Card: "Paramount News issue no 13" / title card: "The Eisenhower story" / title card: "The motion Picture Industry, in the Public Interest, presents a special feature: 'The 'Eisenhower Story,' first of two special features on the coming election, Our next issue will present: 'The Stevenson Story'" / title card: "Presented by this theatre as a public service" / CU Dwight Eisenhower as US Army General / Eisenhower in cap and gown speaking / close shot of Eisenhower in regular civilian clothes speaking / Eisenhower's birthplace in Abilene, KS / people in front of home, Eisenhower in uniform standing under sign over gate saying "Eisenhower Birthplace" / bed in Eisenhower's boyhood bedroom / another part of room / still photo of Eisenhower as young man and unidentified woman / Eisenhower's senior picture in high school yearbook / two shots of Cadets marching at US Military Academy, which Eisenhower attended / map of Europe and North Africa with pointer touching spot on North Africa where US troops led by Eisenhower won victories during World War II / sailors manning gun on ship during war / Eisenhower on ship talking to US Navy officer / US troops running out of landing barge and onto beach / US artillery piece firing / artillery shell hitting tank and exploding / Eisenhower shaking hands with British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery / Eisenhower and Montgomery standing next to one another talking / Eisenhower standing at map on wall with other US officers / two shots of Eisenhower talking to US soldiers before D-Day Invasion / US soldiers coming out of landing barge while other soldiers wade towards beach on D-Day / German officer stepping up to table to sign German surrender / same officer signing surrender to Allied forces / Note: exact day not known

