Just Released New Faith-Based Documentary - Warriors of Faith
From a legendary commander of the Israelites, who led his people to victory against overwhelming odds, to a courageous peasant girl, who defied the might of empires guided by divine visions.
We uncover the profound influence of a fearless Pope, whose call to arms ignited the fervor of the Crusades, and an indomitable sect of warrior monks, sworn to protect pilgrims and preserve the Christian faith.
Join us as we explore the trials, triumphs, and timeless legacy of these “Warriors of Faith,” whose courage inspired generations and whose stories continue to resonate today. Below is the program screening at Youtube but it has just been approved for wider global streaming release via my distributor.
General Sir Arthur Currie: Leading the Charge | WWI Last 100 Days
Just Released. Join us on a gripping historical journey as we delve into the remarkable leadership of General Sir Arthur Currie during the opening last 100 days of World War I. In this video, we explore how Currie's strategic brilliance and innovative tactics shaped the course of the war, focusing particularly on new artillery tactics.
As the Allies launched their final offensive in August 1918, Currie's command played a pivotal role in the relentless push against German forces. Through detailed analysis and gripping storytelling, we uncover Currie's tactical maneuvers, his adept handling of troops, and his unwavering determination to secure victory.
From the intense planning stages to the dramatic battlefield encounters, this video offers a comprehensive look at Currie's leadership during this critical period of the Great War. Join us as we unravel the complexities of the conflict and pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought under Currie's command.
A Conversation with MIlitary Thriller Author, Mark Greaney
It is a story that certainly could be "ripped from the headlines" with the growing presence of artificial intelligence in all parts of society. Watch the interview below.
President's Day (Feb 19th) Speaking Event at Virginia Military Institute - VMI
The presentation of the seven Black Medal of Honor recipients of World War II is co-sponsored by the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics, the VMI office of Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion, The George C. Marshall Foundation and supported by the Dean's Academic Speaker Program.
Attendees to the event will learn of the heroic actions and struggles of these seven black Americans who were awarded their country's highest military honor for valor "above and beyond the call of duty."
I hope you can join me this coming Monday night in Lexington, Virginia at the Gillis Theater on the campus of VMI for this very special program.
The Phenomenal Rise and Success of Faith-Based Film and Television
In recent years, the film industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of faith-based film and television like “The Chosen.” These projects, which often revolve around themes of spirituality, redemption, and the triumph of the human spirit, have resonated with audiences across the globe. With Amazon’s recent significant investment into the faith-based genre with their greenlighting of “House of David,” we’ll delve into the reasons behind the success of faith-based movies and explore the impact they have had on both filmmakers and viewers.
1. Universal Themes:
One of the key factors contributing to the success of faith-based movies is their focus on universal themes that transcend cultural and religious boundaries. Themes such as love, forgiveness, and the search for meaning are inherently relatable to people of diverse backgrounds. By addressing these universal aspects of the human experience, faith-based films manage to connect with a broad audience, fostering a sense of shared humanity.
2. Authentic Storytelling:
Faith-based movies often excel in authentic storytelling, presenting narratives that resonate with the genuine struggles and triumphs of individuals. Whether it's a story of redemption, overcoming adversity, or finding faith in the face of challenges, these films portray characters grappling with real-life issues. The authenticity of these narratives allows viewers to empathize with the characters and find inspiration in their journeys.
3. Positive Messages:
In an era where negativity often dominates headlines and media, faith-based movies offer a refreshing change by delivering positive and uplifting messages. These films inspire hope, encourage moral values, and promote messages of compassion and understanding. Audiences, seeking an escape from the cynicism of the world, are drawn to the optimism and positivity inherent in faith-based storytelling.
4. Strong Community Support:
The success of faith-based movies is also fueled by the strong support they receive from religious communities. Churches and religious organizations often play a crucial role in promoting and endorsing these films, creating a sense of community engagement. This support not only boosts the marketing of the movies but also ensures a dedicated and enthusiastic audience base.
5. Increasing Production Quality:
As the popularity of faith-based movies has grown, so has the investment in production quality. Filmmakers are now leveraging advanced technology and talented crews to create visually stunning and compelling films. The improvement in production values has helped faith-based movies compete on a broader scale, attracting a wider audience beyond their core demographic.
Conclusion:
The success of faith-based movies can be attributed to their ability to tap into universal themes, deliver authentic storytelling, convey positive messages, and enjoy robust community support. As these films continue to captivate audiences worldwide, they not only entertain but also serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of stories that explore the depths of faith, love, and the human spirit.
Watch Presentation on the Black MOH Recipients of WWII
Immortal Valor is the remarkable story of the seven African American soldiers awarded the World War II Medal of Honor, and the 50-year campaign to deny them their recognition.
Ultimately, in 1993 a US Army commission determined that seven men, including Vernon Baker, Ruben Rivers and Charles Thomas, had been denied the Army's highest award simply due to racial discrimination. In 1997, more than 50 years after the war, President Clinton finally awarded the Medal of Honor to these seven heroes, sadly all but one of them posthumously.
Dec 16th 10A Friends of the National WWII Memorial Online Conference Series
My talk will kick off the conference at 10AM, which is moderated by New York Times bestselling author, Alex Kershaw. LINK to register for this free event.
I will be speaking about the seven black Medal of Honor recipients of World War II and my book Immortal Valor, which is available in hardcover, trade paperback and audiobook.
Immortal Valor is the remarkable story of the seven African American soldiers awarded the World War II Medal of Honor, and the 50-year campaign to deny them their recognition.
