-
" PROFILES OF COURAGE, CONTROVERSY & SACRIFICE "
Through fascinating WWII footage, this fresh, new look and rapid-fire video tackles controversial subjects with candor and objectivity while defining one of America's most challenging eras. This video is divided into four programs for easy viewing: "Why Pearl Harbor?" "Home Front USA" "Minority Units" and "The Atomic Bomb".
Minority Units - Set against the backdrop of major WWII battles, this segment explores the roles, contributions and the sacrifices of African American, Japanese-American and Native American units in the U.S. Armed Forces. -
This segment highlights the contributions that minority men and women made to America's victory in World War II, despite discrimination in the armed forces and at home. The program points out the irony of racial minorities fighting abroad for democratic ideals that they were not accorded in the military or in their own country. The story begins with discussion of Benjamin O. Davis, West Point's first African-American graduate, and efforts to end discrimination in the thriving war industries and in the military prior to America's entry into the war. Once President Roosevelt declares war, 100,000 African-Americans volunteer for the armed services; they encounter racism in boot camp and are in placed segregated units that are assigned subordinate jobs. The program discusses the 99th Pursuit Squadron, also known as the Tuskegee Airmen; the 332nd Fighter Group; Dorie Miller's heroism at Pearl Harbor; the construction of the Ledo Road and the Alcan Highway; the Red Ball Express; the 6888th Postal Battalion; and the 92nd Infantry Division, known as the Buffalo Soldiers. -
The program then explores the contributions of Japanese Americans during the war. After Pearl Harbor, many Japanese Americans wanting to demonstrate their loyalty to the United States volunteer for the armed services. They serve valiantly in the100th Infantry Battalion, also known as the Nisei Unit; the 442nd Combat Regimental Unit, and the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). (RT: approx. 29 min)
Topics include:Benjamin O. Davis; 99th Pursuit Squadron; racial discrimination at home & abroad; the famed 92nd Infantry; 332nd Fighter Group; The 6888 African American Women's Postal Unit; Ledo Road; Red Ball Express; Navajo Code Talkers; Military Intelligence Service; 442nd Combat unit; the Nisei 100th Battalion, plus spotlights on African American hero Dorie Miller and Native American Ira Hayes, one of the U.S. Marine flag raisers at Iwo Jima and more.
Sub Chapters:
-Tuskegee Airmen/332nd Fighter Group
-All Nisei 442nd Combat Regimental Unit
-Navajo Code Talkers
