World at War :: World War II

African Americans in World War II: Legacy of Patriotism and Valor was produced by the Department of the Army in 1997.This comprehensive documentary contains extensive footage showing the contributions of African Americans during WWII including footage of their activities at D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, in Italy and in the Pacific. Actual footage is weaved in with numerous interviews with veterans including several Congressional Medal of Honor winners in a way that clearly shows the valor and bravery of our African American troops during this great and horrible war.

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.

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.

Climb to Glory tells the story of the 10th Mountain Division in the closing months of 1944. It explores how they succeeded in breaking the invincible Gothic line leading to the freeing of Italy. It is uniquely portrayed by the stories of the men in the American, Italian and German armies - often in their own voices. It is an excellent story of how a force believed invincible by the Nazi Germans could be defeated by a dedicated and committed team of troops. This documentary is presented in two parts.

Combat America follows the life and times of the Flying Fortress crews of the 351st Bombardment Group from their days of training in Colorado to actual aerial combat over Germany.

Expansion to Airpower explores the growth of the Army Air Forces (AAF) from June 1939 to December 1943. In addition to exploring its rapid growth and the growing pains it experienced during this time, it also looks at significant events during this period: signing of the Russian-German Pact; Germany invading Poland, France, Russia, and other countries; Pearl Harbor being attacked; Pres. Roosevelt delivering the war message to Congress; U.S. planes fighting in Europe, Africa, and the Pacific; a Japanese convoy being bombed and strafed; the bombing of Pantelleria and Germany being bombed night and day by U.S. and British planes.

Fury in the Pacific is a 1945 documentary of two World War II battles in the Pacific - the Battle of Peleliu and the Battle of Anguar. This film is fairly unique in that it was co-produced by three branches of the U.S. Military - the Navy, Army and the Marines and that nine of the combat cameramen were casualties of the battles. The film is very fast paced and quite graphic in places. It is also noteworthy that unlike most films of this type, this film praises the fighting ability of the Japanese soldiers.

Hell on Wheels (1951) is a detailed exploration of the combat activities undertaken by the 2nd Armored Division during World War II. Learn about the Second Armored Divisions brave missions to fight the Allied powers during WW2 with live footage of them performing their duties.

Here is Germany was produced by the Office of War Information and directed by Frank Capra. The film was produced in 1945 to educate soldiers who had not been in Germany during combat. The role of the film was to give these soldiers an understanding of the history and thought processes of the Germans to help them deal with their role in the post war occupation.

How To Fly The B-26 Airplane Training Film is an in depth look at how to operate the Martin B-26 Bomber AKA the Marauder. This film, featuring Hollywood actor Don Porter as the pilot, demonstrates how to handle this remarkable aircraft and put it through its motions. The film is shown from the perspective of the pilot teaching the a Lieutenant the moves of operating this aircraft. It shows how they prepare the bomber for flight by going through a detailed checklist of pre-flight procedures and makes sure the plane is 100% ready to go before actually getting ready to fly. It then shows how the engines are started, a smooth takeoff and then an exploration of the limits and capabilities of the aircraft in the air. To make it even more exciting, it shows one engine failing and the steps needed to "glide" it back for a safe landing. This film is a rare and detailed look at one of our historic war planes.

Produced by the The War Department, Special Service Division, Army Service Forces with the cooperation of The Signal Corps, this WWII era film was prepared to help U.S. WWII soldiers to know and understand our most important ally in WWII - Britain. The film includes a variety of scenes of British life, political situations and the role they are playing in the war against the Germans.

Produced by the United States Army, this film examines treatment methods for the 20% of all battle casualties in the American Army during World War II; which were of a neuropsychiatric nature. The special treatment methods shown in this film, such as hypnosis and narcosynthesis, have been proven to be particularly successful in acute cases, such as battle neurosis. Interestingly the successes achieved in battle neurosis is much greater than when dealing with peacetime neuroses which are usually of a chronic nature suggesting that these therapies are best employed for acute neurotic conditions.

The Naval Aviation News Magazine is a fascinating look at the brave Naval Aviation Pilots during World War II. Still published today, this set of WWII issues is a mush have addition for all folks interested in this era. Each issue is jam packed with stories of the men, the technologies and the missions of these brave WWII Navy pilots and the people who supported them.

This is a collection of two fascinating and very graphic films that were created by soldiers on the ground towards the end of World War II as they liberated concentration camps. The footage - detailed below - is quite graphic in some parts.

Normandy - The Airborne Invasion of Fortress Europe is a detailed look at the Normandy Invasion that was so critical to tipping the scales of battle during WWII. This film follows the brave allied soldiers through the entire battle - from the planning stages through the landing and the war. It contains great period footage of the men, their equipment and weaponry and the condition of the Normandy area during this period of intense fighting.

The Nuremberg trial film collection includes the one hour Russian documentary Nuremberg Trials as well as four newsreels covering various aspects of the Nuremberg trial from its opening to its final conclusion.

The Big Picture documentary Pentomic 101st Airborne "Screaming Eagle" Division follows this storied group of men from their early organization and training during WWII through combat tours in Europe up to the Reorganization Day Ceremonies held in 1956 when this Division was selected to become the Army's first nuclear equipped long range fighting force. Additionally, you will be treated to a special selection of music conducted by Captain Samuel Louoda of the United States Army Band including the "101st Airborne March" and "'Screaming Eagles' March." The chorus of male voices is from the Official United States Army Chorus.

This silent film was produced to show the level of devastation that Germany has suffered and is still suffering from the war - and what progress has been made to help the recovery effort of that war torn country.

Ranger Ready is explored in this episode of The Big Picture. This episode explores the training to goes into making a soldier Ranger Ready. It takes place in the mountains of North Georgia and the swamps of Florida. This elite corps of combat troops undergoes some of the most rugged training of any elite military force. And they have a long and storied history. The very first ranger unit dates back to George Washington's colonial troops, were very active in Europe and the Pacific during World War II and again in Korea. As you watch this episode, you will learn about the hugely challenging training that these men perform to get them ready to handle the toughest battlefield challenges.

This Big Picture documentary explores the famous Fourth Infantry Division and its proud military history through two World Wars and its evolution into a major element of the Strategic Army Corps. This historical documentary follows the Famous Fourth through its World War One exploits and continues by showing its important role in World War Two as it fought its way across the continent of Europe. With the establishment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization after World War Two, the Fourth Division assumed a major share in the responsibility of maintaining the peace and security of the free world. The film ends with a visual analysis of STRAC Fourth's present strength and vital purpose: to be ready to preserve the peace anywhere at any time.