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I'd love to hear what you think of the site, what brought you here, and where you hail from. If there's something you'd like to see on the site that you don't see under "More to Come," or that you're looking forward to more than the rest, let me know. Thanks for stopping by.
Clint Hayes
17 entries.
Clint, looking forward to reading it! Always interested in learning more about the air war in WWII. Longtime friend and admirer of your father.
Max Stracener
Max Stracener
Trying to find your book, Amazon says out of print.
Craig Lasher
Craig Lasher
Hi Clint. I want to encourage you to continue to get your work published in some form. I have a couple of suggestions that might help, but I suspect you have already explored those.
I was introduced to The Eager Beaver's story by my neighbor seven years ago. I immediately recognized its commercial value as a movie and began researching the story for my own screenplay. I knew that this was a hit movie just aching to be made. I had written a couple of screenplays, a few live productions, and many skits. While I have not had anything published in a big way, my stuff has been performed before audiences rendering tears and laughter when appropriate. So, I know a good story when I read it and can usually translate it into a script form.
I was derailed from pursuing writing a screenplay further by two things. One, I had another script going (and it is currently pending its last revision before getting it to an agent) and two, my kidneys both failed and I had to go on dialysis for four years. I now have a kidney transplant from five years ago and began researching the story again. I came up on your site and was quite excited. Not so much for my benefit, but for yours and the story itself. It really needs to be told in a big way and I think you are the man to do it.
Let me offer two or three suggestions that might help you along the way as they have helped me. If I were you, I would try to reach out to either a script doctor or a professional screen writer with real experience. They are accessible by folks like you and I and are willing to help you make contact with the right people. My biggest contact was Jim Henson who offered to meet me for a job interview. I had sent him a short video that displayed both my writing and performing abilities and he was impressed. Unfortunately, I could not make that interview because of other commitments that would ultimately determine my future career.
I also contacted a local writer who wrote, "Finding Forester" starring Sean Connery. I made my email to him brief and to the point. He answered my question and encouraged me to keep in touch with him.
My point is, that if you knock on doors respectively (enough of them), one will open. I have read of so many blossoming actors, comedians, and writers who took the gamble to meet the celebrities, producers, and directors that ultimately paid off. I believe you have the personality and intelligence that they would find inviting. You most certainly have the story. One of them might read your story (or treatment) and see potential. It really is worth a gamble.
I would also encourage you to join the Screen Actors Guild. Get a number and attach it to your script. Some agents will not even consider a script without a number.
If you haven't considered a script doctor, you might want to do that. They will go over the whole thing and show you where it needs to be edited, reorganized, reordered, or developed for clarity and character development. They will help you eliminate much of the work that needs to be done when the studio assigns it to "Script Hell." That is the place all scripts go to for final drafting before getting the Green Light. Script doctors are not cheap, like the late Carrie Fisher, but they get your script in front of the studios faster and with some clout.
You could pursue the historical novel route. Get it published with the retention of screenwriting rights. That prevents the publishing house from selling those rights from underneath you.
Or, you can go the cheap route. Enter it into a contest. The writer I mentioned earlier of "Finding Forrester" did just that. He won his competition and launched his career into screenwriting. He has had several hits since. As your story is a true story, you might want to consider the contest sponsored by the Austin Film Festival. This is a very prestigious competition and will get you some attention if your script does well. You don't have to finish first, but well enough that agents will come to you.
These are just a few ideas, most you probably have already considered. Even so, this might offer you some encouragement. I hope you will add me to your mailing list as I truly want to follow your story. As I market my own script, I will pass along any contacts or tips that might help you as well. I wish you the very best, my friend. I want to see this on the big screen!
Most sincerely,
Dennis Grover
I was introduced to The Eager Beaver's story by my neighbor seven years ago. I immediately recognized its commercial value as a movie and began researching the story for my own screenplay. I knew that this was a hit movie just aching to be made. I had written a couple of screenplays, a few live productions, and many skits. While I have not had anything published in a big way, my stuff has been performed before audiences rendering tears and laughter when appropriate. So, I know a good story when I read it and can usually translate it into a script form.
