Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter (1943)

My Review

Some of Ronald Reagan’s service in World War II included starring in educational short films for the U. S. military. “Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter” was one such movie, produced by the First Motion Picture Unit of the Army Air Force.

Reagan portrayed Lt. Saunders, a pilot who receives instruction about distinguishing the difference between American and Japanese planes from long distances. His knowledge is put to the test while in the air. Saunders at first has a near miss, coming close to shooting down a fellow American pilot.

Upon returning to base, he is “called on the carpet.” However, a review of the film from his plane reveals that the future Commander-in-Chief also fired upon and destroyed a Japanese plane. “Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter” has a running time of twenty minutes, directed by Bernard Vorhaus, narrated by Art Gilmore. It was distributed by the Office of War Information, released on Feb. 2, 1943.