Cold War Films

This film provides information on aircraft and capabilities of the US Air Force's Tactical Air Command (TAC). Armament and firepower of F-100, F-104, F-105, AND F-4C are demonstrated. The film also provides details on support capabilities of aerial refueling tankers, as well as reconnaissance and cargo aircraft: KB-50J, KC-135, RF-4C, RF-101, RB-66, WB-66, C-130 and C-123. Produced by the 1352d Photographic Group--part of the Air Photographic and Charting Service, based at the somewhat mysterious Lookout Mountain Air Force Station in Laurel Canyon--Hollywood, California. Music Luis Humanoide via Pixabay: "Cinematic Chase Music (007 Inspired)": https://pixabay.com/music/main-title-cinematic-chase-music-007-inspired-173733 Department of the Air Force 1962. APCS Designation: SFP-1187 Series: Motion Picture Films and Video Recordings on Five Decades of U.S. Military Activities Around the World, between ca. 1950–ca. 2000. Record Group 330: Records of the Office of the Secretary of Defense 1921 – 2008 National Archives Identifier: 4523540 Local Identifier: 330-DVIC-26401 URL: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/4523540

Legendary film actor Jimmy Stewart presents this fascinating explanation of current Air Force missile concepts circa 1960. An Academy Award Winner, Stewart was a B-24 pilot during World War 2--and continued his service in the US Air Force after the war. He retired from service in 1968 as a Brigadier General. Produced by the 1352d Photographic Group--part of the Air Photographic and Charting Service, based at the somewhat mysterious Lookout Mountain Air Force Station in Laurel Canyon--Hollywood, California. The film was a Finalist for the 1960 Industry Film Producer Association's "CINDY" award for a Public Relations film. Music Luis Humanoide via Pixabay: "Cinematic Chase Music (007 Inspired)": https://pixabay.com/music/main-title-cinematic-chase-music-007-inspired-173733 Department of the Air Force 1960 APCS Identifier: SFP-608 Series: Special Film Projects Relating to Military Activities, 1947 - ca. 1970 Record Group 342: Records of U.S. Air Force Commands, Activities, and Organizations, 1900 - 2003 National Archives Identifier: 63929 Local Identifier: 342-SFP-608 URL: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/63929

Viewers will see a comprehensive historical review of the 101st Airborne Division from early organization and training in World War II, through combat in Europe, to Reorganization Day Ceremonies held late in 1956 when the division became the Army's first potentially nuclear equipped, long-range, "fire brigade." In flashbacks, the 1956 film brings to life the Battle of the Ardennes in which the now-famed "Screaming Eagle" division played such a vital role in the Town of Bastogne. Narrated in the language of the soldiers who were there, explains the "esprit de corps" that arose among paratroopers of World War II and that continues in the new "Pentomic 101st. Past and present are joined, when the camera lens is aimed at Army Chief of Staff General Maxwell Taylor, wartime commander of the 101st. His words are pointed and leave little doubt in the viewers' mind that "speed, mobility and versatility are the key concepts" behind the Army's "new look." As the film ends, paratroopers of the 101st march forward to re-fulfill, if called upon, the prophecy made years ago -- that the 101st "has a rendezvous with destiny." Special music was composed and conducted by Captain Samuel Louoda of the United States Army Band and includes the new "101st Airborne March" and "'Screaming Eagles' March." The chorus of male voices, heard on the soundtrack, is the then newly formed Official United States Army Chorus. #coldwar #history #war #army #airborne #pentomic #nuclear Opening Montage Music: By Magnetic_Trailer via Pixabay: "Old Way" https://pixabay.com/music/main-title-old-way-198555/ More info on the Pentomic Division: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentomic https://warontherocks.com/2022/11/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-pentomic-army/ More info on The Big Picture: http://www.armypictorialcenter.com/the_big_picture.htm URL - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2569620 NAID Identifier: 2569620 Local ID: 111-TV-351

