The National Archives’ new monthly virtual series, Inside the Vault, continues its mission of exploring American history with a spotlight on the legendary “Bomber Boys” of World War II. On Monday, November 18, at 6 p.m. ET, the second installment of the series will focus on Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War, inviting viewers to join a conversation about this extraordinary history and its portrayal in both literature and television.
Inside the Vault: Masters of the Air will feature renowned historian Donald L. Miller, author of Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany, and Kirk Saduski, co-producer of the related Apple TV+ miniseries. Together, they will discuss the book and series, delving into the gripping history of the American Eighth Air Force, whose courageous missions played a pivotal role in the Allied campaign in Europe. Attendees will also get an exclusive glimpse of clips from the series, bringing the stories of these brave airmen to life.
Ben Jordi, NARA’s Acting Director of Communications and Marketing, who will moderate the discussion, commented:
As the National Archives celebrates veterans this month, it’s fitting that our second installment of Inside the Vault highlights those who served this nation in the greatest conflict in human history. As an Army aviation veteran, I’m personally looking forward to the discussion, and I’m excited to see where the conversation takes us.
Ben Jordi, NARA’s Acting Director of Communications and Marketing
Published in 2006, Masters of the Air combines extensive archival research and firsthand oral histories to recount the experiences of the Eighth Air Force, stationed in bases across southeast England. Both the book and the nine-episode miniseries, which debuted earlier this year on Apple TV+, provide a sweeping look at the bomber missions and the daily lives of the airmen who faced constant danger in the skies over Nazi-occupied Europe. The book and series also explore the high cost of these missions, noting that the Eighth Air Force, the largest aerial strike force in the war, sustained 26,000 to 28,000 fatalities, representing a significant portion of American WWII losses.
The program, which is fully virtual, will be streamed live on the National Archives’ YouTube and Facebook channels. Registration is open to all, offering an accessible opportunity for history enthusiasts, veterans, educators, and students to engage with this powerful chapter of World War II history.
Looking ahead, Inside the Vault will continue to offer engaging historical discussions each month. December’s program, titled Inside the Vault: Holidays at the White House, will take place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 6 p.m. ET. This festive installment will feature former White House chefs who will share behind-the-scenes stories of preparing holiday meals for First Families, offering a unique glimpse into holiday traditions at the White House.
Learn more about Inside the Vault and other upcoming programs by visiting the series’ web page on the National Archives website. Additional information on this program and future events can also be found on the National Archives Calendar of Events.
This program is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation.
Image Source:
- From the cover of Donald L. Miller’s Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany.: The National Archives
