Opening shows animated map of Alsace front at junction of Belgium, Germany, and France, in World War 2. Allied forces are schematically shown sweeping toward Wissembourg, Haguenau, and Strasbourg. Next, several U.S. Army M4A3(75) medium tanks are seen driving toward the camera on a rural road, during a pull back by the 7th Army in the first week of January, 1944, from advanced positions at the front. Some are filled with infantry riding atop them. The last of them is seen crossing a bridge 13 miles Northeast of Haguenau. The engineers of the 79th Division place demolition charges to destroy the bridge. Closeup of them placing and then remotely igniting the charge. A huge explosion ensues that completely destroys the bridge. Scene shifts to several U.S. soldiers of an engineer combat battalion preparing 100 pound of TNT in a captured blockhouse at Lauterbach, Alsace. Closeup of engineer carrying the explosives into the blockhouse and preparing the remote detonation device. The engineers string wire in the snow and setup their remote detonation device. One depresses a plunger to ignite the charge and blow up the blockhouse, which explodes in a huge cloud of black smoke. Next, elements of the 79th Infantry Division supported by tanks, are seen moving forward to counter German gains Southeast of Haguenau. (On January 5th the German forces had established a bridgehead across the Rhein (Rhine) river near Gansheim, Germany.) Scene shifts to Drusenheim, Germany where U.S. forces are engaging a Battalion of occupying German forces. Machine gun fire is heard constantly, as American infantry battle the hidden German defenders and tanks drive them from defensive positions near a bridge at the far end of town. Infantry move from behind tanks toward the bridge and are seen crossing it. An M4A3(75) medium tank risks crossing the narrow bridge and is immediately followed by many 79th Infantry troops. The battle continues on the other side of the bridge.
VH-3A Helicopter lands on flight line at U.S. Army Fliegerhorst Kaserne Post. Shows U.S. President John F Kennedy alighting and walking with General Landon and General Freeman. President reviews troops. Scenes of U.S. Air Force officers, civilian spectators and the press. President Kennedy and General Freeman drive to 54th Transportation Battalion Mess Hall. President Kennedy with officers and secret service personnel entering mess hall. President Kennedy meets VIPs including General Landon and General Lemnitzer.
Scenes of Army gathered at USA Fliegerhorst Kaserne Post in Hanau. President Kennedy arrives in car at post and addresses the gathering. President completes his speech and have introduction with Army officers, and leaves by car with Gen Landon and others.
The Orient Express luxury passenger railroad train in Europe. The Orient Express passenger train at a railroad station. Seen in the station is steam locomotive with running number: 01 089, which was built by the Bossig Company of Germany, in 1930. The locomotive belches steam and makes noises as a dispatcher on the platform signals for it to depart. It gradually moves away with a roar, and gains speed. Passenger cars comprising the train, are seen as it leaves the station. A white uniformed train attendant is seen standing above train steps of a car, as train pulls away.
The May Day Parade in Moscow, Soviet Union. General Secretary of the Communist Party Joseph Stalin walks with officials. Soviet troops march at Red Square. German Chancellor Adolf Hitler with officials in Germany. Stalin reviews the May Day Parade. Stalin smokes a cigar and talks to men.
The Balkan War . Troops marching. Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria called the 'Fox of the Balkans'. Generals look at a map. Prisoners standing in a group. Men walk in lines on a path in the Balkans. Soldiers in coats with rifles. Montenegro: King Nicholas I surrounded by military and other officials. A man helps the King put on his coat. Italy: The King and Queen with dignitaries at a ceremony to launch battleships. Spain: The young King Alfonso XIII surrounded by military officials. Germany: German troops march on the streets. Soldiers on horses during a parade. Kaiser Wilhelm II inspects troops. The crown Prince is greeted by the people of Germany.
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