Ep 1. RAW WAR: The Lost Film of Dak To

AHC Presents is a new documentary-style television series that delves into the most iconic moments of American military history. The series uses archival footage, expert interviews and dramatic narration to explore stories from the battlefield, providing a comprehensive understanding of the events that shaped the American military landscape.

In the season 1 premiere, RAW WAR: The Lost Film of Dak To, the viewers are given a rare glimpse into the Vietnam War, one of the most controversial conflicts in American history. This episode focuses on the battle of Dak To, an intense, month-long battle that took place in the Central Highlands of Vietnam in 1967.

The battle of Dak To was fought between the United States Army's 4th Infantry Division and North Vietnamese Army forces. The episode starts with an introduction to the geography and topography of the region, helping viewers to understand the challenges that both sides faced during the battle. The episode also explores the history of the conflict leading up to this battle as well as the strategic importance of the city of Kontum -- a key objective for both sides, leading to the eventual outbreak of the battle.

The highlight of the episode is the never-before-seen footage discovered in the National Archives, often referred to as the "lost film of Dak To." This recently declassified and restored footage provides a first-hand account of the battle, and it's some of the most graphic, intense and emotionally charged material ever seen on American television.

Using archival footage and interviews with military experts, the episode gives a blow-by-blow account of how the battle unfolded. It highlights the strategies employed by the US soldiers and their allies, as well as the North Vietnamese Army's tactics, and the consequences of these choices in terms of success and loss. One of the most compelling aspects of the episode is the rare access it provides to the personal experiences of the soldiers themselves, through transcripts of the soldiers' letters home and oral histories.

The episode takes the viewers through the military tactics employed by both sides, which included snipers, booby traps and the bombardment of forts and bases. It delves into the emotional impact of the battle on the soldiers involved, and the hardships they faced, including illnesses, injuries and the difficult terrain.

The episode concludes by giving a historical overview of the battle's significance in the larger context of the Vietnam War. It reflects on the outcome of the battle and explores its aftermath, both in terms of casualties and the psychological impact on surviving soldiers. This episode is a must-watch for anybody interested in learning about the Vietnam War, and an excellent resource for military historians or for those who have a passion for re-seen history.

Overall, AHC Presents season 1 episode 1, RAW WAR: The Lost Film of Dak To, is a deeply personal and heart-rending exploration of a defining moment in American military history.