Bill,
I understand what you are saying. I read the script prior to writing previous post. I think what you say works if you are not dealing with a historical event that includes real people with reputations. But since Russ was a real person, who was no question about it a war hero, a reference I saw as to his being the worst pilot in the air force is insulting. Also, the bumbling actions you have him taking, throughout the script, fall in that category as well.
As you know being an authority, and it was a combination of luck and skill I am sure, he completed the Ploesti mission and was one of a few pilots who landed back at Benghazi, without crew casualties. This is a man who spent the rest of his life flying planes professionally, very successful Skagit Valley, WA crop dusting firm, until he died of a heart attack in 1989. He had both legs for all of his life, never lost one and he never met royalty after crashing a plane.
He was a good guy and much respected by other survivors of the raid. The following comments were posted at another WWII B-24 themed site by
the nephew of Joe Avendano. Joseph Avendano Duran, has spent years studying his well-known pilot uncle's life and his death. Joseph Avendano Duran wrote: "Steve, it was great to see your post on Russell Longnecker. My uncle Joe Avendano flew many of the same missions with the 93rd BG. After the low level Ploiesti mission, my uncle Joe would become the operation officer for the 328th squadron and Russell Longnecker would take over my uncles 93rd 328th squadron -- the Dogpatch raiders a/c and crew. Russell was known for his great flying ability as a pilot!"
So, if you plan to make up a composite character, I suggest you make one up with a fictitious name (movie goers would never know you made up a pilot name) vs. besmirching a real person who served his country well and was a hero. I am sure that Russell's son and daughter, both of whom are very much alive, would much appreciate your not portraying their late dad as inept.. Thanks for the consideration, since this script involves real people with living family members.
Steve