Let's Make History Work For You.

   

We love history - that's why we make films about great military events, but we want everyone to share our passion for these amazing stories. We understand that many people consider history boring - just a bunch of stuff that doesn't seem to have any relation to where we are today. 

This just isn't true. 

The old way these stories were told, how documentaries relied on talking-heads, people pointing at things and washed out black and white footage, didn't help the cause. Our mission is to make history exciting and entertaining.

We are about to start a new project that will take us back to The Great War; a war that shaped the world, changed the face of America and signaled the dawn of an era of military technology. We will see for the very first time how aircraft, massed artillery, field communications, and dreaded gas were used on the field of battle. In the early 20th century our soldiers were still drilled and trained in the military tactics of the 19th century, but they faced and used modern weapons so ferocious that the casualty rate was mind numbing. Most people know very little about this long forgotten war, of the soldiers sailors and airmen of the American Expeditionary Force, who crossed the U-boat infested Atlantic Ocean, and joined their exhausted allies in muddy, bloody trenches . .  but as we approach the 100th anniversary, it is time to tell the story.

All of America was affected by The Great War. African Americans, like the famous Harlem Hell Fighters, the 369th Infantry Regiment, went to war hoping that if they fought for their country, then their country would consider them part of it. It didn't happen. They fought valiantly, but with the French, and returned home to a still-segregated land, which soon forgot their sacrifices.

Livingbattlefield has enlisted the expert skills of retired Marine Captain, Dale Dye, a skilled presenter and actor trainer. Famous for the Academy award-winning movie, Saving Private Ryan, and the epic HBO series, Band of Brothers, Dale will skillfully guide viewers through the actions on the exact locations in Northern France and help us to recreate battle scenes on a specially constructed lot near Fort Benning, Georgia.

Captain Dye on the set of HBO's The Pacific

Our productions are shown on Public Television, nationwide. Public television wants to increase the number of younger viewers watching it's programs and we want to help by creating a completely new style of documentary with exciting live-action narration, special effects and re-enactments, that will  appeal to a wide audience. Our current series, The American Road to Victory, has gone some way to achieving that. 

War can be, and often is, miserable, but it's not necessary to heap misery on top of misery. The stories have to be told with the right amount of respect, without losing their ability to transport and entertain. Soldiers didn't just kill and get killed, they laughed, joked, wrote touching letters home, and saw the humor in their living conditions.

It's young people who will carry the banner of history forward and we want to recruit them. We want to listen to their opinions before we start planning the series. It is for this reason that Livingbattlefield and The National Infantry Foundation are launching a special competition.

"Doughboys" 

The Competition

 

The Partnership are inviting young viewers under the age of 18  to submit a paper of not more than 300 words on why they find history documentaries boring and what we can do  in our new WWI "Doughboys" series to excite and interest them. We want to hear how they feel about archive footage versus re-enactments? Particular credit will be given to submissions, which offer a reasoned argument for how history can be turned into a subject kids can get excited about.

Deadline & Judging 

All submissions must be received by August31st 2013. A panel consisting of Captain Dye, Professor John C. McManus PhD, Livingbattlefield Executive Director, Heidi Lanni and Jordan Beck of The National Infantry Museum will choose 2 submissions. The winners will be notified by email on November 29th 2013.

The Award:

The two winners (along with a parent or guardian) will be invited to the "Doughboys" set in Columbus, Georgia. They will meet Captain Dye, see him in action as our re-enactors are turned into WWI soldiers. The award will include flights from anywhere on the mainland of the United States, airport transfers, two nights accommodation including meals, a complete guided tour of the magnificent Infantry Museum and a short, specially prepared video of their trip. The winners will make the trip during our 2014 filming season, at a date to be advised.

(Livingbattlefield full terms and conditions apply).

To Qualify:

In the first instance please email expressing an interest to: films@livingbattlefield.org A full copy of our terms and conditions will be provided, together with a short questionnaire.

Please note that all applicants will have to obtain the permission of their parents, in writing, to enter the competition.( Neither Facebook nor Google support or endorse this competition)

Local DAR chapter in Illinois, gather sponsors for Ignite

 Christy Short, Regent of the Samuel Elder Chapter of The Daughters of The American Revolution in Gallatin County, Illinois, gathers sponsors to place Operation Ignite into local schools.

