Guadalcanal--1942: The Turning Point; Medal Of Honor--Volume IV: Vietnam-Part 1

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal 1942: "The Turning Point" chronicles the early months of the conflict (August 1942-October 1942), paying particular attention to the role of the Australian Coastwatchers and the native Solomon Islanders in providing key information to the Allied forces. Combining rare documentary footage with interviews of veterans, the program briefly traces the buildup of the Japanese presence in the Pacific, the entry of the United States into the war, and the terrible losses that America suffered initially in the Pacific, before turning to the fight for Guadalcanal. While the Allies initially took the area with relative ease, Japanese retaliation sparked a long, protracted battle. Although no indication is given on the video box, the program ends abruptly with a brief comment about a second part of the documentary. While it does offer fresh insights into the battle, Guadalcanal--1942: "The Turning Point" is not strong enough to attract general audiences.Medal of Honor--Volume IV: Vietnam--Part 1 is one of six tapes in a series honoring the war heroes of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Hosted by Cliff Robertson and directed and co-written by Patrick Duncan (writer/director of the powerful Vietnam film 84 Charlie MoPic), the series uses battle footage, interviews and dramatic re-creations to tell the personal stories of the men who earned the highest tribute offered for achievement above and beyond the call of duty. Vietnam--Part 1 looks at the lives of three such men: Patrick Henry Brady, Gary Beikirch, and Sammy Davis. Brady, a Medevac pilot would rescue nearly sixty soldiers and go through three helicopters, fighting fog and enemy fire, in the course of a single day. Beikirch, a Green Beret medic, continued to attend to the wounded native Montagnard villagers during a devastating attack, even though he, himself, was terribly wounded. And Davis, a Southerner who steered clear of Blacks, was wounded and left behind in a pitched battle. Seeing a wounded Black soldier across the river, Davis--who couldn't swim--ferried across on an air mattress to rescue three men on the other side. It was a day that would change Davis's heart forever, as he learned that people are people regardless of the color of their skin. Glorifying the stories of extraordinary personal courage and determination, the program does not glorify war itself. In the words of Medal of Honor award winner Patrick Henry Brady: "if things go well, we'll [the Medal of Honor winners] all die off." An excellent series. Sure to be a popular addition.Guadalcanal--1942: "The Turning Point" is recommended for large military collections. (Available from: Pacific Rim Media Company, 2600 Pualani Way #2201, Honolulu, HI 96815-3938; (808) 922-5438.) The Medal of Honor series is highly recommended. (Available from most distributors.)