World at War

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 Army Pathfinder Team has one mission: to furnish navigational guidance to army aircraft for tactical operations. They primarily infiltrate areas and set up parachute drop zones and helicopter landing zones for Airborne and Air Assault missions. This documentary details the brave and dangerous work the Army Pathfinder team performs on a day to day basis to ensure safe and accurate operations for the operational units during a war. This documentary was produced in 1959.

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.

Produced by the Department of Defense in 1978, this DVD tells the story of the Army Veterinary service. It details their role in the modern military and the steps that they take to safeguard the military food supply and ensure the health of our military men and women by being sure they are not exposed to products that have been contaminated or otherwise pose a danger to them in their day to day duties.

Produced by Department of the Air Force, this video provides newcomers and their families an overview of the organizations, housing, and community services available at Mildenhall, England. This film was produced in 1996 to help American soldiers adjust to life in and around Mildenall as quickly and comfortably as possible.

This classic collection of Civil Defense films were mostly created during the height of the cold war in the 1950's when there was a communist behind every bush and Nuclear War was going to happen at any instant.

This film, featuring Walter Matthau, discusses the life of the Mitchell family and how it turns into a nightmare when an atomic bomb is dropped on New York City, just 50 miles away. The film details the horrifying aftermath of this nuclear attack. The film was made during the Cold War era of the 50s to show the American population the dangers of a nuclear enabled Soviet Union.

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.

This DVD is a collection of films on the B-17 Flying Fortress and includes the classic The Memphis Belle directed by William Wyler as well as many other excellent films of this classic plane. This collection also includes footage of the B-24 Liberator.

This DVD contains several films related to the famous B-29 and X-15 military planes. The films also include footage of several other classic military planes like the B-25 and the C-74 and many others.

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.

Produced by the Department of Defense in 1980, this DVD tells the story of a nuclear weapons accident exercise in the Nevada desert. The exercise was sponsored by the Defense Nuclear Agency and all four armed services as well as the Department of Energy participated in the exercise. The exercise involves the simulated crash of a MAC Aircraft carrying nuclear weapons. The training exercise covers the period of the initial accident through Day seven after the accident.