People dig in the sand and take out chunks of a bad-smelling substance, they believe is ambergris (a valuable perfume base, worth about $100 an ounce). They hold chunks of the material in their hands and happily pose for pictures on the beach and in their homes. (Note: although initially identified by a laboratory, as ambergris, the substance was soon determined not to be. Rather, it was found to be some sort of waste material, and was identified as waste from offshore shipping, by the Marin County Department of Public Works. New York experts described it as a vegetable substance, and other suggestions were made. But all authorities agreed it was not ambergris. Thus, the excitement quickly waned and life in Bolinas Beach returned to normal within a month.)
U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt addresses the nation from Washington DC in World War II. Clip includes portion of his "Great Arsenal of Democracy" speech. Roosevelt states that the United States is determined to aid Britain through the Lend Lease program. He states that the United States will be in constant danger if the Axis powers win the war. The U.S. must supply England and Europe with arms. “We must be the great arsenal of democracy… I believe that the Axis powers are not going to win this war. I base that belief on the latest and best of information.” President Roosevelt said.
The Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy during World War 2. Film opens showing a Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk aircraft of USAAF 315th Fighter Squadron in flight over Monte Cassino, in clear weather. View from interior of an aircraft as it maneuvers, following another unidentified warplane. Scene shifts to explosions from allied bombing at Monte Cassino. Large explosions and heavy black smoke rises from the town, itself, and the base of the mountain. Camera view is from nearby mountain. The entire area becomes obscured by smoke. More views of bombs striking. Brief glimpse of North American B-25 Mitchell bomber from USAAF 340th Bomb Group, dropping bombs at Monte Cassino. View from a fighter plane cockpit as it dives down over smoke rising from bombing of the Montecassino Abbey. View of a P-40 in clear air (same as opening shot in this film). Glimpse of more bombing.
The famed B-17F, "Memphis Belle," seen during its June 1943 tour of the U.S. to promote War Bond sales, during World War 2. A group of onlookers watch as the Memphis Belle, piloted by Major Robert Morgan, flies only a few feet above the runway at an Air Base in the United States. (Several A-26 aircraft are seen parked on the field.) A civilian announcer stands on a bunting covered platform on the tarmac beside the runway.
A parade held on the streets of Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. The parade held for the crew of the B-17 "Memphis Belle." Men on horses. A man riding a horse holds a U.S. flag. The crew rides in a jeep in the parade. Landmark buildings in Las Vegas before the "glitter gulch" days are seen, including Bank of Nevada; the Jack Pot Casino with a small amount of neon lighting; the Boulder Club with somewhat more neon lighting; the Apache Lounge, Cafe, and Hotel with its art deco signage at the Corner of Fremont and Second, and the El Portal Theatre at 310 Fremont Street which was the city's first movie theater; a directional arrow sign for the Hotel Sal Sagev (Las Vegas spelled backwards). After the parade on Fremont Street, the crew moves on to Las Vegas Army Airfield (today it is Nellis Air Force Base). They gather on a raised speaker's stand near the nose of the B-17 Memphis Belle. Troops assembled on the airfield, B-17, and crew of the Memphis Belle. The crew is introduced and the Memphis Belle crew members address the gathered soldiers. A United States Army Air Force band plays. A crowd around the Memphis Belle after the ceremonies. (World War II period).
World War 2 invasion of Normandy, France. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Marshal Joseph Stalin, and Prime Minister Churchill, meeting at Tehran, Iran, in December 1943. U.S. Generals George Marshall and Hap Arnold, at conference table. Closeup of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Map showing defense areas of the German 7th, 15th and 19th Armies in Europe. Map showing ports at Brest, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Dieppe, and Calais. Cherbourg is highlighted. U.S. Army trucks, tanks, and artillery, stockpiled in England. Railroad train carrying M3 Stuart tanks. U.S soldiers leaving troop ships and marching to their camps in Britain. Allied troops practicing amphibious assaults on Southern coast of England. Formation of B-26 bombers. View from Allied aircraft flying low over German-occupied area. B-17 aircraft dropping bombs over Germany. Bombs away view seen as bombs drop toward enemy targets. German fighter planes attacking B-17 bombers beginning in February 1944. Gunner in turret of B-17 firing at them. Dogfight views with German fighter aircraft. A B-17 exploding in the air. German fighter downed by B-17 gunner. Gun camera footage of German Bf 109 attacked from rear by gunfire. Just as it is hit it releases its drop tank. American soldiers in trucks, DUKWs, M4 tanks, and M8 armored Cars. Troops receive gas masks, waist life belts, field rations, and French money. May 30, 1944, American soldiers board tanks, trucks and other vehicles bound for embarkation points in England. Seen are Stuart M3 light tanks, jeeps, and M7 Priest tanks. M7 tanks are seen, equipped with intake and exhaust ducts. (At TC:11:39, U.S. M7 Priest tanks, equipped for deep wading, are seen passing the base of the Jubilee clock on the beachfront at Weymouth, on their way toward Castle Town in Portland for embarkation.) Transport ships are loaded at the embarkation ports. Trucks being backed onto LCT-453. U.S. Army infantry marching and boarding transport ships. Troops marching into LST 376 at Plymouth, England. Higgins Boats, from the USS Samuel Chase (APA-26) bringing troops to board her. Troops on deck of Attack transport, USS Joseph T. Dickman (APA-13). Barrage balloons overhead. Soldiers shooting craps on a troop ship deck. Coastguardsmen playing with a puppy dog. Gun crews on U.S. Navy warship being briefed. Soldiers field-strip and check their weapons.
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