".....This has been the easiest project I have put together so far. You are the ones that did all the hard work before hand. Thanks again."
Sincerely,
Christy Short
Regent Samuel Elder Chapter NSDAR

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

D-Day for schools receives an exciting review.

Pick of the Day: The Americans on D-Day (DVD)

By SLJ on November 13, 2012 

 
The Americans on D-Day. DVD. 56 min. with tchr’s. guide on CD. Prod. by Labyrinth Media & Pub. Dist. by Livingbattlefield.org. 2012. ISBN 978-0-615-67814-6. $25.
Gr 7 Up–The June 1944 assault on Hitler’s Fortress Europe by Allied military forces is remembered as a pivotal point in 20th-century history. This well-crafted documentary takes an unusual approach to explaining the planning and execution phases of the invasion. In addition to the usual assemblage of vintage still images and film footage, the producers attempt to bring viewers to the front lines as a contemporary battlefield guide leads us into the foray as he assumes the roles of various soldiers—American as well as German— taking part in combat. Supplemented by a well-formulated mix of credible re-creations, interviews with actual participants on both sides, and crisp graphics, the audience is on the Normandy battlefields as well as in airborne gliders and naval landing craft as were the combatants on this horrifying day. While the content focuses on American forces, the larger picture clearly emerges and concludes with a moving visit to the vast American cemetery in Normandy. In covering World War II, only select highlights of the offensive are presented so that the film can be used within classroom periods. This film is also available as part of a trilogy—The American Road to Victory—which includes coverage of the Battle of the Bulge as well as the Allied push into Germany. Options include chapter selection, closed-captioning, and descriptive video as well as two extra segments on weapons, training, and the uniforms of this campaign. The accompanying CD includes basic lesson/activity suggestions. Even though the tour guide can be a bit overly intense at times, this is a solid purchase for all media collections.–Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Rural Libraries Offer a Shinning Example of Patriotism

In rural libraries across the nation, communities have come together to embrace their WWII heroes, as the clock ticks ever faster for this dwindling band of warriors. 

Navy veteran receives standing ovation

From Tolono, Illinois to Leesburg, Florida, this past Veterans Day weekend has witnessed countless groups of library patrons join together to watch special screenings of a public television series on WWII. The American Road to Victory trilogy, a joint history project presented by filmmakers Livingbattlefield and The National Infantry Foundation is the conduit by which these groups can view the actions of their local veterans in context.

William Chiappini, a library director from Melrose Florida wrote of a recent screening of The Americans on D-Day,

“Our D-Day library program was held yesterday to the delight of all.  Forty-three people attended (this is a small community), and four WWII vets were there in seats of honor.  A local French lady from Normandy, who was 12 at the time of the invasion, also surprised us.  She spoke after the film and gave a very heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices to save her country . . . . The program prompted a call for oral histories of our vets which we will turn over to Historic Melrose for follow-up.  We look forward to showing the other two films in the future.”

“Rural Libraries have been the perfect vehicle for our Road to Victory initiative,"said Livingbattlefield’s Executive Director, Heidi Lanni, "While a small number of city library systems, such as Boston, have also been holding screenings, the real interest has come from the smaller libraries, where there seems to be more time to organize these events, and great passion for the subject.”

Livingbattlefield will continue their library outreach until 2014, the 70th anniversary of the three campaigns featured in the trilogy.

“Sadly, we are losing these amazing people at an alarming rate,” said Heidi, “ I don’t know how many will be with us by then, but library communities will continue to have the chance to participate in what must surely be their last hurrah . . . . No matter what direction your political compass is pointing, or how you feel about war, this program honors American heroes from the last clearly defined and unambiguous conflict.”

Livingbattlefield is a 501(c)3 charity and a partner with The National Infantry Foundation at Fort Benning Georgia. Libraries wishing to be a part of The Road to Victory project should contact Heidi Lanni: Heidi@livingbattlefield.org

Libraries which acquire a copy of The American Road to Victory trilogy for their collection automatically qualify for the free screening pack, which includes lifetime public performance rights, an intro video by the director, a how-to guide, as well as sample press releases and artwork.

