The Making of the Challenge Coin

The American Road to Victory Collector’s Edition includes a specially crafted challenge coin made in by Northwest Territorial Mint, the same facility that strikes the prestigious National Medal of Honor. Livingbattlefield’s coins follow a long tradition said to date back to the Great War.

Blanking the brass strip

Each coin begins as a solid sheet of metal, pressed and drawn until they reach the ideal weight to size ratio. The precise thickness of these strips is measured by a micrometer.

Ready to strike

These sheets are next run through a blanking machine that punches out blank discs of metal, which are then cleaned and polished. The blanks are then placed in a finishing machine to smooth any rough spots. They are hand-dried in preparation for striking.

A newly minted coin

Each coin is secured in the minting press and is struck with our unique design. The result is a deep relief that you can see and feel.

The antiquing process

The coins are then applied with an antiquing solution, giving them a classic, vintage finish.

One side of our challenge coin celebrates our partnership with the National Infantry Museum Foundation and bears both symbols. The other side displays images from each of the three films: a paratrooper from The Americans on D-Day, the Nijmegen Bridge from The Americans on Hell’s Highway, and an infantry soldier of The Big Red One, from The Americans in the Bulge.

Collector's Edition Challenge Coin

D-Day +56

By August 1st, 56 days after D-Day, American GI's were in Avranches, the city from which they could spring into Brittany. Combat Command B of General Wood's 4th Armored Division had swept into Avranches on the afternoon of July 31st.

Bradley well might have felt pleased with himself. His troops had traveled farther in seven days than they had in the preceding seven weeks. The Germans were routed, at least for the time being, and the memories of GI's blown to bits during the short bombing were now overshadowed by the glory of his achievements.

After the initial debacle of the bombing, and the mopping up of pockets of remaining German resistance, twenty-one American Divisions were finally on the move.

Traffic jam

Narrow road in the area

By this point, traffic jams had become as big an obstacle as the Germans. 'The Breakout' got underway despite these obstacles, a climate of "now we are getting somewhere!" started to prevail amongst the troops.

Clarence R. Huebner

The U.S. 1st Infantry Division, under the command of General Clarence R. Huebner, had been given the job of taking the strategically important town of Marigny before wrestling the main highway to Coutances. The further American soldiers moved west from the bombing line, the more they witnessed just how effective the Cobra bombing had been.

Adrenalin pumped amongst the American armored divisions. They could see a way forward at last and they exploited every available opportunity to race ahead.

Landscape change from hedgerow country to open, rolling hills

The 82nd Recon, part of 2nd Armored Division, charged through the village of Dangy, while the regimental HQ of Fritz Bayerlein, commander of the decimated Panzer Lehr Division, was still operating there. Bayerlein's division had fared the worst during the chaos and carnage, neither side noticed the other.

Village of Dangy, modern day

Recon units rushed through villages considered by the Germans to be well within their safe zones. German soldiers, often arm in arm with French girls, ducked into doorways as these crazy convoys raced past without firing a shot.

Coutances finally fell to the Americans on July 28th, with a dramatic thrust by the 4th Armored Division. Facing the onslaught were mixed elements of infantry, armor and SS. They were thrown into an absolute disorganized retreat. The town had been systematically bombed during the previous weeks and the final Liberation put the finishing touches to the destruction of virtually every ancient building.

American armored divisions, buoyed by the success of the initial phases, probed every gap, and in many cases, finding openings in the German positions, they raced on ahead.

Dead Germans in a truck

Although in disarray, the Germans continued to be deadly, determined fighters. Small but stubborn pockets of resistance accounted for losses of many American lives. Like rats caught in a trap, they often fought to the death, which in most cases came to them in a most violent manner.




So complete was the Allied control of the skies, and so devastating the effect of the fighter bomber strikes, that any German armored movement within the battle zone was detected immediately and swiftly dealt with.