<p></p>\n<p><b>--SUPERS</b>--</p>\n<p>20694605 (ISO)</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>CNN Newsroom 1p</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Topic: Tuskegee Airmen</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Location: Detroit, MI</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Saturday June 8, 2024</p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p>LT. COL. HARRY STEWART JR.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>TUSKEGEE AIRMAN</p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p>(ROUGH LOG FROM CAPTIONS; PLEASE CHECK AGAINST TAPE)</p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p>FREDERICKA WHITFIELD 13:22:25:19 AND WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE TUSKEGEE AIRMAN, LIEUTENANT COLONEL HARRY STEWART WITH US TODAY. HE IS ONE OF FOUR IN THE 332ND TUSKEGEE AIRMEN FIGHTER JET GROUP, WHO ALSO EARNED THE DISTINCTION OF TOP GUN IN 1949, THE BEST OF THE BEST IN THE US AIR FORCE. AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT THEY FINALLY OFFICIALLY RECEIVED IN 2022. LIEUTENANT COLONEL HARRY STEWART. GREAT TO SEE YOU </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>LT. COL. HARRY STEWART 13:22:54:03 HI FEDERICA. HOW ARE YOU? >> I'M DOING GREAT, EVEN BETTER NOW THAT I GET TO TALK TO YOU >> THANK YOU. </p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p>13:23:04:02 FIRST OFF. THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU AND YOUR COMRADES, INCLUDING MY DAD, YOUR FELLOW COMRADE, SECOND LIEUTENANT MAL WHITFIELD, DID AND CONTINUE TO DO. YOU SERVED WITH THE 301st FIGHTER SQUADRON AS PART OF THE 332ND FIGHTER GROUP KNOWN AS THE RED TAILS. YOU THEN WENT TO ITALY WITH THE 15th AIR FOURTH AIR FORCE ESCORTING B17 B24 BOMBERS OVER ITALY, GERMANY, AND AUSTRIA SO I WONDER WHAT THIS WEEK AND THE CEREMONIES HAVE FELT LIKE TO YOU. DID IT REKINDLE YOUR EXPERIENCES? ARE YOU RELIVING IT? </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>STEWART 13:23:47:25 I AM AND I GOT UP EARLY THE DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY MORNING THERE TO WATCH THE FESTIVITIES OVER AT NORMANDY AND AS IT DOES EVERY YEAR I WELL UP WITH THE SADNESS AND I GUESS THE JOY ALSO THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET BACK HOME AND I WAS ABLE TO BE A PART OF THE FOUNDING OF THE WORLD WAR TWO VICTORY THERE BUT ALSO THE LOSS OF THE COMRADES THAT WE HAD OVERSEAS AT THE TIME THERE. THE TUSKEGEE AIRMAN, AS FAR AS THE RED TAILS WERE CONCERNED, AND THAT STANDS FOR THE FIGHTING ARM OF THE 332nd HAD 355 PILOTS GO OVERSEAS AND ONLY TWO OF THEM REMAIN TODAY. BUT I DO REMEMBER JUST ABOUT ALL OF THEM. AND EVEN AFTER THE WAR, I SURE MET YOUNGSTERS COMING INTO THE SERVICE AT THAT TIME THEN AND GUESS WHO WON WAS YOUR FATHER? I MET HIM. HE WAS THE 100th FIGHTER GROUP AND AND WE WERE AT (INAUDIBLE) AIR FORCE BASE THERE AND ANYWAY</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>>> YEAH I LOVE >> ITS JUST AMAZING HOW >> YEAH GO AHEAD>> JUST AMAZING HOW MUCH TIME CAN YOU GO BY, YOU KNOW AND HOW FAST IT GOES, WHY IN 100 YEARS IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE OR 80 YEARS AS FAR AS THE AS FAR AS THE INVASION WAS CONCERNED,</p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p>13:25:33:24 EXTRAORDINARY. I LOVED THAT THAT RECOLLECTION THAT YOU HAVE AS IF IT WERE JUST YESTERDAY. AND LIEUTENANT COLONEL, I MEAN, IT'S IT'S REMARKABLE. I THINK WE'VE ALL BEEN REMINDED THAT YOU, SO MANY OTHER SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN YOU WERE JUST 19, 20-YEARS-OLD, SOME WERE 16, YOU KNOW, MY DAD WAS DRAFTED RIGHT OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL. I NOW HAVE A 19-YEAR-OLD SON IN COLLEGE AND I CANNOT IMAGINE HOW YOU ALL WERE ABLE TO SHOULDER SUCH A HUGE MISSION. ARE YOU ABLE TO RECALL WHAT YOU WERE THINKING OR DID YOU THINK ABOUT THE GRAVITY OF WHAT YOU WERE ENCOUNTERING AND HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU WERE BEGINNING THESE MISSIONS? </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>STEWART 13:26:22:26 WHEN I BEGAN, I WAS 18 AND THEN I GOT MY PILOT'S WINGS AND MY SECOND LIEUTENANTS BARS AT 19 AND I DID NOT RECOGNIZE AT THE TIME THE GRAVITY OF WHAT WE WERE FACING I JUST FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS A DUTY OF MINE AT THE TIME THERE AND I I JUST STOOD UP TO MY DUTY.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p>13:26:52:18 LIEUTENANT COLONEL, I WONDER IF YOU CAN HANG WITH ME HERE BECAUSE WE'VE GOT LIVE PICTURES NOW FROM PARIS. [FRED THROWS TO LIVE PICTURES OF PARIS] AND PRESIDENT BIDEN AND FIRST LADY DR. JILL BIDEN HAVE JUST ARRIVED THERE AT THE (INAUDIBLE) PALACE THERE WILL BE A STATE DINNER BEING HOSTED BY FRENCH PRESIDENT MACRON AND THEIR LIMOUSINE, ALSO CALLED THE BEAST HAS JUST ARRIVED THERE. JILL BIDEN IS NOW STEPPING OUT OF THE LIMO LOOKING EVER SO GORGEOUS AND HER BLACK AND WHITE GOWN THERE AND NAVIGATING THE PEBBLE WALK THERE BEFORE GETTING TO THE RED CARPET RIGHT BEHIND HER THERE AND SHE'S ALSO BEING GREETED BY THE FIRST LADY OF FRANCE AND THE PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON ALSO THERE. NOW YOU SEE PRESIDENT BIDEN ALSO ARRIVING. AND I WONDER LIEUTENANT COLONEL AS WE MARVEL AT THESE GORGEOUS PICTURES OF THESE TWO PRESIDENTS AND THE TWO FIRST LADIES THERE IN PARIS. AND WE HEARD PRESIDENT BIDEN SPEAK THIS WEEK ON THIS FIVE-DAY TRIP ABOUT EVERY GENERATION MUST DEFEND LIBERTY. AND THE IMPORTANCE OF STANDING AGAINST TYRANNY WITH THE RISE OF AUTHORITARIANISM I MEAN, CAN YOU COULD EVER IMAGINED? BUT HERE IT IS, 80 YEARS AFTER YOU DESCRIBED YOU ARE 18-YEARS-OLD ON THESE MISSIONS THERE TO HELP LIBERATE FRANCE AND EUROPE FROM NAZISM, GERMAN NAZIS DID YOU EVER IMAGINE THAT HERE WE WILL BE 80 YEARS LATER AND WE'RE HEARING FROM THE SITTING PRESIDENT NOW TALKING ABOUT THE GROWING RISE OF AUTHORITARIANISM AND THE GROWING FEARS OF HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF? </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>STEWART 13:28:37:19 I DID NOT AND I STILL DO. I HAVE THOSE FEARS RIGHT NOW. AND I JUST HOPE AND PRAY THAT WE CAN OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM JUST LIKE WE OVERCAME THOSE DURING WORLD WAR II. </p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p>13:28:57:09 AGAIN WE'RE LOOKING AT LIVE PICTURES RIGHT NOW OF PRESIDENT MACRON FIRST LADY OF FRANCE, PRESIDENT BIDEN FIRST LADY OF THE UNITED STATES, NOW ENTER THE (INAUDIBLE) PALACE FOR THIS STATE DINNER AND I WONDER TWO LIEUTENANT COLONEL YES, YOU WERE HOPEFUL AND YOU'RE YOU'RE PRAYING AS YOU JUST ARTICULATED, WHEN PERHAPS YOU SAW AND LISTEN TO THE NAVY SEAWOMAN ON THURSDAYS CEREMONY THERE AT NORMANDY AND SHE SAID, SHE SAID A NUMBER OF BEAUTIFUL THINGS, BUT MOST SUCCINCTLY, SHE SAYS YOU WORLD WAR II VETERANS STAND RELIEVED WE HAVE THE WATCH. DID THAT RESTORE CONFIDENCE THAT YOU PERHAPS NOW EMBRACE AS A RESULT OF HEARING THIS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE NEXT GENERATION THAT MUST AND DOES EMBRACE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CONTINUED FIGHT FOR FREEDOM GLOBALLY. </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>STEWART 13:30:00:11 YES I STILL I MEET WITH EVERYTHING THAT SHE SAID BUT I GUESS THE FEELING THAT I GET RIGHT NOW, I WISH I COULD BE BACK THERE WITH THE ENERGY THAT I HAD AT THAT TIME AND WITH THE GUSTO THAT AHEAD AT THE TIME TO STAND UP AND FACE THESE PROBLEMS THAT WE HAVE TODAY ALONG WITH WHAT THE WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ABOUT THEM.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p>13:30:29:14 WELL LIEUTENANT COLONEL HARRY STEWART, YOU STILL GOT GUSTO AND YOU ARE CERTAINLY CONTINUING TO BE AND INSPIRATION. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING WITH US TODAY. WE CELEBRATE YOU, YOUR COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION TO FREEDOM ALL THAT YOU AND YOUR COMRADES HAVE DONE. AND AN EARLY HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER. NEXT ONE, I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AND TO HELP CELEBRATE >> THANK YOU >> YOU'RE MAGNIFICENT NESS, LIEUTENANT COLONEL HARRY STEWART. THANK YOU SO MUCH.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>STEWART 13:31:02:12 THANK YOU FREDERICKA.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>

The role and contribution of the U.S. Army Signal Corps in combat and war. Amphibious landings of the first wave of Allied troops including Signal Corps Units in Normandy, France on D Day during World War 2. The Joint Assault Signal Companies (a Signal Corps Unit that accompanies the soldiers on every beach landing) go ashore in Normandy. Soldiers in landing crafts approach the beach. Landing crafts anchored along the shore line. A U.S. flag on the beach. Crafts approach the beach. U.S. Army Signal Corps combat photographers using motion picture cameras to film the battle that ensues on the beach and in the fields. Gun fire and explosions in the battlefield, filmed by combat cameraman. Allied aircraft in flight. Airmen load weekly film reports of the war in all Theaters made by Signal Corps officers from a van into an aircraft. The films are sent to the Photographic Center in New York. A soldier assembles the films. Technicians organize and arrange the films. They place the film reels onto racks. The film content is used to make training and orientation films for the U.S. troops. Troops watch the films in order to cut down the training period, and stay informed about the order of event in other Theaters of Operation. The films include 'Why We Fight' and 'The Fighting Men' series. Clips and recordings from these films. Location: United States USA. Date: 1944.

