PBS Military Specials

West Point reveals the institution's influence on the nation throughout the past 200 years, particularly during the early years of westward expansion, the Civil War and the mass conflicts of the 20th century. Fascinating and unusual anecdotes of the people, places and traditions are featured, including tales of famous West Point dropouts such as Edgar Allan Poe and James McNeill Whistler. The program conveys the vibrancy, sense of fraternity and fierce loyalty that mark the West Point experience.

From Bull Run to Mogadishu, American Valor takes a moving and compelling look at America's military heroes - the brave soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen whose actions have earned them the country's highest recognition - the Medal of Honor. Their stories unfold through newsreel footage, photographs, military art and interviews with recipients and comrades who witnessed their heroic acts.

This documentary examines the unique warrior culture of the United States Marine Corps. The corps' "Warrior Ethos" is ingrained into Marines from their earliest training. The program focuses on this training and considers what it takes to become and to be a Marine. The program also examines the strong bonds between Marines and their devotion to the corps, and explores some of the key moments in Marine Corps history. With significant access to Marine Corps training facilities, including boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, and officer candidate school at Quantico, Virginia, Twenty-nine Palms, California, training facility and the Marine Corps Martial Arts program, the documentary reveals critical aspects of Marine development. Marine Corps history is woven throughout the program, which includes an interview with a surviving member of the Mainer Raiders of World War II. The documentary also profiles the new Marine Corps Museum in Quantico.

Exploring the personal and heartfelt story of the Navajo Code Talkers, this program tells the stories of the young Navajo men recruited from harsh government boarding schools into the Marines during World War II. From 1942-1945, the Code Talkers devised an unbreakable code in their native language and transmitted vital messages in the midst of combat against the Japanese.

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE follows a fighter pilot described by his fellow Black Aces as “more of a lover than a warrior”, an ordnance seaman who discovered right before he departed that his new girlfriend was pregnant, and a tough talking Marine who loves to salsa dance; three of the five-thousand people serving on the aircraft carrier Nimitz. The film offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the people who are fighting America’s wars.

The story of the Medal of Honor - the highest U.S. award for valor in combat - is told through personal accounts of bravery and daring. The medal, dating from Civil War through the war in Iraq today, is presented to individuals for service "above and beyond the call of duty." Most have been awarded posthumously, yet in this film 13 living recipients tell their inconceivable stories. This documentary about finding courage and succeeding against overwhelming odds transports audiences to the battlegrounds of Little Round Top, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq.

This hour-long program visits America’s overseas military cemeteries. There are twenty-three American World War I and World War II military cemeteries in eight different countries. Each of these places is a national treasure, with fascinating stories to tell. The program weaves elements of a historical documentary with beautiful, contemporary scenes of the cemeteries, and powerful stories about the men and women who are buried in them.