Private First Class Anthony Blazus, of the 41st Armored Infantry of the 2nd Armored Division, had been made a prisoner of an SS armored column near Roncey. He describes an attack on this group by P47's.

"Everyone took cover. They lost interest in guarding me. The P47's swooped in and blew the whole outfit to hell. I stood up after the attack, sure that I was the only survivor, but to my amazement 80 Germans stood up, approached me begging for me to take them prisoner. I obliged and marched them up the road, back to our lines." (from The American's at Normandy, by John C. McManus)

Roncey Square, modern day

German half tracks blown off the road

The Roncey pocket became a pocket of death for the 2nd SS division, 'Das Reich.' The town square filled up with armor, supply vehicles and mechanized infantry, trying to escape the unstoppable American thrusts.





Fighter bombers had swooped and dived on this throng, setting the whole place ablaze. Ammunition trucks exploded, tanks were completely upended and the screams of the burning Germans filled the air.

Carnage in Roncey

Carnage in front of Roncey church

One cunning German officer made good his escape from Roncey with a bunch of tanks and comrades. Fritz Langanke, a panther commander in the Das Reich, in an interview with WWII magazine said,

"I set up a march formation. First my tank with grenadiers on the left side and about 50 to 60 paratroopers on the right side as a safeguard against close combat fighters with bazookas. Then the two assault guns, the wheeled vehicles of our task force, various stragglers, self-propelled infantry guns and mobile flak followed. The rear was brought up by the Panzer IV and my second Panther. The frequency of our radio communication was set, and at 2200 hours we started. Of course, no scouts had moved at all before this."

For his part in ensuring that hundreds of soldiers and their equipment managed to escape from the Roncey Pocket, Fritz Langanke was recommended for the Knight's Cross on August 7, 1944.

Marigny cemetery

Most of the German dead from Cobra and it's immediate aftermath are buried in the cemetery at Marigny. There are some 9100 graves. One of the most illustrious residents of this quiet Norman resting place is SS Lieutenant Colonel Christian Tychsen.

Much contoversy surrounds the death of this highly decorated German panzer ace. Author and historian, Mark Bando discusses Tychsen's ambush and subsequent death, at the hands of the 2nd Armored Division, in his excellent book, 'The Breakout at Normandy'

The fighter bombers did their utmost to ensure that all escape points were barred. Frenchman Joel Lebarbachon, then only a thirteen year old boy, describes watching a group of aircraft carefully drop bombs at each road intersection of a crossroads on the highway from Coutances to Gavray.

"I sat in a field by the main highway. It was just about dusk. There had been a frantic flow of Germans passing by all day. I had watched the columns of trucks and tanks pouring past, then all of a sudden, out of the sky came 4 silver aircraft. They each dropped a bomb in just the right places to stop the traffic. Then came more aircraft. They fired on the vehicles that had screeched to a halt. Everything was burning and the Germans ran for their lives."

Pont de la Roque monument

At Pont de la Roque south of Coutances, 20 attempts were made to bomb the ancient bridge and stop the German exodus toward the coastal town of Granville. One pilot, a Canadian even lost his life while trying to dive bomb, but when the 6th Armored Division arrived on July 29th, Germans who had managed to get across the damaged structure, opened fire on them.

Pete Queseda

One of the most important technological advances during the breakout was the co-ordination of air cover. The system developed by Air Force General Pete Queseda involved VHF radio sets installed in tanks with which tankers could talk to fighter bomber pilots, calling in air strikes at will.

Bradley had no choice now but to task his nemesis, George Patton, to exploit the breakout with his Third Army. He did insist, allegedly on the orders of Eisenhower, that the Third Army under Patton should maintain a low profile and that there should be no triumphant press releases or briefings as this battle group swept forward.

As in the rest of Normandy, visitors can follow both the signs and markers to see the sites of this amazing German rout.