Title reads: "First Pictures of Invasion of Riviera". <br/> <br/>South of France. <br/> <br/>Various L/Ss of convoy of invasion barges heading for the South of France, barrage balloons fly above them. High angled shot one of the craft. Great C/Us of American soldiers in landing craft listening to officer giving orders. Various shots of soldiers cleaning weapons, preparing for the assault. <br/> <br/>Air to air shots of Dakotas towing gliders to support invasion. Various shots of Naval barrage from allied ships off the coast. Various shots of landing craft heading towards shore. L/S of mass parachute drop. M/S of paratroopers jumping from aeroplane *. <br/> <br/>Various shots of German soldiers who have surrendered and rowed out to one of the convoy fleet in a rubber dinghy. The German's are helped aboard an Allied warship and voluntarily become prisoners of war. <br/> <br/>Various shots of landing craft heading towards land, they are partially hidden by smoke screen. M/S of men on one of the landing craft as they head towards the beach. Various shots of US troops hitting the beach. They receive no opposition and soon set up beachhead. Various shots of American soldiers guarding groups of German prisoners. Various shots American soldiers in fatigues walking through scrubland. <br/> <br/>* old records suggest these shots are library footage and were not taken at actual event.

Map of France showing advance of Allied troops in northern part of country since D-Day

First Pictures - Invasion of France

ISSUE_NO = 571A NO_OF_ITEMS = 6 ITEM_NO = 3 DESCRIPTION : FIRST PICTURES OF THE LOWLANDS INVASION - Belgians fleeing their country arrive in Paris. Brussels sustained a merciless attack with incendiary bombs causing many fires. CARD_FILE = 38999 CARD_TITLE : Lowlands Invasion SHOT_LIST : CU Newspaper. 4 shots mass of Belgians on Paris Station platform & boarding train. CU small flags. GV train pulls out of Station with people leaning from windows (x3). 4 shots of burning bombed building in Brussels with firemen & hoses. GV bombed house in a terrace. LS Burning building. GV Burning petrol store. CU's burning building (x2). 3 shots Allied motor cycle soldiers through streets. GV army lorries through streets (x2). War Scenes In France, Belgium and Luxembourg Various shots of the appalling havoc caused by Nazi planes. A church is in ruins. People try to remove some of their belongings and firemen are active trying to extinguish the blazes. Not far away is the wreck of a Nazi plane. KEYWORDS : Military - Active; Air Raids and War Damage; Media; Communications; Railways; Fire; Military Alliances; Occupied Countries; Aviation; Vehicles; Airforce - Active; Occupied Countries; Propaganda MATERIAL : TWTD Tape 55A LENGTH_SHOT = 175 DATE_SUBD = 05/16/1940

Allied invasion force loads up and ships off for southern France ten weeks after D-Day

Unused / unissued material - dates and locations unclear or unknown. <br/> <br/>Liberation of France. 'First Pictures of the invasion of Southern France'. <br/> <br/>High Angle shot shots of a large amount of a variety of military equipment in Naples. L/Ss of American landing vehicles. Various shots of soldiers. <br/> <br/>Shots of hundreds of landing craft at sea. M/S of General Alexander Patch and Admiral Hewitt talking. Several shots of the paratroopers on board Dakotas. Air to air shots of paratroopers jumping out of planes over southern France. <br/> <br/>Shots of warships firing at the coast. Several good shots of the landing craft. Soldiers running onto beach. Various shots of troops fighting, mortars being fired, explosions etc. M/Ss of dead German soldiers. Several more shots of troops coming ashore along with Sherman tanks. Tank moving down road. Various shots of civilians cheering as American troops advance.

'The Big Picture' episode narrated by Ronald Reagan depicts the life of U.S. General George S Patton, Jr. Opening scene shows General George S. Patton, Jr. stepping from a landing craft in France, during World War 2. He stands by the side of a road and waves, as elements of his 3rd Army pass in tanks. Patton in a jeep moving with his troops. General Patton pointing with a baton, in North Africa. View of a world globe being circled by a satellite. A baby picture of Patton (called "Georgie"). Patton seen as a boy, fencing, as a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute, and as a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point. A smiling Patton at West Point. Members of the first football team for soldiers established by Patton. Renault tanks of the 1st Tank Battalion moving with AEF soldiers in World War I. Tank commander George Patton standing in front of a Renault tank. Group picture of American soldiers and tanks, at the Tank School, in Fort Meade, Maryland, after World War I. Closeup of Dwight D. Eisenhower and George S. Patton, in the group. Patton and his wife, Beatrice Banning Ayer, in Old West costumes, for a party, where he displays a pistol in his belt, and in costumes for another party, where they dress as a knight and his lady on horseback. American recruits and draftees being issued uniforms in World War 2. Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Jr. commanding forces for the invasion of North Africa, in November, 1942. U.S. Navy warships fire their guns in advance of an amphibious landing. Landing craft heading toward shore. U.S. troops coming ashore at Casablanca, French Morocco. General Patton accompanied by French officers. Glimpse of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill at their conference in Casablanca in 1943. Patton riding in an armored car with three-star flag displayed. Artillery firing in battle of Tunisia. Lt. Gen. Patton and others observing operations. British General, Sir Harold Alexander, steps from a light airplane to meet with General Patton in North Africa. They converse. Patton and another officer looking through binoculars from a ridge by the village of El Guettar, as allies engage German troops and armor from the 10th Panzer Division. M3 Lee tanks moving in the desert. Knocked out tanks of the German 10th Panzer Division. General Patton coming aboard an American warship, and then standing with an Italian officer and a U.S. Major General. Allied naval bombardment at night. Patton observing though binoculars. Allied warships bombarding Sicily. Allied amphibious forces heading ashore in landing craft. Troops moving ashore. Closeup of troops in a landing craft. Glimpse of Patton in a landing craft. Troops walking across floating dock from a landing ship. U.S. flag flying in sand at beachhead. Landing ships in background. General Patton stepping ashore from small boat, and conversing onshore with a Brigadier General and some troops. Location: United States USA. Date: 1943.

