The Big Attack: Combat Heroes of WWII
Season 1
This is a WWII series like none other. These are true, untold combat stories of everyday citizen-soldiers fighting on the front lines of Europe. Witness the battle action of tank crews, infantrymen, paratroopers, French resistors, nurses, medics and more. See the war through their eyes, feel what they feel, fear what they fear. Filmed in Germany using real GI's as actors.
13 Episodes
- Big Slim
E1Big Slim"Big Slim" is an aviation legend. During a nail-biting engagement in the skies over Europe, Sgt Fred "Big Slim" Richardson's tall frame was struck by thirty-six pieces of shrapnel. To any other man, such wounds would have been fatal, but Big Slim was different, toughing it out to lead his unit to victory. Such courage sees the Sergeant remembered even all these years later. Stars Jim Hutton. - Rough Riders
E2Rough RidersSpeeding behind German lines the men of Troop A, in their armored cars and half-tracks left destruction and fear in their wake. Surprising the German garrison at the town of Epernay, they established an outpost from which they could defend a counter-attack. Outnumbered and outgunned with thirteen rounds of ammunition left, these brave GI's held this vital town until re-enforcements could arrive. - Five Men of Steel
E3Five Men of SteelIt took "men of steel" to operate Sherman tanks. The crew of the tank dubbed "Dehydrated Hell" is assigned to act as a decoy to lure the elusive German 6th Panzer Division into the open. What happens to them as the Panzers close in and their efforts to stay alive until back-up arrives, ends in an exciting climax as the crew, under command of Lt Morrison proves they are true "men of steel". - Rugged Company K
E4Rugged Company KThis is the thrilling story of one of the most decorated companies in the Army, Company K, 18th Infantry Regiment known as "The Bloody One". K is ordered to lay siege to an entire German infantry battalion impregnably fortified on high ground. The heroism of Lt. Johnson and the fearless acts of every soldier in the company are portrayed in this stirring tribute to the rugged men of Company K. - The Mute
E5The MuteThis is the true story of an American paratrooper rescued by the French underground in Normandy under the noses of German troops. Meet Glen Robinson, a U.S. Captain, underground members, including lovely Lucienne, the Mute himself "Gabby" Mosely. Nicknamed for his gift of gab, he assumes the identity of a deaf-mute to avoid capture and teams with Lucienne to sabotage enemy communications. - Private Lopez
E6Private LopezMeet Jose Lopez, a man who can forage chicken from deserted farms and cook it, a la Mexican, but also a fighting man. Watch him prove himself, carrying weapons and ammunition through enemy fire, firing his machine gun with deadly accuracy, holding off almost singlehandedly a deadly attack. Watch this Laredo, Texas, born-and-bred soldier earn the nation's highest award and the nickname, "Tex". - One Demerit to Go
E7One Demerit to GoOn the brink of failure, many give up but some fight twice as hard. Establishing a military academy in Munich, the Seventh Army trained non-commissioned officers. One of these students, Sgt. Leon Carroll had, to this point, received twenty demerits. He mobilized all his intelligence and leadership to complete his course avoiding the final demerit which would result in discharge. - Deferred Bride
E8Deferred BrideRefusing to postpone marriage until the War's end, Nurse Nancy Howard, was determined to be as close to her man as possible. When Lt. Hank Reed was sent overseas as an infantry platoon leader, Nancy enlisted as an Army nurse. Thanks to coincidence and the cooperation of the company Chaplain and the hospital surgeon, the lovers were reunited to return home together for their long-awaited marriage. - Little Private
E9Little PrivateNothing prepares soldiers to be surrounded by enemy tanks and infantry. When tasked with defending a recently captured town in Bastogne, Belgium, Joe's aging platoon awoke to find themselves surrounded, outnumbered and outgunned. His platoon dumbfounded; Private Joseph Richardson took matters into his own hands. Grasping a bazooka Joe sought to break up the German counterattack. - The Valiant Few
E10The Valiant FewFaith conquers fear. Caught behind enemy lines with their Paratroop Battalion, Chaplain Francis Sampson and Medic Fred Banners tend to their wounded unit. But paralyzed by fear of the barrage of shells, Banners is more trouble than help. The Chaplain's faith comes into full force, insisting to remain with the wounded while his unit retreats. Witnessing true faith, the Medic Banners goes to work. - The Invisible Soldier
E11The Invisible SoldierWhen infantry comes up against tanks, the odds are on the tanks. The 908th Field Artillery Battalion was tasked to clear a road littered with German tanks; their chances were slim. The surrounding forest camouflaged the enemy's tanks. The 908th needed an "invisible soldier" to provide targeting coordinates to the enemy's big guns. Sgt. Pemberton, previously called "chicken", was that man. - Take Command
E12Take CommandReaching the heart of Hitler's Third Reich brought some of the war's bloodiest battles. As East Company, 253rd Regiment, 63rd Infantry advanced through Untergresheim to secure a vital bridge over the River Jagst, they realized they were without an officer. In their moment of need, Sgt. Webb and Private First-Class Brad Fisher took up the challenge and took command. - Ma Horner
E13Ma Horner This is the story of a young apple-cheeked Sergeant nick-named "Ma" by his men because of his protective nature toward their scouting unit. It is also the tale of Pat Cassidy, a looter of watches and wine and a member of Horner's unit. How these two opposites combine their talents to single-handedly capture a German-held land mine control center, makes a spellbinding, action-packed episode.