Explore four history changing events in WWII’s Pacific Theatre through first-person memories from people who were there when it happened or impacted by its effects.

Stories featured in the episode are:

1. The Attack on Pearl Harbor—Two eyewitnesses share what they saw, and four veterans describe how they learned of the event.
2. The Battle of Guadalcanal—SBD Dauntless gunner Tom Mohan was there at the beginning and takes us to the early days of the campaign as American began its island-hopping strategy in the Paciifc.
3. Marines of the Mosquito Bowl–Author Buzz Bissinger discusses his best-selling book, “The Mosquito Bowl,” that tells the story of the Marines of the 4th and 29th regiments as they prepare for, and execute, the Battle of Okinawa.
4. Dropping the Atomic Bomb—John Ross Truman, grand-nephew of President Harry S. Truman, takes us inside the President’s thinking about dropping the bomb as his uncle shared it with him.

Time Breakdown of the Video:

• 0:00 to 02:18–Introduction
• 02:19 to 06:43–Attack on Pearl Harbor
• 06:44 to 23:53–Battle of Guadalcanal
• 23:54 to 36:08–Marines of the Mosquito Bowl
• 36:09 to 40:16–Dropping the Atomic Bomb
• 40:17 to 43:37–Closing with Buzz Bissinger

We invite you to join us to discover, explore, and celebrate fascinating stories of America’s greatest generation.

Quick Ideas for Using the Video with Students:

1. Use the video as a whole or in parts as your students’ study World War II. Before viewing the episode, ask them what they know about the topics that are covered in the program. Then, after viewing the video, have students discuss new information they learned and how that information has impacted their understanding of how the revolution occurred.
2. Have students discuss the question: How would they have responded to the attack on Pearl Harbor? Have them place themselves as a person on the island or on the mainland either witnessing the event first-hand or learning of it that day. What would be their reaction? Have them compare this event with events in their lifetime they believe had similar impact.
3. Use the section on Guadalcanal to open student inquiry into America’s island-hopping campaign.
4. What is student response to the story of the Marines in the Mosquito Bowl? What insights does it give them into what it was like to be a soldier preparing for a battle but not knowing when that battle might come? What is their reaction to Mr. Bissinger’s description of the Battle of Tarawa? Have students research this battle more.
5. Have students react to Mr. Bissinger’s comments at the end of the program in a journal entry. How would they respond to his point in a conversation with him?