Ep 3. Angie Harmon

Angie Harmon, best known for her roles in women's police procedural dramas Rizzoli & Isles and Law & Order, delves into her family history in this episode of Who Do You Think You Are? Season 6. Harmon has always been interested in her family's origins, with a particularly fascinating ancestor in mind: her maternal grandfather, Marvin Gaylord Jeffries, and his service in World War II.

As Harmon sets out on her journey of discovery, she learns of the hardships faced by her grandfather and his family. Growing up in rural Oklahoma during the Great Depression, Jeffries found himself without opportunities for work. With no other option, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, where he worked on reforestation projects and sent money to his family back home. Harmon is struck by the connection she feels to her grandfather as she learns more about his life, and she is determined to uncover more details about his time in the army.

Harmon travels to Washington, D.C. to meet with historian Michael Dobbs, who shares with her the story of Jeffries's military service. As a member of the 853rd Aviation Engineer Battalion, Jeffries was sent to construct airfields in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Harmon is moved by the stories she hears of her grandfather's bravery in the face of enemy fire and the harsh Pacific conditions.

But Harmon's research takes a surprising turn when she learns of a long-held family secret. Jeffries had a child out of wedlock with a Japanese woman during his time in the army, which was kept hidden from his family for decades. Harmon is shocked by this revelation and travels to meet her half-Japanese cousin, Vicky. Harmon and Vicky bond over this shared family history and the difficulties that both of their grandfathers faced during World War II.

From there, Harmon travels to Okinawa, where her grandfather was stationed during the war. With the help of historian John Potter, she visits the former airfield where Jeffries worked and finds herself emotional at the thought of standing in the same place that he did. Harmon also visits a cemetery where many American soldiers are buried, including some members of Jeffries's battalion.

As Harmon continues to piece together her family's history, she is struck by the sacrifices that her ancestors made in order to provide a better life for their children and grandchildren. She realizes that her family's story is one of resilience, strength, and determination in the face of adversity.

Who Do You Think You Are? Season 6, Episode 3 is a heartwarming and emotional journey of self-discovery, as Angie Harmon delves into her family's past to uncover the truth about her grandfather and his service in World War II. Harmon's journey is a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many during that time, and the importance of honoring our ancestors and their stories.