I was derailed from pursuing writing a screenplay further by two things. One, I had another script going (and it is currently pending its last revision before getting it to an agent) and two, my kidneys both failed and I had to go on dialysis for four years. I now have a kidney transplant from five years ago and began researching the story again. I came up on your site and was quite excited. Not so much for my benefit, but for yours and the story itself. It really needs to be told in a big way and I think you are the man to do it.
Let me offer two or three suggestions that might help you along the way as they have helped me. If I were you, I would try to reach out to either a script doctor or a professional screen writer with real experience. They are accessible by folks like you and I and are willing to help you make contact with the right people. My biggest contact was Jim Henson who offered to meet me for a job interview. I had sent him a short video that displayed both my writing and performing abilities and he was impressed. Unfortunately, I could not make that interview because of other commitments that would ultimately determine my future career.
I also contacted a local writer who wrote, "Finding Forester" starring Sean Connery. I made my email to him brief and to the point. He answered my question and encouraged me to keep in touch with him.
My point is, that if you knock on doors respectively (enough of them), one will open. I have read of so many blossoming actors, comedians, and writers who took the gamble to meet the celebrities, producers, and directors that ultimately paid off. I believe you have the personality and intelligence that they would find inviting. You most certainly have the story. One of them might read your story (or treatment) and see potential. It really is worth a gamble.
I would also encourage you to join the Screen Actors Guild. Get a number and attach it to your script. Some agents will not even consider a script without a number.
If you haven't considered a script doctor, you might want to do that. They will go over the whole thing and show you where it needs to be edited, reorganized, reordered, or developed for clarity and character development. They will help you eliminate much of the work that needs to be done when the studio assigns it to "Script Hell." That is the place all scripts go to for final drafting before getting the Green Light. Script doctors are not cheap, like the late Carrie Fisher, but they get your script in front of the studios faster and with some clout.
You could pursue the historical novel route. Get it published with the retention of screenwriting rights. That prevents the publishing house from selling those rights from underneath you.
Or, you can go the cheap route. Enter it into a contest. The writer I mentioned earlier of "Finding Forrester" did just that. He won his competition and launched his career into screenwriting. He has had several hits since. As your story is a true story, you might want to consider the contest sponsored by the Austin Film Festival. This is a very prestigious competition and will get you some attention if your script does well. You don't have to finish first, but well enough that agents will come to you.
These are just a few ideas, most you probably have already considered. Even so, this might offer you some encouragement. I hope you will add me to your mailing list as I truly want to follow your story. As I market my own script, I will pass along any contacts or tips that might help you as well. I wish you the very best, my friend. I want to see this on the big screen!
Most sincerely,
Dennis Grover
Clint,
I just wanted to say thank you again for all that you have done to bring this story to light. We met 30 years ago (!) when you were interviewing my dad and I have cherished that friendship ever since. Dad was not very trusting (in regards to those wanting details of this mission) but you managed to gain his trust. He looked forward to speaking with you and going down memory lane (even when it was not easy). This story needs to be told and as much as I hope that happens, it only holds meaning if told in truth. You are a very talented and prolific writer and I am grateful you have taken on this story as one of your life's missions!
I just wanted to say thank you again for all that you have done to bring this story to light. We met 30 years ago (!) when you were interviewing my dad and I have cherished that friendship ever since. Dad was not very trusting (in regards to those wanting details of this mission) but you managed to gain his trust. He looked forward to speaking with you and going down memory lane (even when it was not easy). This story needs to be told and as much as I hope that happens, it only holds meaning if told in truth. You are a very talented and prolific writer and I am grateful you have taken on this story as one of your life's missions!
Ive been researching this for a few years now looking to writing a screenplay... HOPING somebody will bite and create a miniseries! So glad you already did! Here is to hoping this amazing story gets to the screen someday!
Truly amazing story.
I recently heard of this story from a youtube channel called the fat electrician, and his narrative of events sounded like it would be a good movie. But, like most things on the internet, not entirely sure how accurate it is. Here's the link https://youtu.be/7Iuq3Wfz3RA?si=Ve663QOmOX92gibG I'm an aspiring actor/screenwriter and would like to maybe be part of said project and came across this site doing research.
The Dailywire may make this a reality. Or Angel Studios. It is a great story that most American have never heard and right now is a good window to get the ball rolling as Hollywood’s spoiled workforce is on strike.
