Point of the Spear

The sweeping epic of the largest battle ever fought on American soil emerges in GETTYSBURG: THE BOYS IN BLUE & GRAY. In mid-July 1863, Union Lt. Frank A. Haskell wrote a vivid account in a letter to his brother. Compelling words from Haskell and other soldiers on both sides re-create the action. Filmed in five states and in the Gettysburg National Military Park, the film shows seven full-scale battles. As seen on PBS nationwide.

Weather and Warfare dramatically retraces the meteorological forces during battlefield engagements that doomed or saved civilizations. Military planners are convinced that control of the weather is the ultimate weapon in a country's arsenal.

More ghostly tales from Ghosts of Gettysburg author, Mark Nesbitt. The stories include the strange happening at the Jennie Wade house as well as the paranormal events that happened during the filming of the movie Gettysburg.

On August 27, 1776, the British attacked Brooklyn on three fronts. The British attacked American forces directly on two fronts and sent a third force of about 10,000 men through a little used pass to successfully outflank the Americans. With Washington's army caught off guard and outnumbered, only a series of fortuitous events saved the American Revolution. First, a small group of 400 soldiers from Maryland were able to fight and save the army from a complete rout. This allowed a larger group of Americans to retreat to Brooklyn Heights and avoid capture. Rather than press their advantage, British General William Howe ordered his men to stop the attack and dig trenches around the Continental Army. He expected the Americans to surrender. He also expected British ships to sail around and cut off the Americans from their only line of retreat across the river to Manhattan. But the ships never came. Why? Because there was not enough wind to get them there. This gave George Washington the night to secretly get 9,000 men to safety and keep his army intact. He ordered every available boat to be taken and used to get his army across the East River. Working through rain and darkness, the oarsmen in the boats crossed the river multiple times to deliver soldiers across to the other side. The only problem was that as the sun rose there was still a large part of the Continental Army left in Brooklyn. These men likely would have been killed or captured if they did not cross the river, losses the Americans could not afford. However, a final fortune smiled down on the Americans from Above. A heavy fog settled over the area and the rest of the Continental Army was able to conceal their movements from the British. As the fog lifted, the British were left in bewilderment as they realized the Continental Army was gone. "Incredibly, yet again, circumstances – fate, luck, Providence, the hand of God, as would be said so often – intervened." – Historian David McCullough from his book 1776

The Great Northern War (1700–1721) was the main military conflict of Peter the Great's reign, ending in a Russian victory over Sweden that made Russia an important European power and expanded Russia's borders to the Baltic Sea, including the site of St. Petersburg. The war began in the effort of Denmark and Poland-Saxony to wrest control of territories lost to Sweden during the seventeenth century, the period of Swedish military hegemony in northern Europe.

Battle of Waterloo, (June 18, 1815) Final defeat of Napoleon and French forces in the Napoleonic Wars. The battle was fought near Waterloo village, south of Brussels, during the Hundred Days of Napoleon's restoration, by Napoleon's 72,000 troops against the duke of Wellington's combined Allied army of 68,000 aided by 45,000 Prussians under Gebhard von Blücher. After the French defeated the Prussians at Ligny and held Wellington at Quatre-Bras in secondary battles on June 16, Napoleon's marshals, including Michel Ney, failed to eliminate either enemy while they were separated. Napoleon delayed his attack at Waterloo until midday, to allow the ground to dry, which enabled Blücher's main force to escape the pursuing French and join Wellington. Four French attacks on the Allied centre failed to break through, and Napoleon had to move troops to meet the Prussian flanking attack. When Ney succeeded in capturing a farmhouse at the centre of the Allied line, his call to Napoleon for reinforcements was refused. Wellington and his forces, though vulnerable after heavy losses, repulsed the final French assault and turned to advance against the French, forcing them into a disorganized retreat. The French suffered 25,000 killed and wounded, and 9,000 were captured; Wellington's casualties were 15,000, and Blücher's were about 8,000. Four days later, Napoleon abdicated for the last time.

Ghosts of Gettysburg author, Mark Nesbitt recounts some of the most unexplainable stories of eyewitness accounts of ghosts seen on the Gettysburg battlefield.

Join Robert Child for a video podcast with author Toby Harnden. Toby is a recipient of the Orwell Prize for Books and a former foreign correspondent for the Sunday Times of London and the Daily Telegraph reporting from more than 30 countries. He specializes in terrorism and war and his recent book is called First Casualty: The Untold Story of the CIA Mission to Avenge 9/11.

Join Robert Child for a conversation with New York Times bestselling author Alex Kershaw. Alex is a journalist, public speaker and New York Times best-selling author of over ten books, including The Liberator - the basis for the Netflix series - The Longest Winter, The Bedford Boys, Avenue of Spies and The First Wave. His current book, Against All Odds, a saga of four Medal of Honor recipients, and released in May 2022.

In the annals of military history, few conflicts have tested the limits of human endurance and conviction as the American Civil War. A nation torn asunder, brothers pitted against brothers, and ideals clashed on blood-soaked battlefields. Today we journey through the extremes of this epic struggle, where courage and cruelty, sacrifice and sorrow, tactical brilliance and wanton incompetence shaped the destiny of a nation. And we'll hear from a West Point historian who'll provide his take on two confederate Generals at either ends of the extreme – best and worst.

