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Deep
in the forgotten waters off the Solomon Islands, local divers
recently made a startling discovery - one that would bring
to the surface an incredible saga of conquest, long-lost friendship,
and rich history that began over half a century ago during
the raging battles of World War II’s Pacific theater.
Lost Warriors of the South Pacific documents this powerful,
emotionally-charged story as it unravels, beginning with the
now historic July 23, 1943 flight of Marine Corps pilot Jim
Dougherty and his radio gunner, Robert Bernard. On that day,
during a strategic U.S. air mission to take the Solomon Islands
and block the Japanese advance, the pair, flying a Douglas
Dauntless SBD-4 Dive Bomber, were shot down by the Japanese
over Rendova Lagoon and rescued by a PT Boat which was part
of JFKÕs famous battle group.
53
years later to the day, through an incredible sequence of
events sparked by his plane’s discovery, Jim, now 76,
made an amazing journey back to the lagoon to venture underwater
for the first time and reunite with his lost plane. Hosted
by Kevin Juergenson, using state-of-the-art underwater communication
technology, the film features stunning undersea cinematography
as it documents this fascinating pilgrimage. This documentary
brilliantly comes full circle as it includes engaging coverage
of a chance meeting with Japanese veterans who had defended
Jim’s targeted positions, other area land, sea and air
wartime remnants, and finally, a reunion with the retired
pilot’s long lost radio gunner and members of his division
whom he hadn’t seen in over 50 years.
Lost
Warriors of the South Pacific brings to life the riveting
events, explosive battles, marooned war relics, and the inspirational
stories of some of the men and machines that gloriously made
history during the single-most consequential event of the
century.
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