Ep 1. Shooting Iwo Jima

In the first episode of History in HD season 1, titled "Shooting Iwo Jima," viewers are taken on a journey through one of the most iconic moments in American military history - the Battle of Iwo Jima. This episode showcases never-before-seen footage of the historic battle, which was filmed in full-color by Marine combat cameramen.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the battle, which took place in February and March 1945 and was fought by American and Japanese forces. From there, it delves into the experiences of the Marine combat cameramen who were on the island with the troops. These young men were tasked with documenting the battle for the American people back home, and they did so with an incredible sense of bravery and dedication.

Through archival footage and insightful interviews with surviving combat cameramen, viewers get a firsthand look at the gritty reality of war. They witness the terror and danger of frontline combat, as well as the heartbreaking losses that many of these cameramen faced. But they also see the profound impact that their work had on the American people, many of whom were seeing footage of the war for the first time.

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to the iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi. Viewers get to see the actual footage of the event, captured by combat cameramen Rene Gagnon and Bill Genaust. They also learn about the intense controversy that surrounded the raising of the second, larger flag, which many saw as a staged photo op. While this controversy has lingered for decades, the episode provides a nuanced and complex look at the event, detailing the debates over the symbolism of the flag and what it represented to both the troops and the American public at large.

Through it all, the episode does an excellent job of humanizing the combat cameramen who risked their own lives to document the war. Viewers hear their personal stories and see their struggles on the battlefield, giving greater context to the famous footage they captured. Ultimately, "Shooting Iwo Jima" is a powerful and moving tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in World War II, both on the front lines and behind the camera.