This NASA-produced film from 1969 documents the first test flight of the Northrup HL-10 heavy lifting-body aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The test was flown by NASA test pilot John Manke. The film also shows footage from testing of the M2-F1 and M2-F2 aircraft during development and test flights. From Wikipedia: "The Northrop HL-10 was one of five US heavyweight lifting body designs flown at NASA's Flight Research Center (FRC-later Dryden Flight Research Center) in Edwards, California, from July 1966 to November 1975 to study and validate the concept of safely maneuvering and landing a low lift-over-drag vehicle designed for reentry from space." Footage is also presented from a horrendous crash during the final flight of the M2-F2 piloted by NASA's Bruce Peterson. This real-life crash footage was made famous as part the opening sequence of the 1970s TV show, "The Six Million Dollar Man". Amazingly, pilot Bruce Peterson survived the crash and was able to continue his test-pilot career. Opening Montage Music: By Alex_Kizenkov via Pixabay: "Drive And Motion (Sport Rock)": https://pixabay.com/music/rock-drive-and-motion-sport-rock-141633/ More info on the Northrup HL-10: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_HL-10 More info on the NASA/Briegleb Glider Company M2-F1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_M2-F1 More info on the Northrop M2-F2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_M2-F2 More info on NASA Test Pilot John A. Manke: https://www.nasa.gov/people/john-a-manke/ More info on NASA Test Pilot Bruce Peterson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Peterson National Archives URL - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/45013 NA Identifier: 45013 Local ID: 255-HQ-175 Accession Number: NN3-255-91-003 NAIL Control Number: NWDNM(m)-255-HQ-175

**Narrated by NBC News Anchor Chet Huntley"** A comprehensive review of the US naval mission in Vietnam in 1967. Bombing and missile strikes, a Mekong Delta River assault landing, civic action by Navy Seabees and doctors, and historical footage depicting the growth of United States involvement in the conflict. Opening Montage Music: Good_B_Music (Zakhar Valaha) via Pixabay: "Rhythm of War (Main)" https://pixabay.com/music/main-title-rhythm-of-war-main-7233/ More info on US Navy Operations in Vietnam: https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/assets/1/7/US_Navy_in_Vietnam.pdf https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/wars-conflicts-and-operations/vietnam-war0/operations.html More info on NBC News Anchor Chet Huntley: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Huntley URL - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/4523327 NAID Identifier: 4523327 Local ID: 330-DVIC-25139

Produced by United States Air Force's Lookout Mountain Laboratory Air Photographic and Charting Service for the Armed Forces Special Weapons Project in Laurel Canyon, California, in 1952, this sanitized version was released by the US Department of Energy, Albuquerque Operations Office in April of 1999. It documents atomic weapons testing that occurred between 1945 and 1951.

#coldwar #communism #propaganda #soviet #russia #ussr #war #information In this film, George V. Allen, the first director of the United States Information Agency (USIA), explains the purpose of his organization and the ways he hopes to counter anti-American propaganda in the popular media, particularly in motion pictures. Segments from various Soviet documentary and feature films are examined, and highlights include footage of an international youth festival in Moscow Stadium and scenes from Grigori Alexandrov's film "Meeting on the Elbe," which depicts American troops meeting their Soviet counterparts at the Elbe River bridge. Also included are segments from the Soviet feature film "The Partisan" and the Cannes Festival award-winning film "The Forty First." Presented by the Office of Armed Forces, Information and Education, Department of Defense, produced by Norwood Studios, Inc., and featuring George V. Allen (USIA Director), Ernest K. Lindley (Newsweek Magazine), Col. John C. Weaver (Army), Capt. John Leeds (Navy), Col. Bascom Neal (Air Force), and Col. Raymond G. Davis (Marine Corps). NARA URL: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/49962 Creator: US Information Agency National Archives Identifier: 49962 Accession Number: NC3-306-77-7 Local Identifier: 306.3628 Producer: Norwood Studios, Inc.

