'Masters of the Air': Heartwarming true story of how iconic husky Meatball paved the way in US Air Force

In ‘Masters of the Air’ Episode 1, Meatball was introduced to the viewers
PUBLISHED FEB 20, 2024
Meatball and  Austin Butler as Gale 'Buck' Cleven in 'Masters of the Air' (@Apple TV+)
Meatball and Austin Butler as Gale 'Buck' Cleven in 'Masters of the Air' (@Apple TV+)

LONDON, ENGLAND: Apple TV’s latest war drama series ‘Masters of the Air’ has introduced Meatball, a dog, to the viewers. Meatball is not a fun addition to the cast and actually exists in real life.

‘Masters of the Air’ stars Austin Butler as Major Gale 'Buck' Cleven, Callum Turner as Major John 'Bucky' Egan, Barry Keoghan as Lt Curtis Biddick, Anthony Boyle as Major Harry Crosby, Nate Mann as Major Robert Rosenthal, Kai Alexander as Sergeant William Quinn, and Ncuti Gatwa as second Lt Robert Daniels.

Given that ‘Masters of the Air’ is inspired by true events, nearly all of its characters are based on real individuals.

Who is Meatball?

In ‘Masters of the Air’ Episode 1, Meatball, a dog, was introduced to the viewers. The Siberian husky immediately grabbed all the attention and became a fan favorite.

Meatball first appeared in the first half of ‘Masters of the Air’ Episode 1, when Captain Bernard DeMarco got off his plane at Thorpe Abbotts.

Gale "Buck" Cleven revealed that they picked Meatball while traveling to England. Meatball was seen once again at the breakfast table while the soldiers were preparing for their first mission.

Meatball’s existence in the US Air Force

Meatball, the dog, accompanied the bomb group at their base in East Anglia throughout the war. According to Screen Rant, the dog lived with the 100th Bomb Group during the Second World War.

The 100th Bomb Group found Meatball in Labrador and brought him to Thorpe Abbotts with them. They were extremely fond of husky Meatball. 

According to the 100th Bomb Group Foundation, once Meatball got into trouble for killing a chicken in the area and the farmer became angry. Major Egan ultimately paid for the chicken personally to save Meatball.

There is little information available about what happened to Meatball after the war. 

‘Masters of the Air’ is now streaming on Apple TV+

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Season 2 of ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ deals with darker themes as Coop continues to push his luck, and Jon Hamm gives a major update.
2 hours ago
While no official date has been set for 'The Pitt' Season 3, reports suggest that it will premiere next year, without this fan-favorite character.
2 hours ago
'The Pitt' has already been renewed for a third season by HBO Max and is currently in the writing stage.
5 hours ago
Raj Dar and Mir Dar's fortunes took a turn for the worse following the death of the criminal mastermind father, Baba Dar.
6 hours ago
The Russos return for one last fight, but with Alex missing and time running out, the final season sets up a battle that could change everything.
6 hours ago
Dr. Robby had previously offered his best protege the chance to house-sit for him while he was away on his sabbatical.
7 hours ago
‘The Pitt’ Season 2 Episode 13 showcases Robby's conflict over leaving staff and patients alone to handle the stress and chaos as he takes time off.
7 hours ago
Kitty checks off every dream on her list, but that airport confession changes everything, and now the show’s future feels wide open.
7 hours ago
Season 2 of the medical drama series has been dropping hints all season that Dr. Samira Mohan's (Supriya Ganesh) time is up in 'The Pitt.'
8 hours ago
A new Shelby rises in post-war Birmingham, but his quiet stare hints at something darker brewing beneath the surface.
8 hours ago