History in the News
February of 1942, North Atlantic Ocean
I recently watched Greyhound (2020), an historically accurate WWII movie starring Tom Hanks. Set in the North Atlantic in February of 1942, Hanks portrays Captain Ernest Krause, Commander of the USS Keeling with radio call sign “Greyhound,” a Fletcher-class destroyer whose job is to escort a convoy of 37 merchant and troop ships across German U-Boat infested waters.
Besides being a great story, I was struck by the manner in which the various characters went about their war-making business. Unlike the current situation - in which over 4000 lives have already been lost - the sailors in this fine flick are clearly fighting a just war in opposition to a very real threat. Further, the leaders of these men behave with respect for the humanity of those lost on all sides.
And as a devout Christian, unlike many of those who claim that mantel today, Captain Krause exercises his power with a humility expressed in much of the New Testament.
While the self-proclaimed Christian Nationalist warmongers in today’s White House daily pound their chests in bombastic braggadocio, Greyhound tells a remarkable story from our nation’s past that serves as visceral reminder of the nature of common human decency in times of strife.
I am reviewing this movie and other features found on Apple TV’s streaming service for my next Books & Such Column in Topanga New Times. Please consider visiting topanganewtimes.com for this and other great writing and story-telling. Please also consider sharing the Jimmy P. Morgan Substack with friends and family.