Special Screening of William Fluhrer's World War II Air Transport Command Films

Man's face in profile next to an aircraft's windshield with blue sky and clouds visible outside.
William Henry Fluhrer served as a Lt. Col. in the Army Air Corp's Transport Command during WWII and later became the commanding officer for the Southern Oregon unit of the U.S. Air Force Reserve.


The University of Oregon Libraries and the Soaring by the Sea Foundation invite the public to a special screening of newly preserved home movies created by William Henry "Heine" Fluhrer, an Oregon businessman, military officer, and veteran of both World War I and World War II.

During World War II, Fluhrer served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Air Forces Air Transport Command. Stationed throughout South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, he documented his experiences on 16mm color film, creating a remarkable visual record of wartime aviation and daily life around the world. The films are now held as part of the William Henry Fluhrer papers in UO Libraries' Special Collections and University Archives.

This program will feature selections from Fluhrer's recently preserved films, made possible through a grant from the National Film Preservation Foundation. The preservation project ensures that these historically significant films remain accessible to researchers, students, and the public for generations to come. 

Filmed primarily in 1944 and 1945, the silent color footage captures extraordinary moments from the closing years of World War II, including rare scenes documenting the release of prominent Allied prisoners of war following Germany's surrender, early jet aircraft, and a major aviation exhibition held beneath the Eiffel Tower.

Presented in conjunction with Home Movie Day, the annual international celebration of amateur films and their role in preserving personal, community, and cultural history, this screening offers a rare opportunity to experience newly preserved Oregon home movies while following the global journey of one remarkable Oregonian.
 

 

Saturday, October 17
Doors Open: 6:00 p.m. | Screening Begins: 7:00 p.m.
Admission: $10 (includes free popcorn and aircraft tours) | Children Free

Location: Soaring by the Sea Foundation Hangar, 29030 Hollis Lane, Eugene, OR 97402

More Event Info

About Soaring by the Sea Foundation
"At Soaring by the Sea Foundation, we keep legendary warbirds flying—not just to preserve the past, but to ignite the dreams of tomorrow. Through restored aircraft, hands-on experiences, and public programs, we bring generations together through the power of aviation."