Narrow Escapes of World War II episode 4: The 333rd Field Artillery Battalion, a depleted unit of black soldiers, risked everything to tenaciously fight off the Nazis at Bastogne. When Hitler launches his final major offensive on the Western front, everything turns on the ability of the U.S. Army to hold the town of Bastogne. Outnumbered 10 to one, an artillery unit of African American soldierswith little combat experience and even less respect from their white colleaguesmust stand fast against the battle-hardened troops of the Waffen-SS. Unsung heroes: the battalion of black soldiers who were surrounded, down to their last ten rounds, and yet who helped win the Battle of the Bulge.
At Christmas, 1944, Hitler made his last great gamble to win the war. His plan: to cut the Allied army in two in the so-called Battle of the Bulge. Key to it all was the taking of the town of Bastogne. But waiting for his troops there was the 333rd Field Artillery. It was made up of black soldiers, led by white offices from America s segregated south. They were sneered at by most US troops. But at Bastogne they made one of the heroic stands of the war, surviving atrocities by the SS and prejudice from their own side. This film features the emotional reminiscences of George Shomo, one of the last survivors of the 333rd.
Narrow Escapes of World War II tells the real stories of courageous and deadly fights against impossible odds. The extraordinary stories of heroes; men who stand up and fight when everything seems lost. Those brilliant generals, ferocious warriors and individual acts of courage that can turn the tide in a war, and whose stories can still be told as shining examples of bravery and courage. This series combines eyewitness and expert testimony with specially shot material, dramatic reconstruction and archive much of it previously unseen.
Revisit some of the most daring missions of World War II as recounted by leading historians, military experts, and occasionally by the participants themselves. These 13 gripping episodes feature operations that took place all over the world—from the jungles of Southeast Asia to the steppes of southern Russia, from the foothills of the Himalayas to the frozen waters of the Baltic and the skies over Nazi-occupied France. With the benefit of original film footage, informative maps, and dramatic recreations, Narrow Escapes tells stories of valor, suffering, dedication, and determination—exploits of bravery that helped shape the outcome of the Second World War and continue to inspire today.
Narrow Escapes of World War II episode 4
The 333rd Field Artillery Battalion was a segregated African American unit that served in World War II. The battalion was formed in 1942 at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma, and was composed of black soldiers from across the United States. The battalion was assigned to the European Theater of Operations and saw action in Italy and France.
During the war, the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion played a crucial role in supporting Allied operations. The unit was equipped with 155mm howitzers and provided artillery support to infantry units, helping to break through enemy lines and advance Allied positions. The battalion was also responsible for providing artillery fire to protect Allied troops from enemy counterattacks.
Despite the important role they played, the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion faced discrimination and segregation throughout their service. Black soldiers in the unit were often relegated to menial tasks and were denied opportunities for advancement. They were also subjected to racist treatment from white soldiers and officers. Despite these challenges, the soldiers of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion distinguished themselves through their bravery and skill on the battlefield. In one notable action, the unit provided critical artillery support during the Battle of the Bulge, helping to stop the German offensive and turn the tide of the war.
After the war, the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion was deactivated, but their legacy lives on. The unit’s contributions to the war effort helped to pave the way for the desegregation of the U.S. military and the broader civil rights movement. Today, the soldiers of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion are remembered as heroes who served their country with honor and distinction.
The 333rd Field Artillery Battalion played a critical role in the Allied victory in World War II. Despite facing discrimination and segregation, the soldiers of the unit served with bravery and skill, earning the respect and admiration of their fellow soldiers and commanders. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and contributions of African American soldiers throughout U.S. history.
