On this day, 96 years ago, 2nd Lt Frank Luke Jr died behind enemy lines in a small field. He was, at that time, America's reigning Ace of Aces with 18 confirmed victories, not to mention several unconfirmed ones. Even more astonishing was the fact that Frank Luke claimed all these victories in the space of only 17 days. To quote Eddie Rickenbacker, “No other Ace: Britain’s Bishop from Canada, France’s Fonck or even the dreaded Richthofen had ever come close to that.”
What made his record even more impressive is that 14 of his confirmed victories were observation balloons. While the term "balloon" may be deceiving, observation balloons were some of the most difficult aerial targets of the First World War. They were surrounded by flak and AA batteries, could absorb a considerable amount of bullets and often had defensive fighters patrolling above. To crown it all, if one succeeded in blowing a balloon up, chances are he would be caught in the ensuing fireball. It is no wonder then that American pilot Jerry Vasconcells once commented, "Any man who gets a balloon has my respect."
Frank Luke's last flight occurred on September 29, 1918. Taking off from a forward airbase near Verdun, Frank Luke proceeded to the German lines where he damaged 1 balloon and destroyed 2 others. As he turned for home, he was hit by AA fire and mortally wounded. He proceeded to land in a field near the village of Murvaux. When he heard the German soldiers coming to capture him, he drew his pistol, fired a few shots and ran for the nearby stream. He died before they could capture him. So ended the career of one of America's best fighter pilots.
I thought this would be a good time to reveal that I am making a flight sim movie titled "Legend of Murvaux: The Final Flight of Frank Luke Jr." 777 Studio's flight sim Rise of Flight: The First Great Air War is going to be the base for the film with green screen elements and effects added in. I'm not trying to win any contests or best other, more experienced movie-makers mind you, I'm just trying to give flight sim movie-making my best shot.
The project was actually started way back in June 2013. Since then I have been researching, buying costumes, storyboarding with my younger brother, choosing music and shooting in Rise of Flight. When the film is more complete, I will upload a trailer containing footage from the film.
Production will not be too fast, but that's to be expected. As a college student I have a full schedule lol. I also am helping my younger brother with his own film entitled "The Thrust of Greatness". It is a more comic film about an English gentleman living in America who fancies himself a mastermind detective. I will keep you posted as we get further into that as well.
Finally, I thought I'd show you a screenshot from what we have done so far with the Frank Luke film:
Thanks all!
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