‘Operation Ignite’ Teaches Students the Real Story of D-Day

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Documentary Filmmakers Seek to ‘Ignite’ a Passion for History in Students

(July 3, 2012) – Livingbattlefield and the National Infantry Museum Foundation (NIMF) together are launching educational initiative ‘Operation Ignite’ to educate students nationwide about World War II in an engaging way. The initiative features historical documentary The Americans on D-Day, seen more than 3,000 times on public television stations nationwide, and highly recommended by historical sources. LB and NIMF hope to set a new trend nationwide for how students learn American history.

The Americans on D-Day is different from your average documentary; it’s made to engage viewers, especially young people, with easily understandable American history. Host Ellwood von Seibold (U.S. Army Honorary Captain and top European battlefield tour guide) passionately runs and jumps through the same exact European battlefields American troops fought on in Operation Overlord in 1944. His presentation is underpinned with powerful veteran testimonies, archival footage, and period uniforms and weapons. Filmmaker Richard Lanni says this ‘battlefield tour’ format makes the film an effective teaching tool. “We’ve heard that students like Ellwood, and the exciting way he makes the battle come alive -- this is no ordinary history lesson."

Operation Ignite has caught the attention of teachers nationwide and the film is already used in select classrooms. The documentary is supported by a lesson plan developed by Doug Barber, who teaches history at the Centerville City Schools in Ohio. “Students remain engaged and come away with an understanding of these relatively complex events. Anyone who teaches WWII as a unit of study will find them essential,” Barber said. Operation Ignite features two DVDs of The Americans on D-Day and detailed lesson plans for every school sponsored.

Ben Williams, NIMF President, said that Operation Ignite could make a real impact in classrooms, "because we're bringing the story of D-Day to high schools and middle schools throughout America. We'll be teaching our youth about the sacrifices our 'Greatest Generation' made on D-Day, and how the Normandy Invasion was absolutely critical in defeating Hitler and ending World War II in Europe."

“We need to make sure our younger generation knows what happened on D-Day," Williams said, "so they will remember for the rest of their lives. That's why our foundation is partnering with Livingbattlefield to make this film and lesson plan available to teachers nationwide. It is a lesson too important to forget."

The Livingbattlefield-NIMF partnership is seeking patriotic American businesses, corporations and civic groups to support Operation Ignite. The cost is $50 per school. For more information, contact Livingbattlefield at (917) 231-1231 or Rachael Wilson at Rachael@livingbattlefield.org.

Donate now to place Operation Ignite into the school of your choice 
for just $50 per school.

D-Day: Special School Edition

The cover of Livingbattlefield's The Americans on D-Day, school edition

Our mission at Livingbattlefield is to produce educational documentary films which help young citizens connect with our nation's glorious history. Our current World War II series, The American Road to Victory, has aired more than 3,000 times on PBS stations nationwide. The three films follow American soldiers from the blood-soaked beaches of D-Day, through Operation Market Garden in Holland, to the Battle of The Bulge in Belgium. Unique in presentation and content, the films take viewers to the exact locations of battle and were made to engage students.

Teacher, Kiernan H. Butz says, "As a lifelong historian and avid student of World War Two, I find the realism and historical accuracy of this series remarkable. These films are a fantastic classroom aid.

The first film in the trilogy, The Americans on D-Day, has particular significance in the high school classroom and has been welcomed by many educators. Described by the American Legion as “the next best thing to being there,” our D-Day film gives students a real time look at the events of that momentous day and the impact it made on world history.

We are currently seeking sponsors who will help ensure that every high school teacher and student has access to this important learning aid.

Each special "school edition" of the film will be accompanied by a lesson plan, map, lifetime public performance rights, and will be branded as donated by our sponsors.

We propose to provide 2 films and associated learning materials to each high school. The cost will be $50 per high school, and we are seeking sponsors for units of 20. Livingbattlefield will handle all fulfillment.

Help us to ensure that the achievements of the "Greatest Generation" are never consigned to the dusty archives of ancient history; rather, brought to life in classrooms for our students through your sponsorship.