**Narrated by famous commentator Edward R. Murrow** The story of NATO shown on "THE BIG PICTURE" television series -- In this issue of THE BIG PICTURE TV series, the cameras are focused on NATO -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Guest narrator for this filmed documentary is the distinguished commentator and news analyst, Mr. Edward R. Murrow. As shown in this episode, the United States as a founding member of this vital international body, has demonstrated to the world the importance we place on the closest association between the members of the Atlantic community. Throughout history, nations have sought through treaties and alliances with other nations, to maintain their security and remain free from attack. But not until the twentieth century did the concept of national security become worldwide in its scope. World Wars I and II and the Korean War proved beyond any doubt that when one free nation anywhere is threatened by aggression, the safety of all free nations is ultimately at stake. Dramatically presented on film, the United States is shown in its strategic role as leader in the free world and its alliance with other nations dedicated to the preservation of peace and the welfare of mankind. National Archives and Records Administration Usage: CC0 1.0 Universal Creative Commons License zero Topics: archives.gov, public.resource.org, NATO Language: English National Archives and Records Administration NAID: 2569670 / Local Identifier 111-TV-402 URL: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2569670 More info on The Big Picture: http://www.armypictorialcenter.com/the_big_picture.htm "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."

This de-classified film produced by the UK Ministry of Defence provides an introduction into how the British Army On the Rhine (BAOR) would have defended against a deliberate attack by Soviet forces into West Germany. Operations related to meeting engagements, engineered defences, artillery fire, planned tactical withdrawal, and close quarters infantry combat in German forests and other terrain are shown. #history #coldwar #war #russia #army #germany #soldier #BAOR #uk #border #ddr #nato Opening Montage Music: By AlexGrohl via Pixabay: "Hard Rock": https://pixabay.com/music/rock-hard-rock-21056/ Producer: Worldwide Pictures Ltd. In Association With: Services Sound and Vision Corporation (SSVC) Ministry of Defense - Army Department Film C 1461 Year Produced: 1983 Narrated by: Screen actor Edward Judd More info on the British Army of the Rhine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Army_of_the_Rhine More info about SSVC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Services_Sound_and_Vision_Corporation More info about the Soviet Army: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Army More info on Edward Judd: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Judd

This 1965 US Army television documentary tells the story of a large-scale joint Army-Air Force training exercise in the southwestern United States--primarily along the border between California and Nevada. The objectives of the exercise were to test initiation of tactical nuclear warfare, control of escalation, and tactical operation on the nuclear battlefield. Desert Strike was the largest American military exercise since the end of World War II, that began on May 17, 1964 in an 18,000 square mile area of desert in the U.S. states of California, Nevada and Arizona. The exercise involved 89,000 U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force personnel training for two weeks in mock combat. Coordinated by United States Strike Command (STRICOM), the huge mock war between the mythical nations of Calonia and Nezona employed tanks, artillery, jet fighters, paratroopers, and tens of thousands of men using blank-loaded weapons. Based on data from the exercise, the U.S. Army developed the Air Support Operations Center (ASOC), which would soon be introduced into the Vietnam War. Despite precautions, 34 American servicemen had been killed by the time that the exercise ended on May 30, mostly in traffic accidents involving military vehicles. Also depicted, are US actions in the Dominican Republic in 1965 that required a US Army and US Marine intervention to maintain order, and protect/evacuate American and other allied nationals. #coldwar #history #army #airforce #parachute #war #soldier #airforce Opening Montage Music: By moonmode via Pixabay: "Stolen Heart" https://pixabay.com/music/rock-stolen-heart-198999/ More info on Operation Desert Strike: https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/ASPJ/journals/1964_Vol15_No1-6/1964_Vol16_No1.pdf https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=78531 More info on The Big Picture: http://www.armypictorialcenter.com/the_big_picture.htm URL - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2569850 NAID Identifier: 2569850 Local ID: 111-TV-661

