Map of Europe and label "Invasion." Westbrook Van Voorhis leading a panel discussion about the problems arising from the Allied invasion of Europe in World War 2. He introduces panelists: Hanson Baldwin (military editor of the New York Times) Dewitt MacKenzie (Associated Press military analyst), and Paul Schubert (of Mutual Radio Network). He asks Mr. Baldwin about the importance of aerial bombing campaigns. Baldwin also stresses importance of a land invasion of Europe. Relief map of Europe highlighting major German cities. Asked about the merit of invading Italy on the way to Germany, Mr. Schubert cites the problem of the Alps and suggests other more effective invasion routes. Van Voorhis asks Mr. MacKenzie about best route into fortress Germany. He considers the criterion of ease of supply as most important, and suggests the Atlantic coast, near a good port and not far from England. Animated map shows this idea. When asked about this, Mr. Baldwin agrees completely, calling the conflict "a quartermaster's war." He adds, "The problem of victory is the problem of supply."
images of Army Technical training manuals dealing with gas masks; camouflage; heavy tanks; and machine guns. U.S. Army Service Forces (ASF) recruits rushing down a hillside into waters of a swift river and swimming across. They undergo Live Fire Exercises near \end of their training. The must crawl while trainers fire rounds from a Browning M 1917 machine gun over their heads. An explosive charge goes off as the recruits crawl past. ASF troops are briefed about invasion techniques, by an instructor using a realistic small scale mockup of a port city. Recruits crouch over a model of front line terrain. Model trains operate as a training aid. Students at doorway of the U.S. Army School of Military Government. Numerous student studying in the library. In a classroom, a military officer instructor discusses the mission of governing an occupied country with cooperation of the existing governing officials. Closeups of officers discussing the occupation of Germany, at length. (World War II period).
Armed Service Forces (ASF) personnel at work in the United States during World War 2. Interior of a building. Men and women working. They print invasion money (temporary currency for use in Europe after the Allied invasion, until local currencies can be stabilized). Bills passing through printing machinery. The plan of actions is seen being typed on a typewriter and passed through the ASF network command. An officer talks on phone.
A U.S. military training film titled "Pro Patria Vigilans" on the wartime and peacetime activities of the U.S. Signal Corps. United States Army General Douglas MacArthur aboard the U.S. Army Battleship USS Missouri during the Japanese surrender ceremonies of World War 2 in 1945. General MacArthur speaking on board the ship at the closing of the surrender proceedings. Aircraft flying in formation overhead. Antiaircraft guns directed towards the aircraft. Signal Corps recruits train at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. The recruits dive and swim across water. The soldiers attend lecture by an officer. A sign reads: 'Field Radio Course'. Men working in the radio room are trained. Views of soldiers learning to operate radar. Various radar dishes. Closeup views of radar screens. An officer training the soldiers with the help of a model. The coastal defense training of the soldiers. The soldiers study the communication equipment. Soldiers working on communication switchboard equipment, telegraph, and teletype machines. A small messenger aircraft takes off and lands near the message center. A sign outside the building reads: 'Master Message Center'. Soldiers receive a map and clear it through the message center. Spinning equipment in the message center (possibly related to decoding or encryption). Officers seated at a desk, discussing a map.
Opening scene shows a dozen newsmen and photographers lining steps to the U.S. War Department Pentagon building, in Arlington, Virginia. A 1947 Packard Custom Clipper Club Sedan pulls up to the curb. It displays a 5-star general's insignia on its bumper.A military policeman salutes as an Army officer opens the rear door and exchanges salutes with retired General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who is now dressed in civilian clothes. (Eisenhower is the President of Columbia University, in New York, at this time. He is here to meet with U.S. Secretary of War, James Vincent Forrestal.) Closeup of Eisenhower as he walks toward and up the Pentagon steps, accosted by photographers along the way. He pauses as he goes up the steps to allow the picture taking. At the top of the steps, he removes his overcoat. More closeups as he reaches the top step and enters the building. Scene shifts to closeup of photographers, including an Army one, taking pictures. (Note: The War department was renamed the Department of Defense when President Truman signed the National Security Bill on August 10, 1949.)
Retired 5-star General, Dwight David Eisenhower (now President of Columbia University in New York) enters the office of the U.S. Secretary of War, James V. Forrestal, in the Pentagon. The two men shake hands and begin conversing. (Note: The War department was renamed the Department of Defense when President Truman signed the National Security Bill on August 10, 1949.)
CRITICALPAST.COM: About Us | Contact Us | FAQs - How to Order | License Agreement | My Account | My Lightboxes | Shopping Cart | Advanced Search | Featured Collections | Website Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy ©2026 CriticalPast LLC.
License Agreement |
Terms & Conditions |
Privacy Policy
©2026 CriticalPast LLC.