Bull Run on July 21, 1861, was the first full-scale battle of the Civil War. The fierce fight there forced both the North and South to face the sobering reality that the war would be long and bloody.

Few Americans alive today are unaware that our sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln, was assassinated while in office. It has been a part of American history textbooks for generations. But unanswered questions and little-known facts about his final hours remain, which are both revealing and disturbing. And it has been contended by forensic anthropologists that the President was actually dying months before the fatal shot, which ended his life.

Thoma Desjardin details the Civil War Medal of Honor recipient, Joshua Chamberlain's life and how he fought a "second Round Top" after the war in Maine. About: Thomas Desjardin An American historian, Desjardin has written books on the American Civil War and American Revolutionary War. He also served as director of Maine's State Park system and as Maine's Commissioner of the Department of Education. His first book, Stand Firm Ye Boys from Maine: The 20th Maine and the Gettysburg Campaign, recounts the three-day Battle of Gettysburg through the eyes of the men in the 20th Maine regiment. These soldiers were noted for their outstanding bravery during the campaign, which many remember as the most important battle of the Civil War. Leonne M. Hudson, reviewing the book in the Historian, felt that Desjardin's "use of anecdotal material combined with his penchant to allow the volunteers to speak for themselves gives this monograph a human quality." Hudson called the book "a splendid regimental history" that is "thoroughly researched," concluding that Stand Firm Ye Boys from Maine "should take its place among the best unit histories on the Battle of Gettysburg.

Actor and motion picture military advisor, Cpt. Dale Dye, whose credits include; Platoon, Saving Private Ryan and both Band of Brothers and The Pacific mini-series for HBO talks about narrating, USS Franklin: Honor Restored, directed by Robert Child

As the last shots of the day faded that night, a contingent of weary officers rode into the yard of Lydia Leister's home. Situated on the Taneytown Road behind Cemetery Ridge, this humble two-room house served as headquarters for the Army of the Potomac. A modest, wood frame building with a single fireplace, the widow Leister made her living by working a small farm that included a small log barn, orchard, and vegetable garden. By the evening of July 2, the widow's fences had been partially knocked over and the garden trampled by the passage of courier's horses. Leister's food stores had been raided by hungry staff officers and headquarters guards, and some of her furniture dragged into the yard for use as writing desks. Now her home was host to one of the most important meetings that would take place during the battle.

In this gripping historical video, "Steel Giants: The Sherman Tank," we delve into the remarkable story behind the iconic American tank that played a pivotal role in World War II. Join us as we journey through the construction, deployment, and enduring legacy of the legendary M4 Sherman tank, which became the backbone of Allied armored forces during the war.

In this captivating short video, we delve deep into the annals of history to explore the groundbreaking invention of The Turtle, a remarkable submersible craft that forever changed the course of naval warfare during the American Revolution. 🌊 Unraveling the Secrets: Discover the brilliant mind behind The Turtle and its ingenious design, engineered by the visionary inventor David Bushnell. Learn how this daring creation was meticulously crafted to challenge the formidable British naval superiority and provide a game-changing advantage to the young American nation. 🐢 The Revolutionary Espionage: Witness the thrilling accounts of daring covert operations undertaken by The Turtle and its courageous crew members as they embarked on perilous missions to sabotage British ships. ⚔️ Turning the Tide: Understand the strategic significance of The Turtle's deployment in major battles and its instrumental role in gaining valuable intelligence, all while evading detection in the treacherous waters. 🛠️ Engineering Marvel: Marvel at the impressive craftsmanship and engineering ingenuity that brought The Turtle to life. Through visual recreations, we unravel the complexities of this historic submersible, exploring its structure and mechanisms. 🌊 A Legacy Resurfaces: Follow the captivating tale of how The Turtle, once lost to history, was rediscovered and meticulously preserved, becoming a symbol of American naval innovation and determination.

We journey through the lesser-known but utterly significant engagements of the Civil War, from early clashes that shaped strategies to pivotal moments that changed the course of history. From forgotten battles in the heartland to lesser-discussed encounters on the outskirts, we'll reveal the top five unknown battles of this pivotal period.

In this gripping and enlightening video, dive into the tumultuous and pivotal chapter of World War II with "Ostfront: The Russo-German War." Join esteemed historians Victor Davis Hanson and David Glantz, alongside other prominent experts, as they unravel the complexities of one of the most significant conflicts in human history.