Universal Newsreels Vol. 33 Release 81-88 (1960) Release Dates: Oct 6,1960 - Oct 31,1960 Oct 6, (Release 81)- 61 DIE IN BOSTON AIRLINER CRASH: an intensive investigation follows; COURIER SATELLITE LAUNCHED: From Cape Canaveral, a Thor-Able-Star rocket carries the 500 pound Courier communications satellite into orbit; WORLD SERIES OPENS: Yankees are brought to earth as their defense crumbles before a smashing Pittsburgh attack.Oct 10, (Release 82)- FLOODS RIP SOUTHERN FRANCE: The worst floods in decades ravage south and central France; The world premiere of SPARTACUS", is a glittering event; Football: ARMY LOSES TO PENN STATE; OHIO STATE CRUSHES ILLINOIS; WORLD SERIES: in the 5th game, the Pittsburgh nine stay in charge as they win5-2, putting them one key game ahead in the World Series games tally. Oct 13, (Release 83)- JAPANESE FANATIC SLAYS LEFT-WING LEADER: At a Tokyo rally, a Socialist leader is slain by an ultra-nationalist wielding a foot-long sword; RED U.N. DELEGATES DISRUPT U.N. SESSION; An Estonian crewman from Khrushchev's ship is granted sanctuary in America, and tells why he fled the Soviet empire; World Series Finale: Pirates vs. Yankees. Oct 17, (Release 84)- FREE CHINA'S BIRTHDAY: On Formosa, Nationalist China celebrates its 11th year in island exile; FOOTBALL: IOWA EDGES WISCONSIN, 28-21; TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO: ARMISTICE DAY- speaking at the Tomb of the UNKNOWN SOLDIER, FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT / FDR pledged America to the goal of Peace. Oct 20, (Release 85)- NIXON - KENNEDY: As a public service this factual close-up of the 1960 Presidential aspirants. Exclusive statements by both candidates. Kennedy is seen receiving ovation of Democratic National Convention following his victory on the first ballot. Nixon is hailed by Republican National Convention as successor to Eisenhower. Oct 24, (Release 86)- BRITAIN LAUNCHES FIRST NUCLEAR SUB; the Royal Air Force's "Black Arrow: jets soar; ALPINEERS SOUND HORNS: An unusual picture close-up on the world's most unusual musical instruments; HOLLYWOOD HAILS "SPARTACUS"; MOVIE PREMIERE FOOTBALL: IOWA DOWNS PURDUE 21-14. Oct 27, (Release 87)- MEXICO HAILS IKE: PRESIDENT DWIGHT EISENHOWER is presented with the keys to the city on his trip to Mexico; FRENCH PRESIDENT CHARLES DE GAULLE TOURS FRANCE; FOOTBALL: EAGLES UPSET BROWNS; TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO: ELECTION DAY - FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT / FDR returns to office; EARTHQUAKES shock North America; GREECE restores the monarchy. Oct 31, (Release 88)- Fidel Castro arms mercenaries of an "imminent invasion" of Cuba by the U.S. Khrushchev supports Castro's charges; Louis Armstrong arrives in the troubled Congo on a State good-will mission; CANADA VIES FOR FASHION HONORS; SPROTSl FOOTBALL - PITTSBURGH UPSETS SYRACUSE; NAVY DOWNS NOTRE DAME.

Title card: "INVASION OF SOUTHERN FRANCE" / dissolve to "First pictures of Invasion of Southern France. Ten weeks after D-DAY in Normandy...a second mighty amphibious attack, containing the great Allied offensive against Germany" / ANIMATED MAP showing invasion route of Allied forces into northern France / VS Naples Harbor filled with Allied Naval ships, olive trees on coast in fg / LS extreme high angle view of stores of supplies in field / VS trucks and other mobile equipment lined up on field / VS AERIAL and high angle views of allied landing craft anchored in Naples harbor / PAN dock piled high with equipment, landing craft in harbor in bg / LS row of LSTs (LANDING SHIP, TANK) moored at dock on which soldiers work among trucks and equipment as barrage balloons fly above / VS DUKW ("Ducks") amphibious vehicles backing up into open LST / MS artillery gun trailer attached to truck is backed into LST / MS bombs lifted by ropes and pulleys to load onto ship / LS extreme high angle view of troops scattered in various moving formations across beach / LS troops waiting to embark / MS troops walking with full packs and rifles / MS soldiers gathered around soldier who checks off their names prior to boarding / MLS soldiers enter ship / LS soldiers waiting to board / CU boots of soldiers climbing gangplank / MS sign painted on side of LST "GATEWAY TO GLORY" / VS ship convoy in harbor / MLS-PAN RIGHT Naval destroyers lined up in convoy as viewed from rear of ship, riggings in foreground / MWS Brigadier Gen. D. P. Saville, Maj. Gen, Alexander Patch Jr, Vice Adm. Henry Kent Hewitt, Navy Sec James Forrestal, and Rear Adm. Andre Lemonnier stand on ship deck / MS Patch, Lemonnier, Hewitt on deck / CU young US soldier sits on deck, sewing US flag onto shirtsleeve / MCU soldier looks at US flag on sleeve of another / CU "FRANCE" brassard with tricolor on sleeve / LS convoy moving away from camera, rear view of men on camera ship in fg / Note: exact day not known

