World at War :: The Big Picture Film Series

The Big Picture documentary A Day In Korea is a fascinating comparison of the daily life of everyday Americans to the life of soldiers on the front lines of Korea. This documentary was created during the era of truce talks to show the American people that even with peace talks happening, the fighting and support given to Korea by American troops was still essential. By showing a comparison, Americans could see the sacrifices the troops were making every day to keep the world safe and better understand why the war efforts were still necessary.

The Big Picture documentary Action Vietnam is a keen look at the Vietnam conflict. The film opens with President Lyndon Johnson awarding Captain Roger Donlon the Medal of Honor for his heroism in Vietnam in December 1964. It then goes on to describe the unique challenges the troops face fighting in Vietnam - describing how it was a war fought in shadow and stealth instead of out in the open as prior wars were fought.

The Big Picture documentary Aerial Mobility explores a portion of the Army's aviation teams. It describes how the Army aviation mission does not duplicate the efforts of the U.S. Air Force but rather focuses solely on the Army's ability to win land battles by utilizing helicopters to increase its mobility within the battle arena itself. In addition to describing the mission of these helicopter men, it explores the newer tactical helicopters - which are equipped with rockets and machine guns - and shows them in action as they are used in a training exercise and used as reconnaissance and other crucial battlefield missions.

The Airborne to Battle Big Picture documentary is a story about the history and development of the airborne Army. The documentary examines shows how the existence of a well-trained airborne Army, capable of moving anywhere on the globe on short notice, is an important factor in deterring aggression. "Airborne To Battle" begins with scenes of the first controlled flights which took men into the sky. Viewers will see the first of the daredevil barnstormers who jumped from fragile wings to thrill Sunday crowds after World War I. You will also see Signal Corps cameramen catch the first combat jump by men of the U.S. Army -- an aerial assault on Sicily in July 1943 and many other elements of this unique military asset. This is a remarkably fine film presentation on the subject of flying infantrymen -- human bolts of thunder striking from the sky and ever-ready to defend our country at a moments notice.

The Big Picture documentary Armed Forces Assistance to Korea shows how Americans have always stepped up to the plate when it came to helping friendly countries in trouble. It details how American soldiers lent a helping hand in Korea - helping to rebuild and recover from the damage of the war. Armed Forces Assistance Korea (AFAK) is a true American Army project demonstrating the friendship between people of different countries/cultures. It shows in great detail how these great service men helped rebuild Korea after the devastation of the multi year war and how those efforts allowed Korea to get back on its feet and prosper.

This documentary explores the armored tanks and their role in war. It explores its operation in both training and battle situations and is a great look at the wide variety of armored vehicles employed by the armed forces in the past.

The Big Picture documentary Army Aviation in an in depth examination of the Army's air arm and its function on the battlefield. This film explores the uses of the light liaison plan and the helicopter at work both on the battlefield and in training exercises. It is a very good examination of this crucial often overlooked part of the Army's roles in battle.

The Big Picture documentary Army Ballistic Missile Agency tells the story of the Redstone Arsenal. It delves into the research and development going into building Redstone missiles and projects to develop even more modern and effective missiles to keep the United States safe. It is a fascinating look at the military and civilian personnel as they work with the most advanced equipment and tools of the time to do amazing work with what we would now consider very primitive equipment. In addition to being a fascinating story in its own right, it really showcases how the mind is able to overcome limitations of technology to build amazing things.

The Big Picture documentary Army Diver's School looks at the training of the Army Dive team. This documentary was filmed on location at Fort Eustis, Virginia. The Army Divers are part of the Army Transportation Corps and this video follows the training and underwater operations they perform. The film explores how the divers need to be jacks of all trades and shows how they need to learn about welding, carpentry, mechanics, explosives and much more to successfully handle underwater missions. This 17 week training program is fully explored in the film - both above water and under water. The film was directed by SP-3 Gerald Finnerman of the Army Pictorial Center in partnership with experienced and qualified cameraman from Warner Brothers Studio in Hollywood.

Army Medicine from the American Revolutionary War to the Korean War is explored in this episode of The Big Picture. This fascinating look at the members of the Army Medical Service details the exploits and challenges of these brave men. Included is footage from World War I as well as the Normandy Beachhead and their work in WWII. What is fascinating in this presentation is the bravery of these professionals as they accompany the fighting men on the front lines of some of the most fierce wartime battles - being ever ready to lend whatever assistance they could at the risk of their own lives.

