South Carolinians in WW II

General - Military History, World War II

This video series contains graphic descriptions of war as experienced by the WWII veterans and others who had direct, first-hand experiences in the conflict. Their accounts are based on events they participated in or witnessed, and reflect the real brutal nature of the events to which they were exposed.  Produced by SCETV and The State Newspaper.

Teachers are encouraged to preview the videos before showing them to students.

 

A New Front, Part 1
Episode 1

Video

To prepare for the allied invasion of France, American troops boarded ships headed for Great Britain. Many soldiers feared that they would not survive the trip to England, because of the German U...
A Path to Victory, Part 1
Episode 1

Video

This segment begins with reflections of the Parisians playing "Dixie" on the Champs-Élysées, and a band marching, and a reference to "high cotton." These are some of the memories that have lived on...
A Time to Fight, Part 1
Episode 1

Video

This episode follows our veterans from their childhoods to the attack on Pearl Harbor and following through to the first battles of the war in North Africa, Italy and Sicily. Additional sections...
A World War, Part 1
Episode 1

Video

German soldiers were surrendering so fast, they just would surrender a whole unit and we couldn't handle them all. The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) was announcing "Today in Europe, the war is...
Liberation, Part 1
Episode 1

Video

This segment features remembrances of prison camps and describes Hitler's "Mein Kampf," and the plan to annihilate the Jewish people. Those interviewed provide their remembrances of what occurred. The...
Return To Normandy | South Carolinians In WW II
Episode 1

Video

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy, many veterans make the journey to France to remember the battle that took place. For the remaining veterans still alive, this...
The Island War, Part 1
Episode 1

Video

Veterans recall the brutality of war with the Japanese, their allegiance to their emperor, the tropical heat, the jungle, the danger of the rocky reefs, and the threat of malaria, for which they took...
The Rising Sun, Part 1
Episode 1

Video

This segment includes the Marine Corps Hymn, reflections on the attraction that the Marine Corps has for young people who want to serve, and memories of some individuals who made the decision to sign...
The Way Home, Part 1
Episode 1

Video

This segment focuses on the racial discrimination that existed during World War II and how it affected those who served their country. The military was segregated. There were African Americans from...
A New Front, Part 2
Episode 2

Video

Lou Fowler, a gunner on a B-24 Liberator bomber, recalls bailing out from his aircraft, which had suffered heavy damage from German anti-aircraft fire. After landing, he is captured by a German patrol...