Ep 19. Nazi Attack on America

In the season 42 episode 19 of NOVA titled "Nazi Attack on America," viewers are taken back in time to revisit one of the most shocking and little-known incidents of World War II. During the summer of 1942, as the United States was gearing up to fully enter the fight against Nazi Germany, a group of German spies successfully landed on American soil, aiming to wreak havoc on the country's infrastructure and military.

As the episode begins, viewers are introduced to the group of experienced, highly-trained operatives who were chosen for the mission. Incredibly, they managed to avoid detection by American authorities, landing on a Long Island beach and quickly blending in with the local population. The spies set up a headquarters in a small hotel, completely undetected as they began plotting their attacks.

The episode follows each step of the spy's carefully-planned mission, from their attempts to sabotage industrial sites and transportation centers to their plans to set fire to American forests. Viewers are also shown how the FBI and other American authorities slowly began to piece together the plot, using their own spy networks and cutting-edge technology to track down the infiltrators.

One of the most gripping parts of the episode is the interviews with surviving family members and friends of the spies themselves, who remained in the United States long after their missions were completed. These individuals provide a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of these operatives and the reasons they were willing to risk everything to serve their country.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to in-depth interviews with experts in spy history, World War II, and military intelligence, providing a deep context for the events of the time. The various advances in technology that came after the German spy threat was exposed are also discussed, including the use of radar and other surveillance methods that still form the backbone of modern military intelligence.

Overall, "Nazi Attack on America" provides a fascinating look into a little-known part of World War II history, and sheds light on the bravery and ingenuity of American authorities in thwarting a potentially devastating attack. The episode is a must-see for anyone interested in military history, intelligence, or the human side of the war effort.