Zeno's Warbird Video Drive-In Big April 2010 Newsletter

Hello World War 2 & jet aircraft fans ---

You're invited to drop by Zeno's Drive-In www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com for this month's flight of five exciting documentary films playing over the Internet. This month we have two Premiers and all five films have been remastered for better web streaming.

[B]As always, all of the videos showing on our web site are for your free viewing pleasure. The movies playing at the Matinee are viewable in both RealVideo and Windows Media Player streaming video formats.[/B]

Now showing "At the Matinee" at Zeno's Drive-In

"Bird Dog FAC for F-100s Supports US Army NEW This short film from the Vietnam War is a real gem. You'll see an Air Force Forward Air Controller (FAC) assigned to the 1st Division, flying a tiny Cessna O-1E Bird Dog and operating in conjunction with three F-100 fighter bombers out of Phan Rang and local Army Artillery. Their mission is in support 3rd Brigade operations against VC bases near Lai Khe, 50 miles from Saigon. Specifically, to prep an LZ so chopper borne troops could land and conduct offensive operations. You'll see spectacular color footage of the Bird Dog operating in tandem with the F-100s, striking at very low altitudes, followed closely by a Huey assault. The importance of FAC air operations in the Vietnam War cannot be overstated. Pilots flew the equivalent of vulnerable paper airplanes within rifle shot of the enemy to coordinate air and artillery strikes and the rescue of downed pilots.

"White Tailed Marauders The 323rd Bomb Group and their B-26s " Exclusive Original Production - Rare color film of B-26 Marauders in action in the Spring of 1945. See the 453rd, 454th, 455th, and 455th Bomb Squadrons operating against Germany from their base in Laon, France. All color footage really brings this bygone era startlingly back to life. Where possible, individual aircraft and their crews are identified. Special treats include escorting P-38s and a round trip mission. A must for Marauder fans everywhere.

"World War 2 Tank Destroyer Boot Camp" This unique color documentary gives a rare look inside "Camp" Hood's tank destroyer troop training school in 1943. Includes up close looks at M10 tank destroyers and camp facilities. Highlights include target practice using field guns and M10s against moving targets, field maneuvers against tanks, live fire exercises, armored infantry assaults and bazooka training.

"Back Door Gang P-38s 430th FS Color Scrapbook" Drive-In Exclusive Original Production Newly discovered color film of the 430th FS, 474th FG, 9th Air Force. From the get go, the 474th was configured as a ground attack unit, but they also provided bomber escort and level bombing, led by Norden equipped "Droop Snoops." One of three P-38 squadrons in the 474th, the 430th's call sign was "Back Door," and its planes and pilots are featured in the film in the Spring of 1945 at their base in Florennes, Belgium, a former Luftwaffe Night Fighter base. You'll see intense (and rare) color gun camera film showing strafing attacks inside Germany, as well as color footage of B-26s and a P-61 Black Widow. Perhaps most memorable are the all too brief, silent portraits of the men who flew those dangerous missions.  It's amazing how color film brings 60+ year old images to life.

"Submarine Warfare in the Pacific" This film was completed shortly after the end of the War and contains footage on US submarine operations you won't find anywhere else. There is a cameo appearance by Japanese Fleet Admiral Nagano who discusses (in English) the effect of US sub operations on the ability of the Japanese to make war. The "pig boats" inflicted military and transport losses on the enemy that were far beyond their own tiny numbers. The program is introduced by Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood, Jr, the legendary commander of Pacific submarine forces (COMSUBPAC) and narrated by star, and Navy man, Gene Kelly. The film is chocked full of dramatic footage shot on location by combat cameramen, including above and below surface actions and one of the Silent Service's most vital, but unsung, functions, the rescue of downed airmen in the combat zone. One of the highlights of the film is footage of Medal of Honor winner, Lt Commander George L. Street, leading an attack. See Tirante, Trigger and other subs in action along with their crews.

If you haven't stopped by Zeno's Drive-In before, we also feature 1940-45 vintage WWII Army & Navy films and pilot's manuals on how to fly the F4U, F6F, P-38, P-39, P-40, P-47, P-51, P-61, TBF/TBM, AT-6/SNJ, B-17, B-24, B-25, A-20, A-26, B-26, B-29, and Stearman N2S. Alert! -  don't miss the F-86 & B-58!

Free admission for all. That's over 14 hours of rockin' World War II props & jets for free viewing over the Internet!

Zeno

Zeno's Warbird Video Drive-In
World War II Aviation Videos Playing Online 24/7
http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/

Online Videos:FAC Bird Dogs,Marauder Men,Rampaging P-38s,Tank Destroyers, Subs!