As a secondary school history teacher for 23 years I've used a number of documentaries on WWII.  I've shown none that are more accessible to students (or general viewers) than your films.  The overall concept and general approach of the films and Ellwood's engaging narration make each of these complex engagements understandable for the learner.   --Doug Barber Centerville,OH

June 4th 1944

U.S soldiers pass the Coliseum.

Rome became the first Axis capitol to be captured by the Allies, when advance units of the 5th US Army entered the city limits.

On 4th June, a six-man patrol from the 3rd Platoon, 88th Reconnaissance Troop, entered Rome at 0730 hours on Highway 6. This patrol later was credited, officially, by Fifth Army as being the first Allied troop element to enter Rome.

The 3rd Platoon had fought its way to within two miles of Rome. There it halted and the patrol was dispatched to reconnoiter the road ahead. Shortly before 0730 hours the lone jeep, moving forward cautiously, passed the "Roma" city limits sign and proceeded for about a kilometer and a half to a small railroad station from which point a Kraut machine gun opened up on the patrol.

Sensing the immediate danger and because their orders called for it, the patrol retraced its route and Staff Sgt. John T. Reilley of Watervliet, N.Y., reported to his platoon leader that he'd been in Rome. Cpl. Cassie W. Kuemin of Detroit, Mich.; T-5 Roy T. Cutler of Moweaqua, Ill.; Pfc. John E. Cottrell of Rochester, N.Y.; Pfc. Matthew J. Fitzpatrick of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Pfc. Michael J. Regan of North Bellmore, Long Island, N.Y.; confirmed Reilley's report and "da##ed the Kraut machine gun which had spoiled everything."

Quoted from 88th Infantry Division history.

U-505 soon after capture.

 

                           The U-505 Captured, June 4, 1944

Today in 1944, Unterseeboot 505, a German Type 9C submarine, was captured by the US Navy. This marked the first time since 1815 that an American crew had captured an enemy at sea and was the only time during World War Two that the US Navy captured a submarine intact.

The U-505 was something of an unlucky ship. Since her commissioning in 1941, she had had several different captains, one of whom committed suicide while the ship was under depth charge attack in October, 1943. To make matters worse, by the middle of 1944, the “good old days” of the German U-boat fleet were over. American industrial might and the onset of new technologies had turned the Battle of the Atlantic against the once-feared subs, so much so that a crew leaving on patrol had as much chance of dying at sea as returning. But a well-trained crew and a U-boat in top mechanical form could still be a deadly combination. With this in mind, the Allies created task forces centered around escort carriers whose sole mission was to hunt down and destroy German subs.

One such force was Task Group 22.3 comprised of the escort carrier USS Guadalcanal and five destroyer escorts. The group had been steaming off the western coast of Africa, an area that naval intelligence indicated was a recent hotbed of U-boat activity. While Allied codebreakers had broken the German naval code and knew of general movement orders, the exact locations of U-boats was encrypted before being re-encrypted by the Enigma machines and were, thus, unreadable. The task group had found nothing after two weeks in the area and on the morning of June 4th, set a course for Casablanca.

As soon as the group changed course, one of the destroyer escorts detected a U-boat only 800 yards away. The Guadalcanal immediately changed course to give the smaller ships room to maneuver and the fight began. Soon, planes from the carrier spotted the sub and fired into the water to mark her position. Depth charges followed. An oil slick formed and five minutes later, U-505 broke the surface. Her diesel engines were the only things still working.

The escorts immediately opened fire on the sub, which was still running at seven knots and was turning towards a nearby destroyer. That destroyer, the Chatelain, fired a torpedo at the sub in defense, but missed. It became obvious that no one was steering the U-boat as she continued to turn in a tight circle. Crewmen from the sub were in the water and were picked up by the escorts while a launch was sent to the sub with a boarding party.