This film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short. A Walt Disney production called "The Alaskan Eskimo" won the Oscar. This episode of The Big Picture focuses on the secret construction of an air base near Thule, Greenland in the early 1950s. Built during the Cold War, the base was to provide the U.S. a home for long-range bombers closer to the Soviet Union and China. Staged at Norfolk, Virginia, Operation Blue Jay moved over $125 million worth of equipment by ship to the remote Greenland site. Once the convoy arrived through ice-packed waters, soldiers began working on port facilities and shelter. Working expeditiously during the short summer season to avoid facing temperatures of fifty below, the Corps of Engineers built an expansive air base nine-hundred miles north of the Artic Circle. "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement." NARA ID: 111-TV-227 Video ID: 887697 VIRIN: 230405-O-QT950-816 Filename: DOD_109717884 Length: 00:28:22 URL: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/887697/big-picture-operation-blue-jay More on The Big Picture: http://www.armypictorialcenter.com/the_big_picture.htm

This NASA film depicts attempts to return the crewmen of the Apollo 13 mission safely to earth following a mishap onboard the service module. The film emphasizes the Mission Control and spacecraft teamwork that overcame the life-threatening problems of Apollo 13, as well as the worldwide reaction to the crisis. From Wikipedia: Apollo 13 (April 11–17, 1970) was the seventh crewed mission in the Apollo space program and the third meant to land on the Moon. The craft was launched from Kennedy Space Center on April 11, 1970, but the lunar landing was aborted after an oxygen tank in the service module (SM) ruptured two days into the mission, disabling the Command Module's (CM) electrical and life-support system. The crew, supported by backup systems on the lunar module (LM), instead looped around the Moon in a circumlunar trajectory and returned safely to Earth on April 17. The mission was commanded by Jim Lovell, with Jack Swigert as CM pilot and Fred Haise as lunar module (LM) pilot. Swigert was part of the mission backup crew and a late replacement for Ken Mattingly, who was grounded after exposure to rubella. A routine stir of an oxygen tank ignited damaged wire insulation inside it, causing an explosion that vented the contents of both of the SM's oxygen tanks to space.[note 1] Without oxygen, needed for breathing and for generating electric power, the SM's propulsion and life support systems could not operate. The CM's systems had to be shut down to conserve its remaining resources for reentry, forcing the crew to transfer to the LM as a lifeboat. With the lunar landing canceled, mission controllers worked to bring the crew home alive. Although the LM was designed to support two men on the lunar surface for two days, Mission Control in Houston improvised new procedures so it could support three men for four days. The crew experienced great hardship, caused by limited power, a chilly and wet cabin and a shortage of potable water. There was a critical need to adapt the CM's cartridges for the carbon dioxide scrubber system to work in the LM; the crew and mission controllers were successful in improvising a solution. The astronauts' peril briefly renewed public interest in the Apollo program; tens of millions watched the splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean on television. An investigative review board found fault with preflight testing of the oxygen tank and Teflon being placed inside it. The board recommended changes, including minimizing the use of potentially combustible items inside the tank; this was done for Apollo 14. The story of Apollo 13 has been dramatized several times, most notably in the 1995 film Apollo 13 based on Lost Moon, the 1994 memoir co-authored by Lovell – and an episode of the 1998 HBO miniseries, From the Earth to the Moon. #history #coldwar #space #nasa #astronaut #apollo Opening Montage Music: By Top-Flow (Sergio Prosvirini) via Pixabay: "Funk Casino"

Frightening civil defense film aimed at Cold War-era elementary school students in the United States. Explains steps to take in case of an atomic attack alert or an actual attack with or without warning at school, in the open or at home. The film gives a simple explanation of nuclear fission. Publication date: 1951 Usage: Public Domain Topics: Atomic-nuclear: Civil defense

