"Heroes on Deck" Documentary Screening

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The Heroes On Deck documentary tells the little-known story of a bold and innovative response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Following that catastrophic event, the U.S. Navy was desperate for aircraft carrier-qualified pilots. With enemy submarines patrolling both coasts, and Lake Michigan being the only Great Lake completely within the United States…why not train pilots in the safety of Lake Michigan? Two Great Lakes passenger steamers were immediately converted into makeshift aircraft carriers, USS Wolverine and USS Sable. Between 1942 and the end of the war, more than 15,000 aviators – including future President George H.W. Bush -- were trained aboard these “freshwater flattops.” Crashes and “water landings” often led to serious injuries and occasionally death. As a result, more than one hundred fighters and dive-bombers sank to the bottom of the lake. To date, more than 40 aircraft have been brought to the surface. Heroes on Deck captures some of the key recoveries and restoration efforts, and celebrates the stories of the brave pilots who survived this ingenious training operation. Narrated by legendary CBS and A&E newsman Bill Kurtis, Heroes on Deck, brings to life a vital chapter of American history.

The screening will be held August 10th at 6pm and will be hosted at the South Haven Senior Center.  “The Museum hopes that this screening, in connection with our new exhibit, will spark an interest in visitors to learn more about what happened here on the Lake Michigan Homefront to contribute to the war effort,” said Museum Director of Education and Administration Ashley Deming. The Museum’s exhibit, Lake Michigan’s Call to Duty, focuses not only aircraft carriers and pilot training but the many other aspects and ventures accomplished in this region during WWII.  “Visitors looking for a tangible experience can visit our exhibit as well as Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, where currently two of the planes recovered from Lake Michigan are being restored” stated Executive Director Patti Reinert. “We are thrilled to be able to partner with Air Zoo this year to bring these incredible stories to the public,” said Reinert.

Harvey Moshman, executive producer and aircraft recovery photographer, will be presenting and answering questions following the hour-long documentary. Moshman is an executive producer and aircraft recovery photographer for Heroes On Deck and is a multi-Emmy Award winning producer and editor, having worked at Chicago Network affiliates for NBC, CBS and PBS, as well as WGN. During his tenure at WTTW/Chicago, Moshman produced documentaries on a variety of topics. His film The Eastland Disaster was called “one of the best documentaries ever produced for local television” by the Chicago Sun-Times. His more recent documentary Lost & Found: The Legacy of USS Lagarto—the search for, and eventual discovery of, a missing American WWII submarine “overdue from patrol, presumed lost” – aired nationally on Public Television. Moshman is an accomplished diver and has worked on projects documenting the discovery of shipwrecks, aircraft, and even a WWI German submarine that rest on the bottom of Lake Michigan.

Admission is $8.  There is no admission fee for Museum members and veterans. Tickets will include admission to the Museum, including the newest exhibit, Lake Michigan’s Call to Duty. For more information, contact the Museum at 269-637-8078 or visit www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org/events/