DOCUMENTARIES & NEWSREELS

This episode of "The Big Picture" focuses on the armies of the United States, with a special focus on the First Army and the eight states that are included in its territory. At this time First Army operated to induct, train and support soldiers including the National Guard. The episode begins with a tour of Fort Jay, located on Governors Island near New York City. Fort Jay is the oldest defensive structure on the island. It was built to defend Upper New York Bay, but has served other purposes. The National Park Service administers Fort Jay together with Castle Williams as the Governors Island National Monument.<p><p>The First Army is the oldest and longest established field army of the United States Army. It now serves as a mobilization, readiness and training command. First Army was established on 10 August 1918 as a field army when sufficient American military manpower had arrived in France during World War I. As an element of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in the latter stages of World War I it was the first of three field armies established under the AEF. Serving in its ranks were many figures who later played important roles in World War II. First Army was inactivated in April 1919.<p><p>First Army's entry into World War II began in October 1943 as Bradley returned to Washington, D.C. to receive his command and began to assemble a staff and headquarters to prepare for Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy. Headquarters, First Army was activated In January 1944 at Bristol, England.<p><p>Upon going ashore on 6 June 1944, D-Day, First Army came under 21st Army Group and commanded all American ground forces during the invasion. <p><p>When the Germans attacked during the Battle of the Bulge, First Army found itself on the north side of the salient, and thus isolated from 12th Army Group, its commanding authority. It was, therefore, transferred, along with Ninth Army, to 21st Army Group on 20 December.[3] The salient was reduced by early February 1945. Following the Battle of the Bulge, the Rhineland Campaign began, and First Army was transferred back to 12th Army Group. In Operation Lumberjack, First Army closed up to the lower Rhine by 5 March, and the higher parts of the river five days later.<p><p>On 7 March, in a stroke of luck, Company A, 27th Armored Infantry Battalion (AIB), part of Combat Command B, found the Ludendorff Bridge across the Rhine at Remagen was still standing. It quickly captured the bridge and established a secure bridgehead. in the next 15 days over 25,000 troops and their equipment crossed the river. By 4 April, an enormous pocket had been created by First Army and Ninth Army, which contained the German Army Group B under Field Marshal Model, the last significant combat force in the north west of Germany. Whilst some elements of First Army concentrated upon reducing the Ruhr pocket, others headed further east, creating another pocket containing the German Eleventh Army. First Army reached the Elbe by 18 April. There the advance halted, as that was the agreed demarcation zone between the American and Soviet forces. First Army and Soviet forces met on 25 April.<p><p>In May 1945, advance elements of First Army headquarters had returned to New York City and were preparing to redeploy to the Pacific theater of the war to prepare for Operation Coronet, the planned second phase of Operation Downfall the proposed invasion of Honshu, the main island of Japan in the spring of 1946, but the Japanese surrender in August 1945 thanks to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki terminated that effort.<p><p>First Army returned to the United States in late 1945; first to Fort Jackson (South Carolina), then to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, returning to Fort Jay, Governors Island, New York in the spring of 1946. Twenty years later, in 1966, First Army relocated to Fort Meade, Maryland and took over the responsibilities of Second Army, which was inactivated. In 1973, First Army's mission changed from training and preparation of active units to Army Reserve units.<p><p>We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example like: "01:00:12:00 -- President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference."<p><p>This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com

This biographical film from 1962 titled “The Big Picture: General Douglas MacArthur” celebrates the career of the American military leader and esteemed military strategist, who after taking the oath of service at West Point, went on to have a robust and lengthy career. MacArthur served as General of the Army for the United States as well as field marshal to the Philippine Army. He was also Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II. The film, which was produced by The Army Pictorial Center and presented by the United States Army, pieces together archival footage as well as voice over by Walther Matthau to portray the life and accomplishments of the Army General.<p><p>Iconic "Big Picture" titles featuring rotating globe (0:16). Actor Walter Matthau speaks to camera (0:37). MacArthur’s historic speech before joint-session of Congress - Walter Cronkite as commentator (1:33). Young MacArthur with his father, General Arthur MacArthur, who fought in the Civil War and the Philippine Campaign during the Spanish-American War (2:24). Portrait of MacArthur from West Point (2:5!). MacArthur and classmates from West Point who went to the World Olympic Games (3:02). The end of the campaign in the Philippines (3:08). First assignment of MacArthur to survey lands of the Philippines including Bataan Peninsula (3:24). Chinese illustration - MacArthur’s studies of the “Far East” (3:40). World War I and the fight against the Germans (3:58). New Division of National Guard units during World War I and creation of the Rainbow Division xIii (4:09). Rainbow Division on their way to Europe (4:44). Battles from the trenches (5:21). Award ceremony - MacArthur celebrated by Secretary of War and General Pershing (5:59). MacArthur’s return to West Point on Hudson River in New York (6:13). MacArthur appointed Chief of Staff of the Army (6:32). MacArthur tours Europe to observe their military forces (6:54). Award ceremony in France recognizing his efforts towards the Allied cause (6:58). President Franklin D. Roosevelt appoints MacArthur to second term as Chief of Staff (7:37). MacArthur returns to Philippines to serve as their military advisor (7:50). MacArthur builds up the Philippines’ defense forces (8:20). Scenes from the beginning of World War II - MacArthur comes out of retirement (8:53). The Attack on Pearl Harbor (8:59). The Philippines under attack Battle of Corregidor and its importance in delaying further Japanese attack (9:32). Americans mobilizing (9:59). MacArthur carries on the fight from Australia (10:22). Bataan Death March of Filipino and US prisoners of war captured by Japan (10:47). MacArthur goes to New Guinea in order to return to the Philippines (11:15). Battles at sea in the Pacific (11:24). MacArthur develops a strategic plan of attack to take control of the Pacific (11:54-13:46). Japanese prisoners of war (13:59). Invasions in the Southwest Pacific continue (14:47). Map of key battles along the coast of New Guinea leading towards the Philippines (14:50). FDR meets MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz in Hawaii to go over strategy: Republic of Formosa or the Philippines? (15:15). Battle of Leyte Gulf (15:41). The road to Manila (17:38). Fighting in Manila (18:11). Civilians celebrate the return of MacArthur (19:01). MacArthur visits prison camps Santo Tomas, Davoa, and Cabanatuan and frees POWs (19:27). Closing ceremony aboard Battleship Missouri (20:22). MacArthur in Japan - social revolution towards western democracy (21:33). Interior of the National Diet of Japan (22:21). Invasion of Japan by military force from North Korea across the 39th Parallel - beginning of the Korean War (23:26). US and Japanese troops flown into South Korea (23:40). MacArthur as commander-in-chief of United Nations Forces in Korea (24:13). Inch'on Landing (24:35). Seoul returned to its rightful inhabitants (24:51). President Truman applauds MacArthur (25:00). Entrance of Chinese Communists into the conflict (25: 21). Welcome parades for MacArthur in the United States - San Francisco and Washington D.C. reception (25:52-26:38). MacArthur’s retirement speech (26:55).<p><p>We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example: "01:00:12:00 -- President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference."<p><p>This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com

