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World War II Foundation and Tim Gray Media Re-Teams with David F. Alfonso to Produce Bruce Sundlun Documentary

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World War II Foundation and Tim Gray Media Re-Teams with David F. Alfonso to Produce Bruce Sundlun Documentary

KINGSTON, R.I.--(Business Wire)--The WORLD WAR II FOUNDATION and TIM GRAY MEDIA today announced that David F. Alfonso will join the previously announced “Above and Beyond” documentary film project as its Executive Producer. Scheduled for a 2014 release, “Above and Beyond” will highlight a true story of perseverance and courage, as lived by former Rhode Island Governor Bruce Sundlun. Sundlun, a Jewish-American, served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. His B-17 Flying Fortress, the “Damn Yankee,” was shot down in German-occupied Belgium in 1943. Sundlun had to make his way back to Allied lines and was hidden by Catholic priests and resistance fighters. The Jewish-American pilot stole over 100 bicycles in his trip across Europe, and ultimately joined in the French resistance under the code name “Salamander” and assisted them in their heroic fight against the Nazis.

“We are grateful for David F. Alfonso’s deep passion for our mission to share the stories of WWII and honoring the legacies and selfless service of our armed forces, said Tim Gray, Chairman of the WWII Foundation and the Director of “Above and beyond.”

This will mark the second occasion for Alfonso, an avid World War II (WWII) historian and notable supporter of the WWII Foundation, to team with filmmaker Tim Gray to preserve and document historical events of World War II. Alfonso previously served as Executive Producer on Tim Gray’s documentary “Dick Winters: ‘Hang Tough,’” which will air this fall on over a hundred PBS stations around the country. “Hang Tough” was narrated by Damian Lewis, who played Dick Winters in HBO’s “Band of Brothers.”

“We are grateful for David F. Alfonso’s deep passion for our mission to share the stories of WWII and honoring the legacies and selfless service of our armed forces, said Tim Gray, Chairman of the WWII Foundation and the Director of “Above and beyond.” “David became a critically important member of our producing team on the Dick Winters project. We look forward to continuing our association with him as our Executive Producer and ensuring that the incredible story of Bruce Sundlun’s time behind enemy lines in occupied Europe is told in a way that is both engaging and entertaining, as well as a top-quality, historically accurate production.

“Tim Gray is an extraordinary leader, historian and filmmaker whose personal commitment to the stories of this pivotal moment in world history is remarkable,” said David F. Alfonso. “The historical source material of WWII is rich with stories of ordinary people who, when faced with great challenges, rose to perform extraordinary acts of courage and compassion. Tim tells these stories with great respect and integrity, and being involved with Tim’s projects allows me to combine my interest in history with my love of producing, as well as affording me the opportunity to collaborate with – and continue to learn from – a great man and a visionary filmmaker.”

About the WORLD WAR II FOUNDATION
Founded in 2011, the WWII Foundation is a 501 c3 non-profit entity with the sole mission of preserving the oral histories of the veterans and survivors of World War II through documentary films that air both domestically in the United States and internationally, as well as creating ways in which to honor the sacrifices of the WWII generation through educational outreach, or other visual and artistic means.

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