National Infantry Museum & Livingbattlefield to co-produce WWI series.

WWI Battle of Soissons part of National Infantry Museum Last Hundred Yards Diorama


New WWI Documentary to be Filmed Near Fort Benning

Public television series to premiere on 100^th anniversary of American involvement

Columbus, Georgia – September 28, 2012    Filmmakers are scouting locations on or near Fort Benning, Georgia, for an upcoming documentary about the ‘War to End All Wars.’

     Over There: Doughboys in The Great War will be a four-part series for public television hosted by Hollywood actor-trainer Captain Dale Dye (Ret. USMC). Dye, famous for the HBO series Band of Brothers and Saving Private Ryan, says the series will be “an in-depth, intriguing and inspiring look at one of the most pivotal and costly conflicts in the history of mankind. It will give our audiences a feel for the brutal, dehumanizing experience of static war in muddy, bloody trenches.”

     The series will be completed by 2017, in time for the 100^th anniversary of America’s entry into World War I. It is a co-production between independent filmmakers Livingbattlefield and the National Infantry Foundation, the non-profit organization charged with the operation of the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia. Viewers will be treated to an on-location battlefield experience in Northern Europe, while seeing the actual battle scenes acted out near the home of the U.S. Army Infantry.

     “This is an exciting opportunity for us,” said Foundation President Ben Williams. “We are thrilled to be part of a production that will explain how young Americans fought in the ugliest of wars.”

     The filmmakers hope the trench that will be built for filming could remain open for visitors after production is complete.

     The state-of-the-art museum already features a life-size diorama from the bloody battle of Soissons on the ‘Last 100 Yards’ ramp, a recreated trench ‘immersion experience’ and a vast array of memorabilia on display in the WWI gallery.

     “Rats, waterlogged trenches, barbed wire and shell holes will add to the authenticity of the series. Our re-enactors will be young U.S. Army veterans,” says Director and Executive Producer Richard Lanni.

     Livingbattlefield forged a partnership with the National Infantry Foundation after the filmmaker’s groundbreaking World War II series – The American Road to Victory – aired nationwide on PBS stations. Adopting a quirky and engaging style, Livingbattlefield has rekindled an interest in history among families. “We expect this upcoming World War I project to provide an enlightening explanation of a little-known period of American history,” says Lanni.

    Work on the production will begin in Spring 2013. The series will be distributed by American Public Television.

     For more information, please contact Rachael Wilson/Livingbattlefield Development, at Rachael@livingbattlefield.org

The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Patriot Park, a 200-acre tract linking Columbus, Georgia, and Fort Benning, the Home of the Infantry, is the first world-class site to pay tribute to the U.S. Army Infantryman and those who fight alongside him. As the only interactive Army Museum in the United States, the museum showcases the contributions of the Infantry Soldier in every war fought by the U.S. by offering immersive participation and engaging visitors in the unique experiences of the Infantry Soldier. The complex also includes a parade field, memorial walk of honor, authentic World War II Company Street and 3-D IMAX^® Theatre. For more information, visit www.nationalinfantrymuseum.com.

D-Day +70

  After the Germans were routed at Mortain, some of the enemy divisions continued to make probing attacks towards Avranche in the vain hope of achieving at least a stalemate.

The other units, battered and bruised, were in headlong retreat towards the town of Argentan in the Orne region of Normandy.

They still had plenty of fight, but that fight would be used in a defensive mode as a means of enabling their escape.

August 12th, 16th

Bradley was excited, his forces had thrashed the Germans at Mortain and his confidence was at an all time high. The other Allies were making progress and now he could see a real chance of trapping and annihilating the remainder of the German 7th Army. Montgomery's 21st Army Group, which consisted of British, Canadian and Polish forces, had finally broken out of their beachhead around Caen and were now pressing the German forces from the North, while Bradley's own U.S forces had moved in a wide arc under the retreating Germans. He had initially proposed a much wider encirclement, but now he could see a real opportunity to tighten the noose and trap the enemy in an area between Falaise and Argentan. He had instructed Patton to swing his forces to the left, take the town of Argentan and prepare to close the pocket.

Argentan War Memorial

Patton was elated, the opportunity to deliver this knock out blow was just what he wanted to do.