Title card: "Invasion of Southern France" / title card: "First pictures of Southern France, Ten weeks after D-Day in Normandy ... a second mighty amphibious attack, continuing the great Allied offensive against Germany" / map of France, animation showing advance of Allied forces in northern part of country / Note: exact day not known

Compilation of material documenting the allied landings on the Northern Coast of France in 1944. Previously seen in Pathe Gazettes I presume. Not linked with new commentary. <br/><br/>C/U of a typewritten communique stating that the allied forces had begun landing that morning. Retrospective - footage of the evacuation of the B.E.F. and allied troops from Dunkirk in 1940 is shown. 4 years later, back to the same Normandy coast. Various shots of troops on board ship, D-Day, wading through the sea etc. "We announce the fact that never in the history of newsreels have such vast plans been made for the coverage of the last great act of liberation." Various shots of troops sleeping on deck, disembarking. First pictures of the opening of the second front. Overhead shot of aircraft from the sky. Bombers move over French coast and blast enemy lines of communication - various shots of explosions. Allied soldiers march through streets and board amphibious vehicles. Winston Churchill visits the assembled Armada. Various shots of Churchill including him giving his famous "V for Victory" sign. Various shots of British, Canadian and American troops boarding ships (some with bicycles). Boats move away from harbour. A truck pushes an amphibious vehicle. Speech by General Eisenhower heard over shots of boats moving through the sea carrying large number of troops. Barrage balloons, warships, amphibious vehicles, paratroops, aircraft, air force, men board C47s. General Pemberton (?) salutes as the aircraft move off. Night shots of aircraft taking off. Channel Islands are seen below the aircraft. Aerial shots of the scenes below the aircraft. <br/><br/>01:43:53 Shots of civilians rushing to buy newspapers for the latest information about D-Day landings. C/U of newspaperman and of various people reading newspapers as they go about their business. Some are working whilst they read - one man paints a shop sign, another climbs down into a manhole. The narrator promises "fuller news pictures which we will present in our next editions of Pathe Gazette." M/S of group of women walking along reading a newspaper.<br/><br/>01:44:20 June the 6th - allied bombers drop bombs on France. Aerial shots of explosions. Air to air shots of aircraft. Coast of Normandy seen from aircraft. Bombs drop. Buildings on fire seen from the air. Fighter aircraft shoot up enemy aircraft and ground targets. Various shots of fire from aircraft. Aircraft and buildings exploding. Troop carrier aircraft, gliders and tow planes mass for take off signal. Various shots of aircraft - large number on the ground with invasion markings of black and white stripes. Panning shot of aircraft on the ground. Aircraft take off, seen in flight. <br/><br/>01:46:40 Men board ship for the battle of Normandy. Various shots of men in uniform walking up gangplanks on to boats. Troop ships move away from harbour. Narrator states that the newsreel has been made longer to show more material of the landings. Aerial shots of sea. Panning shots of warships firing shots. Guns are fired. Shells are loaded. Enemy shells begin to drop among the landing craft. Beach heads are established - aerial shot of coastline and ships at sea. Smoke screens are blown across. Allied Service Photographic Units and newsreel cameramen put "this amazing scene on celluloid." More shots of combat. Soldiers walking along the beach, ships on fire, injured men, landing craft, etc. <br/><br/>01:49:46 First casualties are brought out to the waiting ships. Various shots of injured men being transported to ships which stand offshore. Men on stretchers are lifted aboard, others are helped by fellow soldiers. English side of the Channel. Tank landing craft bring injured men home to southern ports. Red Cross orderlies help the wounded ashore. A man is lifted into a Red Cross ambulance.<br/><br/>01:50:44 "...the Navy keeps up its cross channel service." Various shots of troop ships. Shots of the raging battle on the French coast. Various shots of amphibious vehicles making their way up onto the beach and men disembarking. Buildings on fire. Railway station of Bernieres (sp?) M/S of signpost to St Aubin. Concrete gun emplacements, beach obstructions, block houses are all blasted out of existence by the allies. Pneumatic drills and dynamite are used. Naval guns lying off shore and allied warships are shown. Bombs are dropped. Bridges and roads are severed. Various shots of aircraft in flight and bombs being dropped. Admiral Ramsay and General Dwight D Eisenhower aboard a warship - C/U of the two men. General Bernard Montgomery joins them. Shots of the three men. C/U of Montgomery. Montgomery is helped down the side of a ship. Monty goes ashore aboard an amphibious vehicle. He salutes and talks to other military men. Glider reinforcements fly overhead. The 6th British Airborne Division is singled out by the narrator for special praise. Panning shots of their aircraft on the ground and soldiers walking through a field.<br/><br/>01:55:20 D-Day plus one. Various shots of soldiers on the march. M/S of a Minefield sign with a scull and crossbones painted upon it. Men walk through war torn landscapes. Wrecked buildings, bomb damage. Various shots of combat - shots are fired, buildings on fire, explosions, smoke etc. Civilians - French shake hands with the British and point out army entrenchments. Men walk along railway line. Tanks roll through the Normandy streets. French civilians wave at the liberating armies. M/S of group of German prisoners of war surrendering with their arms up. Group of prisoners of war stand to attention. High angle of troops on the march.<br/><br/>01:57:26 Pathe cameraman Jock Gemmel turns his camera on a Rhino Raft laden with German prisoners. Shots of "hundreds of beaten Bosch" being transported to Britain. Prisoners are transferred to an LCT. Russian, French and Polish nationals are amongst the prisoners taken. Various shots of the prisoners including a Colonel, "a privileged voyager". Germans arrive in England. Panning shot of the prisoners lined up in the English port.

