So far, Masters of the Air has been doing an incredible job in retelling the true story of the 100th Bomb Group from World War II. In the 7th episode, we meet Second Lieutenant Richard D. Macon from Masters of the Air. Let's talk about his character in the show and real life.
Spoiler Warning: This article includes spoilers for Masters of the Air episode 7, so proceed with caution.
Meet Richard Macon from Masters of the Air
The first time we meet Second Lieutenant Richard Macon in Masters of the Air is in episode 7. He is among the men that Colonel Davis (played by Jerry MacKinnon) spoke to about Operation Dragoon, which would hit Marseille, Saint-Tropez, and Toulon.
Because of his background in Mathematics, Macon was able to estimate that the mission was not logically possible. This is because the trip would consume all of the fuel they carried.
Davis responds that he was aware of that and planned to give fake identities to the Airmen. Unfortunately, since the Tuskegee Airmen squad is composed of black men, it would be hard for them to "blend in."
Following through with the plan, the men (Daniels, Alex, Gordon, Westbrook, and Macon) board their planes to Toulon. They enter into a fight against their enemies. Even though they were able to kill some Nazis, all of the fighter jets crashed.
Daniels and Alex manage to be uninjured, unlike Macon. The two other men are assumed dead. The survivors are brought to a German corporal, who questions them why they are fighting for a country that discriminates against the color of their skin.
Later at the Stalag Luft III, Macon tests the theory by enlisting the help of the white men. Will they discriminate against them too and leave them behind?
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Did Masters of the Air Portray Lt. Macon Accurately?
Lt. Macon is introduced in the series as a mathematician and pilot who was born in Birmingham, Alabama. Before the war, Macon got a degree in mathematics at Miles College.
He completed his flight training at Tuskegee Army before he was assigned to Italy in 1944. Unlike the other soldiers, Lt. Macon did not write a book about his experience in the war. But he was extensively written in Jefferson's memoir.
Macon died at John D. Dingell VA Medical Center on October 9, 2007. The famed Tuskegee Airman is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia.
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Who is Josiah Cross? Where You've Seen Him Before
Richard D. Macon from Masters of the Air is portrayed by Josiah Cross.
Before Masters of the Air, Cross made his debut in film as TD in King Richard. His role in A Thousand and One also earned him critical acclaim.
He has appeared in a couple of short films and voiced Porter Rose in NBA 2K20.
You can follow him on Instagram.
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