12 O'Clock High (1964)

S1E32 The Hero

A renowned World War I fighter ace, now serving as a Ferry Pilot, makes his way to SHAEF HQ via Archbury. Tragically, during the flight, he is killed when Hartley, seated in the co-pilot position, engages a group of German fighters. The co-pilot sustains severe injuries while attempting to regain control of the aircraft but ultimately succumbs, revealing the details of the incident before his passing. It appears that Colonel Hartley is a mentor to Savage. As the 920th Bomb Group prepares to arrive, General Stoneman seeks a seasoned commander. Savage recommends Major Cobb and urges Stoneman to consider Colonel Hartley. Assigned temporarily to the 918, Hartley repeatedly disregards orders. In a final mission, he veers off course and crashes into the target, leading to his own demise.