Good luck
Mark
Good luck
Mark
One more thing, like Christine, you should publish ASAP. No need to be hard copy. An e-book like Kindle would probably gauge the market for you and be much easier to start. With your finished product (and I noted a few spelling typos), a reputable publisher should be interested, I guess.
Beware of the 'self publishing' outfits, though. A known history publishing firm that also does sole e-books might be good. You might even send a copy to John Prados and ask him to recommend or suggest an outfit that starts you off at first electronically.
I constantly see his requests for declassifying material in the presidential libraries. Oh, belay that suggestion, as I see he passed a few months ago. Some other author you respect, perhaps.
Good luck, and be sure to add me to the mailing list. The mail chimp is down and wouldn't take my email address.
Beware of the 'self publishing' outfits, though. A known history publishing firm that also does sole e-books might be good. You might even send a copy to John Prados and ask him to recommend or suggest an outfit that starts you off at first electronically.
I constantly see his requests for declassifying material in the presidential libraries. Oh, belay that suggestion, as I see he passed a few months ago. Some other author you respect, perhaps.
Good luck, and be sure to add me to the mailing list. The mail chimp is down and wouldn't take my email address.
Great site, Mr. Hayes. Few sensationalist butcher jobs like 'Lucky 666'have been better countered by one man efforts.
One other thing that might be added, if not already here and some how overlooked, is what happened to Old 666 "Lucy".
If accurate, the wiki article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_666 states that it was refurbished and sent back to recon duties, even doing two more combat runs.
Sent stateside in March 1944, it says in the end the final station was Albuquerque, New Mexico in August 1945 -- probably to Kirkland AFB just after the Japanese accepted the terms of surrender. Sometime after that it was scrapped.
One other thing that might be added, if not already here and some how overlooked, is what happened to Old 666 "Lucy".
If accurate, the wiki article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_666 states that it was refurbished and sent back to recon duties, even doing two more combat runs.
Sent stateside in March 1944, it says in the end the final station was Albuquerque, New Mexico in August 1945 -- probably to Kirkland AFB just after the Japanese accepted the terms of surrender. Sometime after that it was scrapped.
THANK YOU!
For telling this story, for letting me know listening to “Lucky 666” is a waste of my time & money that will fill my head with untrue and inaccurate information.
Please, write AND PUBLISH the non fiction account of the Zeamer Crew. I don’t have time to read/listen to fiction. Why read a historical fiction when I can read the non fictional history???
What’s the point?
I love WWII history for many reasons. The human drama and the lessons one can learn from the experiences of people from all over the World. Every day we lose the people I admire most for their values, morals, conduct, courage, and their love of God, Country, and Family, which might be from anywhere in the World.
If one does not recognize the value of learning WWII history, they are at a distinct disadvantage. While human nature/behavior does not change because those evolutionary changes evolve over millions of years not decades, times do change. History repeats itself because of human behavior and the desire for power and the control over others, wealth, and sex.
Nothing upsets me more than to discover that the WWII history I’m reading/listening to is inaccurate. When one knows nothing about a subject it’s like a blank page. It’s easy to lie to someone who knows nothing about the subject.
Which brings me to a life lesson that I urge everyone to live by, no matter the subject: Go to the source. There is a reason courts require cross examination & without it, evidence is not allowed to be introduced (except under extraordinary circumstances) Signed testimony is not allowed because “you cannot cross examine a piece of paper”
Thus the use of log books, morning reports, etc combined with interviews helps filter out the misinformation & allows the truth to be told.
Far too many people allow themselves to be manipulated into voting for a candidate, donating/supporting an issue, buying a product, or accepting a story because they do not know the MOTIVATION of the entity who is trying to convince them to accept/believe whatever it is they are selling.
THAT MOTIVATION IS OFTEN NOT IN THE END USERS BEST INTEREST.
People are made to believe it is, when the reality is they are simply being used to make $$$, attain power, or sex.
Understanding a subject - just as Zeamer understood the capabilities of the plane he flew allowed him to excel at flying the plane, rather than just fly as an average pilot who was nothing more than a number in war ( some might use the analogy of a pawn in a chess game )-allows one to intelligently articulate a subject.