Ultimately, in 1993 a US Army commission determined that seven men, including Vernon Baker, Ruben Rivers and Charles Thomas, had been denied the Army's highest award simply due to racial discrimination. In 1997, more than 50 years after the war, President Clinton finally awarded the Medal of Honor to these seven heroes, sadly all but one of them posthumously.I hope you'll join me Saturday Dec. 16th at 10AM for this exceptional free online event sponsored by the Friends of the National WWII Memorial. The event is moderated by Alex Kershaw. Other speakers include Danny Parker, the leading expert on the Battle of the Bulge and WWII veteran, Warren Goss who landed on D-Day at Utah beach before the first wave with the 531st Special Brigade. LINK to register for this free event.
Catch my Interview on the Wereth 11 on the Renegade's Rant Podcast
On the program I discuss the story, which inspired my film and the co-written book, The Lost Eleven about the eleven black American soldiers from the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion and what happened to them during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII.
Shortly after the outbreak of Hitler's Ardennes Offensive or Battle of The Bulge in 1944, members of the all-black 333rd Artillery Battalion were just eleven miles behind the front lines. With the rapid advance of the Germans the 333rd was ordered to withdraw further west but C and Service Battery were ordered to stay behind to give covering fire to the 106th Infantry Division.
On Dec 17th the 333rd were overrun with most killed or captured. The remnants of the unit were ordered to Bastogne and incorporated into its sister unit the 969th Field Artillery Battalion. Both units provided fire support for the 101st Airborne Division in the Siege of Bastogne, subsequently being awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.
11 soldiers, however, from the 333rd were separated from the unit shortly after they were overrun by the Germans. These men wound up in the little Belgian hamlet of Wereth, just 25 kilometers southwest of Malmedy, Belgium, site of another much more well known WWII atrocity.
At about 3 pm on Dec 16, 1944, the 11 men approached the first house in the nine-house hamlet of Wereth, owned by Mathias Langer. A friend of the Langer's was also present. The men were cold, hungry, and exhausted after walking cross-country through the deep snow. They had two rifles between them. The Langer family welcomed them and gave them food. But this small part of Belgium did not necessarily welcome Americans as “Liberators.” This area had been part of Germany before the First World War and many of its citizens still saw themselves as Germans and not Belgians.
Word leaked out from a Nazi sympathizer in the area that the men had been sheltered and were hiding in the Langer home. When the SS troops approached the house about 4 pm that day, the eleven Americans surrendered quickly, without resistance. The Americans were made to sit on the road, in the cold, until dark. The Germans then marched them down the road and gunfire was heard in the night. In the morning, villagers saw the bodies of the men in a ditch at the corner of a cow pasture. Because they were afraid that the Germans might return, they did not touch the dead soldiers. The snow covered the bodies and they remained entombed in the snow until January when villagers directed members of the 99th Div. I&R platoon to the site.In the official US Army report it was revealed that the men had been brutalized, with broken legs, bayonet wounds to the head, and fingers cut off. And It was apparent that one man was killed as he tried to bandage a comrade's wounds.
In 2001, three Belgium citizens embarked on the task of creating a fitting memorial to these men and additionally to honor all Black GI’s of World War II. With the help of Norman Lichtenfeld, whose father fought and was captured in the Battle of the Bulge, a grassroots publicity and fund-raising endeavor was begun. The land was purchased and a fitting memorial was created There are now road signs indicating the location of the memorial, and the Belgium Tourist Bureau lists it in the 60th Anniversary “Battle of the Bulge” brochures. The dedication of the memorial was held in 2004 in an impressive military ceremony.
It is believed that this is the only memorial to Black G.I.s, and their units, of World War II in Europe. Norman's goal is to make the Wereth 11 and all Black G.I.’s “visible” to all Americans and to history. They, like so many others, paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Please visit his site www.wereth.org where you can learn more about this dark and virtually unknown chapter from WWII.
Check out the interview on the Renegade's Rant Podcast.
WWI British Soldier Who May Have Spared Hitler's Life
"The Fateful Encounter: Henry Tandey and Adolf Hitler"
In the last year of World War I, during the bloody British capture of French village Marcoing and the German retreat an encounter occurred that remains a mystery still today.
British soldier, Henry Tandey, who would become the most decorated private in the British army during the Great War had a limping helpless German soldier dead in his rifle sights,
Henry raised his rifle, paused a moment then lowered it again NOT taking the shot.The retreating German soldier nodded thanks and disappeared in the battle mist. The incident, forgotten.
Flash forward twenty years to British Prime minister Chamberlain on a peace mission to Germany and a meeting with Adolf Hitler, where a WWI painting on Hitler’s wall depicted British soldiers helping their wounded, Hitler who burned with anger at his country loss in that war surely would not have such a painting but he explained it was during the time where his own life was spared by British Private Henry Tandey.
Chamberlain, returning empty handed from his peace mission, carried a message from the Fuhrer of thanks to Tandey for sparing his life. Whether or not Chamberlain relayed the message is not known. But the story became known and Tandey confirmed during world war two that he did spare a German soldier’s life but was not certain it was Hitler’s.
Whether the much debated tale is true or not Henry Tandey had to live the rest of his life, with the label of the man who did NOT shoot the dictator who caused the darkest chapter the world has ever known.
Henry Tandey's decision to spare Adolf Hitler's life remains a haunting chapter in the annals of history. It reminds us that a single act can have profound consequences.