US Army: The Pentomic 101st Airborne Division (1956)

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