Lieutenant Albert David was the first man to climb aboard the pitching deck of the sub. He led his eight-man team down the conning tower hatch despite the fact that he did not know what awaited him below. Fortunately, the entire crew had abandoned ship. Furthermore, the had left so fast that they had not completed the actions necessary to completely scuttle the vessel. While she was slowly sinking by the stern and her rudder was jammed over hard, the American prize crew was able to close the valves and stop the sea from rushing in. Only one man was killed in the action, a German sailor who had run out on deck when the U-505 surfaced and had been hit by machine gun fire.

Flying a large American flag from the conning tower, U-505 was towed to Port Royal Bay, Bermuda, where she was kept in secrecy for the rest of the war. Her code books were valuable because they allowed the Allies to break the super-secret location codes that were used in addition to the regular naval Enigma codes. Since the German Admiralty thought the sub lost at sea and not captured, they never changed the codes.

Lt. Albert David received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his role in saving the submarine from sinking; two of the sailors in his boarding party received the Navy Cross. The 58 surviving crewman of the U-505 spent the rest of war as POWs in the United States.

Matt Dattilo

'Over There'

 

Livingbattlefield is raising funds for its new series of documentary programs, Over There: Doughboys in the Great War, which has already been picked up by American Public Television for broadcast.

Doughboys will follow in the tradition of our ground-breaking World War II series for public television, The American Road to Victory. We've just gotten the latest broadcast numbers for "Road," and the series has (or will soon be) aired in more than 90 percent of the PBS market!

We'd like to recruit some of our fans to help get "Doughboys" broadcast in 2014 (the 100th anniversary of World War I). We're not asking for donations -- we're asking you to become part of our sales force by offering a unique product to friends, relatives and fellow history aficionados.

Magnetic, embossed wallet with challenge coin.

This is it! Our special collector's edition of The American Road to Victory! Without leaving home -- or the country -- people can enjoy three battlefield tours led by our stalwart guide and military historian, Captain (honorary) Ellwood von Seibold. Riding in his 1943 Dodge command car, Ellwood takes viewers across the terrain of Europe, explaining the hardships and sacrifices of our American troops in a way that only he can -- from foxhole-level, in three highly entertaining and informative programs: The Americans on D-Day, The Americans on Hell's Highway, and The Americans in the Bulge.

Recycled packaging and cork DVD hubs

Packaged in an elegant casing, the DVD trilogy is accompanied by a detailed campaign map and an impressive challenge coin, stamped by The North West Territorial Mint (makers of America's highest military award, the Medal of Honor).

This unique challenge coin was designed in conjunction with our partners, the National Infantry Foundation.

1.75" brass Challenge Coin, made in the USA

Our new collector's edition will be launched on June 1 at a price of $79.95. The "Road to Victory" series has been enjoyed by the viewing public in more than 1,300 broadcasts across America (another 1,600 broadcasts are scheduled for this year).

Now people all over America with an interest in World War II will be able to purchase our highly collectible special edition of The American Road to Victory, for themselves or as memorable gifts to others who value the legacy of our "Greatest Generation."

Here's what retired Marine Captain Dale Dye, military advisor for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Band of Brothers,"and the presenter for Doughboys, has to say about our "Road to Victory" series:

"Everyone I’ve encountered who has seen 'The American Road to Victory' - from young students to historians and nit-picking military enthusiasts - has told me it’s the best and most inspiring view of World War II in the European Theater of Operation they’ve ever seen."

Now we want to show America what it was like to fight in the trenches of World War I -- from foxhole-level again -- what it was like to plunge into "no man's land," stumble through clouds of mustard gas, struggle to sleep in the midst of deafening artillery barrages that went for hours on end.

What was it like to fight nearly a century ago, in the "war to end all wars?" Our Doughboys series will be "the next best thing to being there," as The American Legion said of our Americans on D-Day program.

History lovers unite! Join Livingbattlefield in creating our epic 4-part Doughboys documentary series for public television. If you would like to become a member of our national sales force, please contact our chief executive officer, Heidi Lanni: heidi@livingbattlefield.org.