MISC. 1910'S NEWSREELS #6

NAME: FRA DIANA 140904 TAPE: EF04/0916 IN_TIME: 10:38:48:14 DURATION: 00:01:46:13 SOURCES: APTN DATELINE: Paris - 14 Sep 2004 RESTRICTIONS: SHOTLIST 1. Exterior Paris Court of Justice 2. Outside shot of courtroom where verdict is being delivered 3. Accused photographer Jacques Langevin wearing leather jacket enters courtroom with his lawyer 4. Langevin inside courtroom seen through window glass 5. SOUNDBITE: (French) Jacques Langevin, Accused Photographer "This is the kind of case that can go on forever. And it's not finished I think. It's the kind of case that can last forever. We'll make films, detective stories, and novels about it. It's that kind of a story." 6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Jacques Langevin, Accused Photographer "I feel good. You know before coming I felt confident about the issue. So it's not the final issue because Mr. Fayed can go to the cassation (Supreme Court of Appeals) in French so he can try again but I think the judge confirmed what they decided before and it's good, it's good." 7. Langevin and his lawyer descending staircase of courthouse 8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Jacques Langevin, Accused Photographer "I hope that this is the end. It's finished completely. I hope it. But as I told you, it depends on Mr. Fayed, if he wants to go further. I think this man wants to go in many directions so I don't know exactly what he wants." 9. Langevin and attorney walking out of courthouse Paris Appeals Court wide shot STORYLINE A Paris appeals court upheld on Tuesday the acquittals of three photographers accused of invasion of privacy, after they took pictures of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed at the scene of their deadly crash. Jacques Langevin, Christian Martinez and Fabrice Chassery were first acquitted last November. Dodi Fayed's father, Egyptian-born billionaire Mohammed Al Fayed, filed an appeal, which was rejected by the Paris court. The three men were among the swarm of photographers who pursued the car carrying Diana and her boyfriend across Paris on the 31st of August 1997. They took photos, that were never, published after the car crashed into the pillar of a traffic tunnel. A five-year investigation into the crash concluded that chauffeur Henri Paul, who was also killed, had been drinking and was speeding.

OUR WORLD - 1944 #21

This film, an episode of the venerable show "Biography", tells the story of Benito Mussolini; the first modern dictator of a united Italy. The film opens with images of Mussolini delivering one of his passionate speeches to supporters (:09). He and his fascist party ruled for over Italy for 20 years. Mike Wallace narrates (:58). This series was produced by the great and prolific David L. Wolper (1:04). Benito came into power at the close of WW1 as he stirred public support with spectacular parades and claims to the working man (2:07). He was born in 1893 in the village of Predappio, nestled in the mountains of Central Italy (2:55). His father, Alessandro is pictured to be a socialist agitator (3:04). At nineteen, Mussolini completed schooling (3:21). Later he embraced radical socialist politics and began writing for Socialist newspapers (3:31). He was arrested for insighting a riot (3:52) landing himself in jail for a year. Rachele Guide; and Benito were common law married in 1911 (4:03). Due to frustrations over ineffectiveness, Mussolini left the Socialist party (4:03). Scenes follow from the close of WW1 in 1918 (4:41). Woodrow Wilson is pictured as he arrived in Italy with his dream of the League of Nations (4:44). Initially Italians praised Wilson (4:54) until Italy was stripped of gained territories from the war. Protests erupted (5:05). The Italian ‘shock troops’ known as the Arditi became Benito’s tool for stirring up discontent and violence (5:17). The Fascist movement began to grow. In October of 1922 Mussolini addressed supporters in Naples (5:55). Riled by his speech, the crowd began to march on Rome (6:22). Mussolini hid due to fear from the repercussions of his own actions. The former government of Luigi Facta crumbled (6:45). On January 3, 1925 at a League of Nations (7:20) Benito declared himself dictator of Italy and outlawed any other political party (7:58). Indoctrination of children (8:33). A bonus was offered to newlyweds promising to reproduce in that year (9:09). Hospital nurseries overloaded (9:16). In order to support the population boom, Mussolini began a ‘Battle for Wheat Campaign’ (9:37). Throughout his career, ‘Il Duce’ gave the impression of being a thrill seeker (10:34) and a family man (11:19). Well informed citizens knew he spent most of his time with his mistress Clara Petacci (11:41). Mussolini is pictured singing along with his troops (12:15). In 1929 he set to tackle the issue between church and state by signing the Lateran Treaty (12:56). By 1934, Italy was a militarized police state (14:12). Hitler copied much of Mussolini’s methods. He arrived in Venice to meet the Italian dictator (14:50). Hitler appeared weak against Mussolini (15:15). Less than a month later, Hitler organized the assassination of the Austrian Chancellor (15:56). Mussolini sent 4 divisions to the Austrian border in response (16:02). He then launched a war against Ethiopia (16:45). The war ended after seven years on May 3rd, 1936 (17:39). Emperor Haile Selassie fled (17:46) and Rome celebrated victory on May 9th (17:54). In 1937, Mussolini was invited to go to Germany (18:11). Hitler installed an elaborate military welcome (18:19). The Italian army mimics the Nazi ‘goose step’ (18:47). Hitler is pictured among his top men including Herman Goering (19:06) as they plot to invade Czechoslovakia. Mussolini, believing himself to be peacemaker, organized the Munich Conference with Britain’s Neville Chamberlain (19:27) and the French Premier Edouard Daladier. Hitler was offered 1/3rd of Czechoslovakia and played Mussolini as a tool for expansion. On September 1st, 1939, Germany invaded Poland (20:10). On June 10th, 1940 Mussolini ordered the invasion of France (20:34) and launched a campaign against the British in Africa (20:48). Hitler sent the Afrika Korps to assist (21:01). The battle tides shifted at El-Alamein (21:32) as Rommel lost the offensive. The Allied forces invade Sicily (22:02). Mussolini was held captive at Gran Sasso (22:26) and Hitler sent a rescue squad to rescue the dictator (22:32). He reunites with his son (22:56) and returns to Italy to build defense against the Allies. Allied forces liberate Rome (23:19) in 1944. The dictator was captured by Italian partisans and sent to face the firing squad with Clara (23:32). Theirs and Mussolini’s henchmen’s bodies were strung up in front of Italian mobs (23:56) on April 29th 1945. <p><p>This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com