#coldwar #history #army #russia #germany #color #communism #soldier #czech #border A U.S. Army informational film from the heralded "The Big Picture" TV Series. This episode from 1970 depicts life in the 2nd and 14th Armored Cavalry Regiments in West Germany near the Czechoslovakian and East German borders. These units stood guard on the border between free West Germany, and the communist countries of eastern Europe. Keywords: 2nd ACR; 14th ACR; Soldier; Foreign Military; Patrol; Security. Command: United States European Command (USEUCOM) NARA URL: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/174689861 National Archives Identifier: 174689861 Accession Number: LTI-0330-2018-0182 Agency-Assigned Identifiers: 12323* Project ID: TV-789 Local Identifier: 330-DIMOC-REDSTONE1966 More on The Big Picture: http://www.armypictorialcenter.com/the_big_picture.htm

**Nominated for the 1965 Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Live Action) film under the title "Fortress of Peace".** This movie was produced as part of the Swiss National Exhibition of 1964 (Expo 64) held in Lausanne. The film was produced using the then new MCS-70 Super Panorama 70 mm format and printed in Technicolor. The gorgeous visuals presented in the film give insight into Switzerland's brand of direct democracy and relatively unique system of compulsory military service. A large-scale demonstration is given of various weapons in action, including aircraft, mechanized infantry and tanks. The movie focuses on individual soldiers and small units from the Swiss Army, Air Force, and Civil Defense. NOTE: Switzerland is not a member of NATO, or any other military alliance. The country has maintained a policy of strict neutrality since at least 1815 and perhaps as long ago as 1515. While the Russia - Ukraine war has prompted interaction with the Swiss regarding NATO membership, that notion has been discarded for the present. That has not, however, prevented Switzerland from working with NATO member militaries to ensure interoperability if required. Weapon Systems Seen: Panzer 57 Main Battle Tank AMX-13 (Leichtpanzer 51) Hawker Hunter F.Mk.58 Jet Fighter-Bomber De Havilland Vampire FB.6 Jet Fighter-Bomber MG52 Machine Gun SIG Stgw-57 Battle Rifle Ski Troops Towed Field Artillery Mortars Other Titles: "Wehrhafte Schweiz" (German - Defensive Switzerland) "Fortress For Peace" (English - 1965) "Nous Pouvons Nous Défendre" (French - We Can Defend Ourselves) Produced: 01.01.1964 Copyright: VBS/DDPS Creator: Lothar Wolff Produktion für Farner Looser AG, Zürich

This documentary short film describes how the United States Marine Corps trained its recruits in 1959 at Parris Island, South Carolina, home of the larger of the two Marine Corps Recruit Depots. Recruits are shown arriving at the base, being shorn of their hair, fitted for new uniforms, and taught military discipline and bearing. Training in hand-to-hand combat, riflery, close-order drill, and first aid is provided, and physical training through exercise, obstacle courses, and swimming is emphasized. Recruits who succeed in their training graduate as United States Marines. Music: Luis Humanoide via Pixabay: "The Glorious Army - Cinematic Epic Battle Music (Warhammer Inspired)": https://pixabay.com/music/main-title-the-glorious-army-cinematic-epic-battle-music-warhammer-inspired-155892/ Creator(s): Department of Defense. Department of the Navy. Naval Photographic Center. (12/1/1959 - ca. 1998) Record Group 428: General Records of the Department of the Navy, 1941 - 2004 NAID: 74546 Local Identifier: 428-MN-9525 URL: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/74546

The Boeing B-47 Stratojet was an American long range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The B-47's primary mission was to drop nuclear bombs on the Soviet Union. With tandem seating like a fighter; and engines carried in nacelles under swept wings--the B-47 was a leap in post-World War II combat jet design, and had a part in the development of modern jet airliners. The B-47 entered service with the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command (SAC) in 1951. It never saw combat as a bomber, but was a mainstay of SAC during the 1950s and early 1960s. The Stratojet remained in use as a bomber until 1965. It was also adapted to a number of other missions, including photographic reconnaissance, electronic intelligence and weather reconnaissance, remaining in service as a reconnaissance aircraft until 1969; and as a testbed until 1977. Starring actor Reed Hadley, this 1952 video from the United States Air Force (USAF) is a dramatized orientation film about the B-47 Stratojet (and jet aircraft in general). Film: TF 1-4727, The B-47: Pilot's Familiarization, 1952. URL: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/64185 NARA ID: 64185 Local ID: 342-TF-1-4727 NAIL Control Number: NWDNM(m)-342-TF-1-4727

