Masters of the Air is almost here, and here’s what there is to know about Major Gale “Buck” Cleven’s time in the Army Air Force as well as what happened to him. Masters of the Air is set to tell the true story of Cleven as well as several other key figures from the Air Force in World War II. The exciting series is sure to be another fantastic hit, and while it is expected to tell a fairly accurate rendition of Major Gale “Buck” Cleven’s life story, there’s a ton to learn about the historical figure before Masters of the Air releases on Apple TV+.
Masters of the Air is the newest in a line of World War II shows from executive producers Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, with it following up on its sister shows Band of Brothers and The Pacific. While these shows were based on the US Army and the US Marines, Masters of the Air will focus on the role of the United States Army Air Force in World War II, with it exploring a group of pilots’ attempts to fight against Nazi Germany. The first trailer for Masters of the Air is out now, showing off what is to come from Apple TV’s exciting new series.
Gale Cleven Joined The Army Air Force As A Pilot In 1941
While plenty of characters will appear in Masters of the Air, it seems as if Major Gale “Buck” Cleven (played by Austin Butler) will be the show’s main character. Gale Cleven was born on December 27, 1918, shortly after the conclusion of World War I. Cleven got in on the action in 1940, showing his interest in flight at a fairly young age. At the Randolph Air Force Base in Texas in March 1940, Cleven signed on as a Flight Cadet, kicking off his important career as a pilot. While at Randolph Air Force Base, Gale earned the nickname “Buck,” a name that stuck with him until the end.
Gale quickly progressed through the ranks, with him joining the Army Air Force as a pilot in 1941. Cleven soon moved to Kelly Field and attended an advanced flying school in Louisiana, further honing his skills and career as an Air Force pilot. Cleven then joined the 29th Bomb Group, with him later being promoted to 1st Lieutenant as well as an instructor. Cleven’s quick promotions highlight just how much the individual stood out, explaining why he was the subject of the Masters of the Air and the original book that inspired the Apple TV+ series.
Cleven’s Time As The 350th Bomb Squadron Commander Explained
After quickly rising through the ranks of the United States Army Air Force, Gale “Buck” Cleven was promoted to the rank of Captain. Cleven was transported to Boise, Idaho and put in charge of the 350th Bomb Squadron, with the team continuing to train for three more months. After this period of time, the 350th Bomb Squadron was sent overseas on their first mission. The 350th relocated to RAF Thorpe Abbotts, a Royal Air Force station located in Norfolk, England. Upon their arrival, they were joined by the 100th and 418th. This relocation was important, with it kicking off some truly harrowing events in Cleven’s life (via American Air Museum in Britian).
The 350th went on a mission in Bremen on June 25th, with Cleven sitting in the right passenger seat of the lead plane, which was flown by pilot Norman Scott. After crossing a channel, the pilots were ambushed by the enemy, with the 350th Bomb Squadron being targeted the hardest. Cleven’s plane took some incredible damage, with its hydraulics and electrical systems being damaged, the nose of the plane being broken, and one man even dying. However, Cleven took control of the plane and managed to land it in Africa, with him being greatly rewarded for his bravery and leadership.
Cleven Was Taken As A POW After Being Shot Down
Things only got worse for Cleven after his harrowing experience on June 25th, as another raid on October 8th led to seven planes getting shot down. Cleven’s own aircraft was one of them, with the left wing being destroyed and causing the plane to be forced to land. Cleven describes that he landed in front of a farmhouse, with a pitchfork being pointed at his chest after he landed. Cleven and his pilot were taken to a German military station west of Osnabruck, with other members of his squadron who had been shot down gathering at the same station sometime later.
Gale Cleven was officially a prisoner of war, with Cleven and some other members of the Air Force being moved around and interrogated by the German military. Cleven was eventually moved to the Stalag Luft III Sagan camp the morning of October 23, 1943, with the gang being forced to adapt to the tough life of POWs. Red Cross packages helped during this time, but there were not good times to be had while at the German camps. As the German military was whittled away, times in the camps became tougher, with rations getting smaller and punishments getting more brutal (via The Hall of Valor Project).
On January 27, 1945 at 7pm, Cleven and some other POWs heard a call to evacuate the camp on illegal radios they had been using. The gang had prepared for this, with them making a run for it and abandoning the camp. While there were losses while making the difficult journey, Cleven managed to survive, with him making it back to Thorpe Abbotts after 12 days on the run. Although he was a POW of the Germans for several years, Gale “Buck” Cleven finally managed to escape, putting an end to his time as a participant in WWII (via 100th Bomb Group (Heavy) Foundation).
What Happened To Buck Cleven After WW2?
The end of WWII was not the end of Cleven’s career. Cleven continued to serve in the Korean War as well as in Vietnam as part of the Air Force, with him even working at the Pentagon for a short time. However, Cleven officially retired from his duties in 1955. Cleven then worked IT jobs before becoming the manager of Webber College in Florida, turning it into a successful business school. Sadly, Gale “Buck” Cleven died on November 17th, 2006, putting an end to his heroic life. All of these details and more are expected to be explored in the upcoming series Masters of the Air.
Sources: American Air Museum In Britain, 100th Bomb Group (Heavy) Foundation, The Hall of Valor Project
