Big Picture: Pentomic 101st

Story of 101st Airborne Division told on "THE BIG PICTURE". Viewers will see a comprehensive historical review of the 101st Airborne Division from early organization and training in World War II, through combat in Europe, to Reorganization Day Ceremonies held late in 1956 when the Division became the Army's first potential nuclear equipped, long-range, "fire brigade." In flashbacks, THE BIG PICTURE brings to life the Battle of the Ardennes in which this now-famed "Screaming Eagle" division played such a vital role in the Town of Bastogne. Narrated in the language of the soldiers who were there, this dramatic film presentation concerns itself with the "esprit de corps" that arose among paratroopers of World War II and is continuing in the new "Pentomic 101st." In bringing the past and present together, the camera lens is aimed at Army Chief of Staff General Maxwell Taylor, wartime commander of the 101st. His words are pointed and leave little doubt in the viewers' mind that "speed, mobility and versatility are the key concepts" behind the Army's "new look." As the film ends, paratroopers of the 101st march forward to re-fulfill, if called upon, the prophecy made years ago -- that the 101st "has a rendezvous with destiny." Special music was composed and conducted by Captain Samuel Louoda of the United States Army Band and includes the new "101st Airborne March" and "'Screaming Eagles' March." The chorus of male voices, heard on the soundtrack, is the newly formed Official United States Army Chorus.