NAME: FRA ANNIVERSARY 140804N TAPE: EF04/0814 IN_TIME: 10:46:13:00 DURATION: 00:03:04:19 SOURCES: APTN/AP Photos DATELINE: La Motte, 14 Aug 2004/ File RESTRICTIONS: see script SHOTLIST: APTN La Motte - 14 August 2004 1. Wide shot of ceremony honouring parachutists of Operation Dragoon, US national anthem being played 2. US band playing anthem 3. Nine British parachutist veterans lined up to receive the Legion of Honour 4. British, French and US flags 5. Various of Hubert Falco, France's minister for the the third age, presenting the medals AP Photos - No Access Canada/ Internet 6. STILL - World War II landing ships are silhouetted beneath the long muzzle of a gun on a Coast Guard combat cutter in this August 15, 1944, photo, during Operation Dragoon. 7. STILL - American and allied troops wade through the water from a LST (Landing Ship Tank) on an unidentified beach, east of Toulon, southern French riviera, as part of Operation Dragoon, in this August 16, 1944, photo. 8. STILL - Thousands of U.S. 3rd Division troops wait to board Landing Ships Tanks on an unidentified beach in Italy in preparation for Operation Dragoon in this August 10, 1944, photo. 9. STILL - Barrage Balloons hover overhead as a line of WW II Landing Ships Tanks are loaded with vehicles and supplies in a southern Italian harbour in this August 15, 1944, file photo in preparation for Operation Dragoon in the southern French Riviera. 10. STILL - Allied anti-aircraft gunners who had earlier landed on the southern coast of France, fill the air with flak as they fight off a night air raid by German planes in this August 21, 1944 file photo. 11. STILL - American and allied parachute troops are dropped from C-47 planes of the U.S. Army 12th Air Force troop carrier division, as paratroopers and supplies float between Nice and Marseille, southern French riviera, during Operation Dragoon in this August 16, 1944, photo. APTN La Motte - 14 August 2004 6. Nine British parachute veterans lined up 7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Robert August Reiber, 5th Scottish Parachute Battalion, The Parachute Regiment: "Well I was 23 years of age, I'm 83 years young now, we don't say old, we say young, and if we have any concern at all it is hoping that you will all be here to say hello to us when we return in ten year's time and have our 70th anniversary. But, no, it's a pleasure being here." 8. Reiber showing off Legion of Honour and other medals, pull out to show photographer showing him the picture he has just taken 9. British bagpiper playing 10. Veterans and family on hill 11. Falco laying wreath at monument to parachutists along with representative of British embassy in France (on right) and member of UK armed forces (on left) 12. Various of veterans standing as national anthems are played 13. Various of British veterans getting into golf buggies and driving off for next ceremony STORYLINE: France opened a weekend tribute on Saturday to the soldiers who helped liberate its land from Nazi Germany's grip in one of the least remembered military operations of World War II - the Allied invasion of southern France. On the eve of a fanfare ceremony before 16 heads of state, and representatives from six other countries - mainly former French colonies in Africa - France thanked British and American veterans of Operation Dragoon for their fearless role in what is best known as "The Other D-Day." The operation came 10 weeks after the bigger, bloodier Normandy invasion of June 6, 1944, and pushed German troops into a closing Allied pincer movement. The weekend of official remembrance began in the small town of La Motte north of Saint Tropez - the first to be liberated. Operation Dragoon started there 60 years ago, on August 15, 1944, when over 9,000 British and American paratroopers jumped from Allied planes into the pre-dawn sky to pave the way for the amphibious landings in an assault by some 350,000 soldiers. Officials bestowed France's most prestigious award, the Legion of Honour, on nine British veterans. Nine American veterans were being honoured later on Saturday at Rhone American cemetery, where 861 U.S. soldiers are buried, near Draguignan. Hundreds of veterans, many stooped with age, and onlookers attended the La Motte ceremony on a rolling golf course surrounded by the clay-coloured hills of the Provence region. "Sixty years ago, you came here so we could be free," Hubert Falco, France's minister for the aging, told the vets. "France will never forget." Under heavy fog and darkness, many of the Allied paratroopers who were supposed to land in the grassy plains around La Motte were dropped off target, making it difficult to regroup. Some plunged into the Mediterranean and perished. Strategically, the southern assault echoed Normandy's Operation Overlord on a smaller scale. Thousands of soldiers parachuted inland overnight ahead of the amphibious landings that delivered troops to beaches between Cannes and Toulon. But the similarities between the two operations ended there. When landing craft pulled onto the French Riviera's beaches, soldiers met minimal resistance. There was no equivalent down south to Hitler's fierce Atlantic Wall in Normandy, and many veterans recall no fighting their first day ashore. The chaos of battle has prevented a definitive Allied death toll, but the French Defence Ministry says 1,300 Allied soldiers died in the operation's first two days. Unlike the Normandy landings, some 200,000 of the troops who stormed ashore in the south were from France's Africa army, made up of men from its colonies. African heads of state make up the majority of leaders present on Sunday when President Jacques Chirac honours the soldiers of Operation Dragoon. Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade says he will establish an annual holiday - Aug.23 - to commemorate the "forgotten" role the hundreds of thousands of African troops played in France's World War II liberation.