Dogfight Over Guadalcanal 1x60
(NATGEO/PBS Secrets of the Dead) Director/Writer, Cineflix

Deep in the jungle of Guadalcanal in the South Pacific are the rusting remains of a World War II-era fighter plane. Research confirms that the plane is the doomed Wildcat flown by James "Pug" Southerland. This documentary investigates the legendary showdown between 30-year-old Southerland in his Wildcat, and Saburo Sakai, 25, in his Mitsubishi Zero that took place on the opening day of the battle for Guadalcanal in August, 1942. Investigation of the Wildcat’s wreckage finally answers the puzzling question of why Southerland, who briefly had Sakai in his sights, did not fire on him. Was it chivalry, lack of ammunition or something else?

“Dogfight doesn’t merely let the two blast away at each other. The program first gives a succinct assessment of the differences between the two planes and then weaves that knowledge into a description of the battle... it’s bracing stuff”. Neil Genzlinger, New York Times

 
Secrets of The Dead Website
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