Manitowoc Native’s WWII Story to be Featured in Spielberg/Hanks Mini-Series 2024

Manitowoc has a rich history of supporting the military, from building submarines to producing cranes for the Navy. This year, the spotlight was on local hero John “Bucky” Egan, thanks to a new series produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. Manitowoc readers were intrigued by Egan’s story, which became one of the most popular articles of the year.

Egan was a standout U.S. pilot during World War II, noted in the American Air Museum archives. He is now a central figure in Apple TV+’s “Masters of the Air,” played by British actor Callum Turner.

Egan’s wartime experiences were nothing short of heroic. He flew with the 418th Bomb Squadron, 100th Bomb Group, and participated in major missions, including the Schweinfurt-Regensburg raid in 1943. Despite being shot down and becoming a prisoner of war, Egan’s courage and resilience never wavered.

Before his aviation career, Egan grew up in Manitowoc and attended local schools. He joined the Air Corps after completing college in St. Paul and received flight training in Texas. His obituary in the Herald Times Reporter highlighted his contributions to the war effort and his unwavering dedication.

Egan’s post-war life was just as remarkable. He continued to serve in various military roles, rising to the rank of full colonel. He married Josephine Pitz, a trailblazing pilot herself, and together they built a life in Manitowoc.

The story of John “Bucky” Egan is one of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the captivating series “Masters of the Air.”