I prefer the educated, understanding and intelligent individual versus the individual who accepts the marketing campaign, slick campaign slogans, propaganda, or the sales pitch.
My desire to learn more, my curiosity piqued about the story told in “Lucky 666” led me to your website, and Thank God it did.
For telling this story, for letting me know listening to “Lucky 666” is a waste of my time & money that will fill my head with untrue and inaccurate information.
Please, write AND PUBLISH the non fiction account of the Zeamer Crew. I don’t have time to read/listen to fiction. Why read a historical fiction when I can read the non fictional history???
What’s the point?
I love WWII history for many reasons. The human drama and the lessons one can learn from the experiences of people from all over the World. Every day we lose the people I admire most for their values, morals, conduct, courage, and their love of God, Country, and Family, which might be from anywhere in the World.
If one does not recognize the value of learning WWII history, they are at a distinct disadvantage. While human nature/behavior does not change because those evolutionary changes evolve over millions of years not decades, times do change. History repeats itself because of human behavior and the desire for power and the control over others, wealth, and sex.
Nothing upsets me more than to discover that the WWII history I’m reading/listening to is inaccurate. When one knows nothing about a subject it’s like a blank page. It’s easy to lie to someone who knows nothing about the subject.
Which brings me to a life lesson that I urge everyone to live by, no matter the subject: Go to the source. There is a reason courts require cross examination & without it, evidence is not allowed to be introduced (except under extraordinary circumstances) Signed testimony is not allowed because “you cannot cross examine a piece of paper”
Thus the use of log books, morning reports, etc combined with interviews helps filter out the misinformation & allows the truth to be told.
Far too many people allow themselves to be manipulated into voting for a candidate, donating/supporting an issue, buying a product, or accepting a story because they do not know the MOTIVATION of the entity who is trying to convince them to accept/believe whatever it is they are selling.
THAT MOTIVATION IS OFTEN NOT IN THE END USERS BEST INTEREST.
People are made to believe it is, when the reality is they are simply being used to make $$$, attain power, or sex.
Understanding a subject - just as Zeamer understood the capabilities of the plane he flew allowed him to excel at flying the plane, rather than just fly as an average pilot who was nothing more than a number in war ( some might use the analogy of a pawn in a chess game )-allows one to intelligently articulate a subject.
I prefer the educated, understanding and intelligent individual versus the individual who accepts the marketing campaign, slick campaign slogans, propaganda, or the sales pitch.
My desire to learn more, my curiosity piqued about the story told in “Lucky 666” led me to your website, and Thank God it did.
Dad was in 100th service sqd
Well done! Most heroes vanish into history with few remembering what they did and who they were. It's so awesome that you've taken up the task of honoring these guys in the way they deserve. Bravo!
Absolutely outstanding work on this website to the "Eager Beavers". Very impressed with Mr Hayes work and hope to see it continue. Look forward to contacting him for a guest interview on Mack Maloney's Military X Files (MMMXF) where I co-host with Mack. This is one of the greatest warrior stories hardly anyone really knows. Checking with a number of military aviation historians, amazed few knew any of the facts. Great work and look for my support in anyway. Respectfully, "commander cobra"
My father is T/sgt. Jay W. Jackson (Stoney)(94th/19bg)(63rd/43bg) 6/42-3/44 I have been reading anything I can get my hands on about the 19th,bg, and 43rd bg for a few years now I've read a couple different accounts of this story, and yours is the most detailed I've encountered. I've put my email in several times and your system rejects it as invalid I'm very interested in following this site. I would love to access any research you have as I'm trying to learn all I can about my father's involvement in the Pacific. His records were lost and he died in 73. He was one of those that didn't talk about the war. Please sign me up to follow your sight.
All the best of luck,to Clint hayes
As he tremendous amount of work into his projects,
And hopefully he wil do the eager
Beavers story justice ,and all other aeroplane crews in ww2.
Brendan Harpur
Ireland
As he tremendous amount of work into his projects,
And hopefully he wil do the eager
Beavers story justice ,and all other aeroplane crews in ww2.
Brendan Harpur
Ireland
What a wonderful web site. A real tribute to these men and their comrades. Al these unescorted B-17/B-24 recon flights in the Bismark or Solomon Seas during 1942-1943 were so risky - so many losses with some crews and planes simply never heard from again.