Discover the gripping and little-known tale of Operation Tiger, a pivotal World War II event that forever changed the course of history. In this short but powerful video, we bring you the untold story of Operation Tiger, a large-scale amphibious training exercise conducted in 1944 in preparation for the D-Day landings. Immerse yourself in the harrowing experiences of the brave soldiers who participated in this crucial drill, designed to simulate the invasion of Normandy's beaches. Witness the dedication and determination of these young men as they endure the challenges of the exercise, their hearts set on ensuring the success of the Allied invasion. But tragedy loomed on the horizon. Operation Tiger, shrouded in secrecy, faced unexpected and catastrophic setbacks. Through powerful archival footage and emotional narratives, we pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, reminding us of the true cost of war. Join us on this historical journey as we shed light on the importance of Operation Tiger and its impact on shaping the tactics and strategies of the D-Day landings. Uncover the lessons learned from this poignant event and understand how it played a significant role in shaping the outcome of World War II. In this short but impactful tribute, we honor the memory of those who gave their lives during Operation Tiger, forever etching their bravery into the annals of history. Like and share this video to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten. Subscribe to our channel for more compelling stories from the annals of WWII history.

In this captivating short video, we delve into an almost forgotten historical event that shook the nation - the St. Louis Glider Crash of 1943. Join us as we highlight the intriguing connection between the legendary aviator, Charles Lindbergh, and the company that produced the ill-fated glider that met its tragic fate. The video takes you on a journey back in time to explore the fascinating world of aviation during the 1940s. We provide an account of Charles Lindbergh's pivotal role in the aviation industry, his fame following the historic solo transatlantic flight, and his earlier involvement with Robertson Aircraft Corporation, a prominent manufacturer of gliders and aircraft components. Witness the little-known stories behind the development of the glider that eventually crashed in St. Louis, leading to a poignant chapter in aviation history. Unravel the events that unfolded on that fateful day and the impact it had on the U.S. Airborne effort and the nation. With rare archival footage, and photographs we shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident and the investigation that followed. Gain insights into how this incident brought about pivotal changes in aviation safety standards and regulations. Whether you are an aviation enthusiast, a history buff, or just curious to learn more about Charles Lindbergh's lesser-known involvement with Robertson Aircraft Corp., this video promises to captivate your interest and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the intertwined histories of aviation pioneers and the machines that helped conquer the skies.

Join Robert Child for a conversation with author and former Lt. Colonel Stuart Scheller. Stuart gained notoriety last year as a US Marine speaking out and asking for accountability for the US’s disastrous military withdrawal from Afghanistan. His new book is called Crisis of Command: How We Lost Trust and Confidence in America's Generals and Politicians. Watch our new military history documentary, Weather and Warfare, FREE on Tubi the streaming service from Fox. LINK https://tubitv.com/movies/680635/weather-and-warfare-millennia-to-modern-time Special Online Event September 15th with the National Museum of the United States Army. Register to catch Robert Child’s discussion of his book, Immortal Valor. LINK https://www.thenmusa.org/public-programs/book-talks/

Join Robert Child for a follow-up conversation with author and Navy SEAL veteran Ben Milligan. Ben became a US Navy SEAL in 2001 and served until 2009. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star and other awards. He received a BA in History at Purdue University and an MA in International Relations at the University of San Diego. . His book is called By Water Beneath the Walls: The Rise of the Navy SEALs. #navyseals #specialforces #usmilitary -------------------------------PODCAST---------------------------------------------- Check Out Our Point of the Spear Military History Podcast. https://open.spotify.com/show/6Uu5TmSEj0Uj4i4Dg4Q6DZ -----------------------------------NEWSLETTER------------------------------------ Twice monthly get our email newsletter alerting you to upcoming videos and guests coming to the podcast. Sign up at this link http://eepurl.com/dHld4D ---------------------------------------SOCIAL--------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter https://twitter.com/RobChild Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WriterDirectorRobChild LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/robchild/ Website https://robchild.blogspot.com/

Join Robert Child for a conversation with author Benjamin Sledge. Ben is a wounded Special Operations combat veteran with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and two Army Commendation Medals. His latest book is Where Cowards Go to Die. #specialforces #combatveteran #Benjaminsledge -------------------------------PODCAST---------------------------------------------- Check Out Our Point of the Spear Military History Podcast. https://open.spotify.com/show/6Uu5TmSEj0Uj4i4Dg4Q6DZ -----------------------------------NEWSLETTER------------------------------------ Twice monthly get our email newsletter alerting you to upcoming videos and guests coming to the podcast. Sign up at this link http://eepurl.com/dHld4D ---------------------------------------SOCIAL--------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter https://twitter.com/RobChild Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WriterDirectorRobChild LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/robchild/ Website https://robchild.blogspot.com/

A documentary about Navy helicopters and combat SAR during the Vietnam War: two-hour film will be told from the perspective of the pilots, aircrewmen, maintainers, and survivors. Release planned for spring of 2023. Learn more and help support Vietnam War Naval history with a tax-deductible contribution to the film through the Naval Helicopter Association Historical Society at the links below. More about the film: https://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/hc-7-seadevils-the-movie/ Contribution page: https://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/hc-7-seadevils-the-movie-donation/ More About HC-7: Despite the turbulent times in the 1960s in a changing America, what held true then remains so today, the steadfast courage of the American serviceman. The combat ethos "leave no warrior behind" was operational doctrine for one mission-focused squadron, Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven. In the history of the U.S. Navy, HC-7 was the only active-duty combat search and rescue squadron ever to exist. And became one of the most highly decorated naval squadrons in Vietnam.