times in American history. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the personal stories of soldiers during World War II, as well as those interested in the broader historical context of the war and civil rights in the United States.
The Luft Gangster: Memoirs of a Second Class Hero is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.
