This Man’s Navy 1945

Tall tales spark plan for a fake son

At the Lakehurst naval base, Ned Trumpet's reputation for tall stories pushes him to find someone who can impersonate his fictional son. He spots the need for a convincing stand-in and begins plotting the deception. The setup marks the start of a dangerous ruse that will shape the men’s fates.

Weaver identified; operation to fix his legs arranged

Trumpet meets Jess Weaver, a disabled young man; an operation to fix his legs is arranged to make him a plausible substitute. Weaver's condition becomes a key reason he can pass as Trump's son. The plan now hinges on his willingness to go along with the deception.

Weaver agrees; earns wings and ensign rank

Weaver agrees to participate in the ruse and begins training to assume the role. He soon earns his Navy wings and a commission as an ensign, proving capable despite his disability. The unlikely partnership between the two men starts to take real form.

Unauthorized attack on a German submarine

During a submarine patrol, Trumpet launches an attack without orders, believing bold action is needed. Weaver's bomb misses, and the submarine returns fire, striking the airship. Trumpet takes control and sinks the submarine, changing the mission’s outcome.

Weaver faces court-martial; Trumpet takes blame

Weaver appears before a court-martial for disobeying orders, but Trumpet steps in to shoulder responsibility for the action. The decision preserves Weaver’s career and preserves the ruse’s credibility. The sacrifice tightens their bond under fire.

Weaver awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross

Weaver receives the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during the incident and proudly accepts the honor. He then hands the ribbon to his 'father,' the man who protected him during the crisis. The gesture deepens their unconventional father-son dynamic.

Weaver trains at Pensacola

Weaver leaves Lakehurst to begin formal flight training at NAS Pensacola, stepping into legitimate naval aviation. The training marks a transition from deception to a real career in flight. His skills begin to blossom in the demanding environment.

Weaver moves to Ferry Command

After completing training, Weaver transfers to Ferry Command, taking on routes that deliver aircraft across theaters. The assignment broadens his experience beyond combat patrols. He faces new challenges on long ferry flights.

Trumpet is grounded for six months

Back at Lakehurst, Trumpet is grounded for six months as punishment for his earlier disobedience. He accepts the downtime, knowing it will affect his career trajectory. The break isolates him from the front but keeps his eye on future missions.

Trumpet reassigned to Chittagong base

Only three months into his grounding, Trumpet is reassigned to help establish a new lighter-than-air base in Chittagong, Bay of Bengal. The assignment places him far from the Lakehurst scene and into the war’s demanding theater. His leadership will be crucial to building the base.

Weaver’s ferry mission crashes in Burma

While on a ferry assignment in Burma, Weaver’s aircraft crashes in Japanese-occupied territory. Hearing the news, Trumpet launches a daring rescue mission from the Chittagong base. The rescue sets off a chain of dramatic events behind enemy lines.

Rescue succeeds amid aerial attack

Trumpet and his crew retrieve three survivors, but one is found dead. As they lift off, three Japanese fighters attack the airship. The blimp is punctured and helium is lost, forcing urgent, desperate steps.

Parachutes and rescue by P-38s

With altitude slipping away, Trumpet and Shannon bail out by parachute to safety. Allied P-38 Lightnings arrive to secure the rescue and bring them home. The mission ends in a hard-won triumph against heavy odds.