Story Of A Squad - The Big Picture

National Archives and Records Administration
ARC Identifier 2569681 / Local Identifier 111-TV-415
Big Picture: Story of a Squad
DVD Copied by Timothy Vollmer. "Story of a Squad" has a quiet beginning, but encompasses the activities of an elite infantry paratrooper squad from the time they arise in the early morning until the day is finished. They are a small, but important segment of the United States Seventh Army in Germany. They are on round-the-clock alert to repel attack from the Communist east, and by their example of readiness, to deter the enemy from launching such an attack. The "Story of a Squad," told through the full cycle of a day's hard training, and an evening's easy relaxation, is a story about Americans in uniform. They are held together, all of them, by the invisible tie of esprit, by the powerful band of confidence in each other and their ability to carry out their mission.

[@asmodeus0454]

This episode must have been produced in the late 1950's or early '60's. And it looks and sounds it 60+ years later.

[@montysmith6355]

a grunt by any other name is still a grunt, no matter what branch your in.

[@stephenbritton9297]

SGT Marks saw some action during the last war with the Jarheads I see!

[@sgtmayhem7567]

I noticed that Guadalcanal patch too.

[@kfourom]

The 11th Airborne Division was reactivated on 1 February 1963 and renamed the 11th Air Assault Division (Test).[84] This was done on the recommendation of the U.S. Army Tactical Mobility Requirements Board, also known as the 'Howze Board' after its president Lieutenant General Hamilton H. Howze. the division was inactivated for the final time on 29 June 1965. The colors and subordinate unit designations of the 1st Cavalry Division were transferred from its post in Korea to Fort Benning, Georgia, where they were used to reflag the 11th Air Assault Division into the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

[@beretverde8669]

This is filmed when the 11th was in Germany, prior to its inactivation.

[@The508ranger]

Made in Mid 1950s ....T-10 original chutes before the improved pack trays and dust covers on the cape wells. Squad still using BAR and not the M-60A1.

[@0302ak74]

Some of the soldiers are armed with M-14 rifles which were first issued in 1957.Looking at the other equipment I'd say this was filmed around 1960.

[@oldotliensian4952]

Since this is the 11th Airborne Division, which was inactivated in 1958, it must be before then.

[@ryleeryan3738]

I was in the HERD in Nam. If you were a RA and had time left after Nam you typically went to the 82cd. It was considered kinda bad duty. Most guys left as e-4s or e-5s. Hell that was the whole squad except for a few cherries. The lifers (tops etc) hated us! Wise guys w a crummy tour in Nam! My tops were WW11 vets! Luckily I was a US so I was ETS out of Nam. I always remember a pic of a pal from Nam pushing a broom!! Joe Ryan A/3/503 173RD AIRBORNE

[@sgtmayhem7567]

A Paratrooper is a Paratrooper is a Paratrooper.

[@RonJohn63]

I wonder if this seemed as hokey 50+ years ago as it does now?

[@seikichimcdaniel4827]

does anyone know what regiment this is if you do pleas let me know thanks

[@stephensmith5982]

Sergeant Marks or Marx the squad leader is a sergeant first class this must be sometime after Korea and before 1957.

[@jfunnyguy]

Does anyone know what year this was filmed?

[@sgtmayhem7567]

I think it was 1955.

[@GMATveteran]

Lol... now I know where the habit of including a token black guy came from - the Big Picture series. :-D

[@miroslavstafi]

15:52 LUL

[@sgtmayhem7567]

A Paratrooper is a Paratrooper is a Paratrooper.

[@sgtmayhem7567]

A Paratrooper is a Paratrooper is a Paratrooper.