WWII in HD is a 10-part American documentary television miniseries that originally aired from November 15 to November 19, 2009 on the History Channel. The program focuses on the firsthand experiences of twelve American service members during World War II, including an Army nurse, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, a second generation Japanese American and prisoner of war, and an Austrian Jewish immigrant. The twelve members recorded their time in both theaters and some had later interviews; found footage from the battlefield was paired with the stories of the twelve service members. The episodes premiered on five consecutive days, with two episodes per day. The series is narrated by Gary Sinise and was produced by Lou Reda Productions in Easton, Pennsylvania, United States.
WWII in HD (Season 1)
Darkness Falls (Episode 1) 8.0
Writer: Matthew Ginsburg
Air date: 2009-11-15
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: Darkness falls... and Europe falls under Nazi control. America was unprepared for joining the war and got hit hard with the attack on Pearl Harbor. North Africa and Guadalcanal were the first bloody battlegrounds.
Hard Way Back (Episode 2) 8.0
Air date: 2009-11-15
Runtime: 47 min
Overview: The Allies take on the daunting forces of the Axis, with victory far from certain. Charles Scheffel battles Rommel's forces in Tunisia and Jack Werner faces bitter combat in the northern Pacific.
Bloody Resolve (Episode 3) 8.0
Air date: 2009-11-16
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: The Marines assault Tarawa in one of the bloodiest battles yet waged. MacArthur island-hops and Italy's front lines claim a casualty.
Battle Stations (Episode 4) 6.0
Air date: 2009-11-16
Runtime: 45 min
Overview: The Allies lay plans for the invasion of France; Bert Stiles and the 8th Air Force attempt to clear the skies over Normandy, while the Pacific remains a quagmire. D-Day arrives.
Day of Days (Episode 5) 6.0
Air date: 2009-11-17
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: The Allies are bogged down in Normandy's hedgerows in the aftermath of D-Day, while on Saipan, victory turns to horror.
Point of No Return (Episode 6) 8.0
Air date: 2009-11-17
Runtime: 45 min
Overview: The Allies race toward Germany as American Marines battle for ground on Peleliu and across the bloody Pacific.
Striking Distance (Episode 7) 8.0
Air date: 2009-11-18
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: American forces storm the Philippines while Shelby Westbrook is shot down over Europe. Jack Yusen battles the dangers of the deep when his ship is sunk after a heroic duel.
Glory and Guts (Episode 8) 8.0
Air date: 2009-11-18
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: The Marine assault on Iwo Jima brings horror and glory. Pilot Bert Stiles engages a German fighter with disastrous consequences. Reinforcements arrive in Europe to push the Allies toward victory.
Edge of the Abyss (Episode 9) 6.0
Air date: 2009-11-19
Runtime: 43 min
Overview: The Battle of the Bulge pushes the Allies to the brink, and Rockie Blunt barely survives the fight. Okinawa erupts as the Japanese make their last stand. Hitler is handed a final ultimatum.
End Game (Episode 10) 6.0
Air date: 2009-11-19
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: With the end in sight, Okinawa is a bloody obstacle to victory. The third Reich ends with a single gunshot. America delivers the final blow to Japan and the world celebrates the fall of the Axis.