This de-classified film produced by the UK Ministry of Defence provides a general introduction to SAS recruitment, training and operations. Operations in Urban, Arctic, Desert, Mountain and Jungle environments are shown. Missions of the regiment that are depicted include: Direct action using parachute, boat, helicopter and SCUBA; and VIP/Head of State protection, counter-insurgency (hearts/minds) operations Also shown is the 1980 anti-terrorism action executed by 22 SAS to end a violent situation at the Iranian Embassy in London. The embassy had been taken over by six members of the Democratic Revolutionary Front for the Liberation of Arabistan (DRFLA). Opening Montage Music: By Lesfm via Pixabay: "Crazy Energy": https://pixabay.com/music/rock-crazy-energy-115479/ Video publisher: The Imperial War Museums Producer: Services Sound and Vision Corporation (SSVC) for the UK Ministry of Defence Army Department Film C 1576 Year Produced: 1984 More info about the Imperial War Museums: https://www.iwm.org.uk/ More info about SSVC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Services_Sound_and_Vision_Corporation More info about the SAS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Air_Service More info about the Iranian Embassy Siege: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_Embassy_siege

This documentary was produced by North American Aviation to show the early testing and development of the X-15 rocket plane including the first flight on September 17th, 1959 at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Legendary test pilot, Scott Crossfield, was at the controls for the first flight. The X-15 flew faster and higher than any craft up to that time--eventually reaching Mach 6.72 and exceeding the 100 kilometer line that demarks the edge of space. The unsung pilots of the X-15 definitely had the "right stuff", and became the country's first astronauts. Opening Montage Music: By Muzaproduction via Pixabay: "Breakdown": https://pixabay.com/music/rock-breakdown-109096/ URL - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/68141 Producer: North American Aviation for the US Air Force Year Produced: 1959 NAID Identifier: 68141 Local ID: 342-USAF-29571

This US Army documentary covers the activities of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (The Blackhorse) in Vietnam. The unit proved that armored vehicles could be used effectively in the challenging weather, mud, and overgrown jungle terrain found in Vietnam. The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment is a uniquely independent combined-arms unit of the US Army. It functioned in Vietnam as a highly mobile armored fist, re-enforcing other units in action and a wide variety of other roles including scouting, convoy protection through enemy territory and jungle clearing. Arriving in Vietnam in 1966, operating out of Xuan Loc, East of Saigon in III Corps--they were responsible for numerous firsts that you'll see used in combat. The unit developed armored vehicles for local conditions like the "ACAV" Armored Vehicle, an essential upgrade of the M113 armored personnel carrier with additional machine guns & steel shields to protect gunners. ACAVs were soon adopted throughout Vietnam. The 11ACR were also the first to operate the Army's innovative new M551 Sheridan AR/AAV light tank. You'll also see the M-48A3 Patton tank that was used for heavier operations; the regiment's Air Cavalry component, "Thunderhorse"; as well as 103mm & 155mm self-propelled howitzers in the field. An Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge--or AVLB--is also seen in action. The 11th ACR teamed up with other units in numerous firefights, including the Australian Army in "Operation Santa Fe." More info on the Blackhorse: https://www.blackhorse.org/ More info on The Big Picture: http://www.armypictorialcenter.com/the_big_picture.htm URL - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/4523995 NAID Identifier: 4523995 Local ID: 330-DVIC-30249 Agency Identifiers: 30249DA TV 770