Summary

• Masters of the Air on Apple TV+ tells the real story of Major Gale 'Buck' Cleven's WWII experiences and his heroism in the Army Air Forces.
• The show focuses on the United States Army Air Forces in WWII, exploring Cleven's piloting skills and bravery, depicting real-life heroics.
• Cleven's post-WWII career included service in Korea and Vietnam before retiring and succeeding in civilian life. The show captures his legacy.

Masters of the Air is streaming on Apple TV+ and here's what there is to know about Major Gale 'Buck' Cleven's time in the Army Air Forces as well as what happened to him after. Masters of the Air tells the true story of Cleven as well as several other key figures from the 100th Bombardment Group in World War II. While the exciting series seems to tell a fairly accurate rendition of Major Gale 'Buck' Cleven's World War II story, there's a ton to learn about the historical figure after watching Masters of the Air.

Masters of the Air is the newest World War II show from executive producers Gary Goetzman, 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 focuses on the role of the United States Army Air Forces in World War II, with it exploring a group of pilots attempting to fight against Nazi Germany. The first trailer for Masters of the Air shows off what Apple TV+'s exciting new series is about.

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 Forces 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 a key figure of the book that inspired the Apple TV+ series.

Masters of the Air was partially based on Major Harry Crosby's memoir, "A Wing and a Prayer: The "Bloody 100th" Bomb Group of the U.S. Eighth Air Force in Action over Europe in World War II."

Buck Cleven's Role In The 100th Bomb Group Explained

After rising through the ranks of the Army Air Forces, Gale 'Buck' Cleven was put in charge of the 350th Bomb Squadron. After a period of training, the squadron went overseas to Thorpe Abbotts, a Royal Air Force station in Norfolk, England. They were joined there by the 100th and 418th. There, Cleven began flying regular missions over German-occupied territory, bombing German factories and transportation lines. These missions were incredibly dangerous, but Cleven proved his flying skills and ability to stay calm under pressure. He quickly gained respect from his peers for his expertise with planes.

One of the most notable missions Cleven flew was to Bremen on June 25th. Cleven sat in the right passenger seat of the lead plane, flown by pilot Norman Scott. After crossing a channel, the pilots were ambushed by the Germans, 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.

Buck Cleven's Time As A POW, Escape & Return To England

Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse for Cleven after his harrowing experience on June 25th. A raid on October 8th led to seven of the 100th's planes getting shot down, and Cleven's own aircraft was one of them. With the left wing destroyed, the plane was 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, and other members of his squadron gathered at the same station sometime later.

Gale Cleven was officially a prisoner of war. After being interrogated in Frankfurt, Cleven was moved to the Stalag Luft III camp on the morning of October 23, 1943. Days later, his friend John 'Bucky' Egan arrived at the camp as well, after being shot down a day or two after Cleven. Together, the two adapted to POW life. Though Stalag Luft III had many amenities for its prisoners, after the Great Escape of 1944, 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, Cleven and some other POWs heard a call to evacuate the camp. The prisoners of Stalag Luft III were forced to trek across Germany in dangerous winter conditions.

During this journey, Cleven managed to escape, and 12 days later, he returned safe and sound to Thorpe Abbotts.

Unfortunately, he had to leave John Egan behind. However, upon his return to England, Cleven took part in Operation Chowhound, which set out to drop food over the German-occupied Netherlands, who were suffering from famine. Cleven ended his World War II service as an escaped POW and a hero.

Buck Cleven & John Egan's Real-Life Friendship Explained

One notable dynamic that Buck Cleven is a part of during Masters of the Air is his friendship with John 'Bucky' Egan. As it turns out, this friendship is true to life as well. Buck and Bucky met while training for the U.S. Army Air Forces, and in fact, Bucky gave Cleven his nickname, "Buck," because he looked like another "Buck" that Egan knew. While Buck and Bucky became fast friends during training, their friendship lasted all throughout World War II, and even beyond. John Egan was Cleven's best man at his wedding.

Cleven and Egan's friendship is a pivotal part of Masters of the Air. In many ways, their relationship is the core of the show. As disaster continues to strike and men are lost every day, Cleven and Egan not only survive, but they continue to find each other again and again. This is perfectly exemplified by the fact that the two reunited at Stalag Luft III, only days apart. Furthermore, the men keep each other alive and sane when at their worst. Overall, Cleven and Egan aren't just bonded by their similar nicknames, but by their dedication to each other.

How Accurate Is Austin Butler's "Buck" Cleven In Masters Of The Air?

Austin Butler's portrayal of Gale Cleven in Masters of the Air is on point with the real man. First and foremost, Cleven is depicted as calm and collected while flying planes, and this aligns perfectly with the real Cleven, who managed to save his aircraft and crew after receiving significant damage. Furthermore, Butler gives Cleven a sense of mystery. Though he is a reliable person and a great soldier, not much is known about his past. Whether this is true to Cleven's real personality is unknown, but it is an interesting detail that makes him all the more intriguing.

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 explored in Masters of the Air.

Sources: American Air Museum In Britain, 100th Bomb Group (Heavy) Foundation, The Hall of Valor Project