He committed 5 Divisions to the task, including the Free French 2nd Armored Division under General Leclerc, a unit totally equipped by the Americans, but lacking discipline.

General Leclerc

French 2nd Armored Div. caused many traffic jams

Leclerc frequently exceeded his orders, crossed boundary lines, which were forbidden to him, and caused all kinds of foul ups. His forces fought with elan, they were brave and their exuberance was astonishing. Taking part in the long awaited liberation of their country was an emotional experience, one that they prayed for these past 5 years. Patton was a Francophile, he liked Leclerc and he was always prepared to make allowances for him.

Argentan today

Argentan, same view, August 1944

Just as the American Divisions arrived in the Argentan area, Bradley had a change of heart. His initial excitement turned to trepidation, as the prospect of his forces rushing headlong into the guns and aircraft of the other Allies, pushing down from the North, seemed a real possibility. He lost his nerve and with it his ability to annihilate an entire army.

There were of course some concerns at the prospect of further friendly fire incidents, but the Canadians were still miles away from Argentan, so no immediate threat. Patton was horrified and Bradley would come to regret this decision for the rest of his life; although he would continue, in time honored fashion, to pass the blame. His decision would give the Germans an opportunity to hold a defensive shoulder at Argentan, thus allowing thousands of enemy soldiers, complete with their equipment, to escape certain destruction.

French Sherman in Foret d'Ecouvres

South of Argentan, the main obstacle was the Foret d'Ecouvres, the clearing of which was given to Leclerc's 2nd Armored Division. This was achieved effectively and in short order after which, a group of these vengeful Frenchmen entered Argentan on the afternoon of August 13th. The Germans were ready for them and opened fire with tanks and artillery just as the civilian population came out to rejoice at their final liberation. It would be almost a week before this strategic town would be firmly in American hands, by which time it's total destruction would have been well and truly achieved.

German panzer grenadiers retreating on foot

The job of holding the Americans at Argentan had been given to the 1st SS and 2nd panzer Divisions, which had originally been committed to launching an all out attack against the thinly spread American front. As it happens, these units would play a major role in enabling a significant number of their comrades to escape.

The U.S 5th Armored Division tried a flanking maneuver around Argentan, but well sited German artillery and tanks wrought havoc on the advancing U.S and French Divisions.

Once Bradley's stop order had been received, commanders on the ground halted their advance and prepared to attack in another direction, which was yet to be decided. It was perhaps the most serious blunder of the Normandy campaign. The following day, he changed his mind again and split the forces gathered around Argentan. The French 2nd Division and the U.S 90th Division would stay in the Argentan area. They were to be bolstered by the 80th Division moving up in support. Valuable time and considerable momentum had been lost.

A decisive action by the 5 Divisions of 3rd Army could have changed the course of events, but now this strategically timid harassing approach was to lengthen the process, enabling the Germans to fight many 'other days.'

Ancient dungeons in the square of Chambois

The natural escape point for the Germans centered on the tiny Norman town of Chambois.

Between Argentan and Chambois, lies the Foret de Gouffern, a sprawling mass of forestry, which provided great cover for the retreating Germans. From the Goufferm they were able to make a dash across open terrain to the heights and freedom.

Foret de Gouffern

One escape route centered on the tiny town of le Bourg-St-Leonard, which straddled the Argentan Chambois road.

The 90th Division positioned a roadblock in the town and sited artillery and tank destroyers on the crest of a hill overlooking this German escape route. American forces, although still effective, had lost much of their strength, as more than 50% of their force had been sent away, to attack in another direction.

Bourg-St.-Leonard, route of German retreat

When the Germans decided to make their dash, it was unlikely that these thinly spread units could hold them. On August 16th, the first group of Germans, well organized and highly motivated, left the sanctuary of the Gouffern Forest and attacked the 90th at le Bourg-St-Leonard. The 90th were beaten back by an enemy who was prepared, remarkably well equipped and determined.

Was it the 'rat in the trap' syndrome, or were these 'supermen' still a force to be reckoned with? 

French monument to the liberation of Le Bourg-St.-Leonard

This Tiger 1 escaped the encirclement, then returned to help others before running out of fuel and being destroyed by its crew.