The Big Picture documentary Army Satellites is a fascinating look at the very early days of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. This documentary tells the story of Explorers I and III. It details the crucial 84 days before launching Explorer I. The story begins on the morning of November 8, 1957, at Huntsville, Alabama. starting with a sudden meeting called by Major General John B. Medaris with his staff which included Dr. Wernher von Braun. The film the depicts the dramatic sequences leading into the final "countdown" in the blockhouse at Cape Canaveral, Florida. "Army Satellites" is an actual step-by-step documentary filmed over a five month period by Army Signal Corps cameramen and is narrated by Alexander Scourby.

The Big Picture documentary Army Talent Show is a rare view of the Army's very own entertainment troops. Enjoy their unique talents as they perform on the sound stage of the Signal Corps Pictorial Center in New York City. You will see singing, dancing, acrobatics and much more as the Army showcases its troops great talents to America.

The Big Picture documentary Army Transportation - The Keys to Mobility follows the story of the men in the Army Transportation Corps. It examines how they work in battlefield environments- ensuring that men and equipment are delivered to the right point on the battlefield for maximum impact. It also details their important mission and the training they receive to ensure success under fire.

The Big Picture documentary Army Transportation Corps is a fascinating look at this invisible but crucial part of the Army. The Transportation Corps ensures that the men and equipment get to the right place at the right time. This films gives you a glimpse of how this process works as we follow supplies from the factory to the U.S. shipping depot to the front line of a unit in Korea. You will see the Port of Embarkation, small boats, rail lines, trucks and all the other equipment that helps make this vital task run smoothly. And it also gives you an overview of the helicopter transportation company during training.

The Atomic Battlefield is explored in this episode of The Big Picture. This film is a fascinating look at Desert Rock, Nevada and details the conditions that could be faced by the Army in the event of a nuclear blast in territory that must be taken and held. In this scenario, the Army actually performs a variety of tests with the soldiers during atomic detonation tests. By exploring the various scenarios that the men were run through and the results, the Army was able to learn enough to figure out deployment strategies and the structure of the combat force in the event of an atomic event.

The Big Picture documentary Battalion Commander explores the role of the Battalion Commander - one of the most responsible jobs in the U.S. Army. He commands hundreds of men, machines and weapons. This Big Picture documentary explores the daily activities of the commander of one of the armored battalions in West Germany where the United States works with NATO forces to serve in the forward lines of the defense of the free world.

Beachhead Anzio is a documentary of the Battle of Anzio created by the US Department of Defense. It is a fascinating glimpse into the bloody battle that happened in Italy - covering the landing and subsequent deployment of the troops as they work to reclaim this section of Italy from the occupying German forces. There are many scenes of battle, troop deployment and movement within the country, first aid operations and glimpses of life in World War II Italy. The detailed footage of the troop deployments is especially fascinating.

The Big Picture documentary Blood and Bullets is a documentary about the importance of whole blood in wartime. In addition to exploring blood and how it is used to save lives of combat soldiers, it also honors the combat medics and explores their intimate relationship with the infantryman at the front lines of battle. As an added bonus, you will listen to an interview with Major Robert Glazier of Cleveland Ohio - a veteran of eight wartime campaigns.

The Big Picture documentary Boys Town U.S.A. brings viewers to Boys Town, Nebraska (just outside of Omaha) and tells the story of how the Army helped draft age young men prepare for their military obligations. It shows what Boys Town is and talks about how they participate in the Army's reserve program. Youngsters at Boys Town have joined the 353rd MP Company, organized under the provisions of the Reserve Forces Act of 1955. This program allows them to complete their education, invest six months in active duty and then 7.5 years in the Reserves. This documentary explores the annual two week ummer training program - conducted at Fort Carson Colorado where they receive basic field training and get a good feel for what the Army does to help keep America safe.

Brush Fire: Korea is explored in this episode of The Big Picture. As a special tribute to celebrate six years of Big Picture episodes, Brush Fire: Korea is a replay of the very first episode of the Big Picture "The First 40 Days.) It details how a handful of men were locked in a bitter combat situation against an enemy army that was made up of five divisions. This is the story of that very challenging first 40 days and the brave officers and men of the 24th Infantry Division.