Ep 7. Striking Distance

In the seventh episode of WWII in HD season 1, titled Striking Distance, viewers are taken on a journey through the final stages of World War II in Europe. The episode focuses primarily on the Allied push toward Germany and the ensuing battles that occurred between American troops and Nazi forces.

The episode starts with the Battle of the Bulge, a German counteroffensive that began on December 16, 1944, and caught Allied forces off guard. The episode provides vivid details of the brutal fighting that ensued as American soldiers, many of whom were raw recruits, tried to hold off the German advance. Viewers will see firsthand the danger and fear that the soldiers faced as they tried to survive in freezing temperatures and endure constant shelling and gunfire.

As the battle raged on, the episode chronicles how General George S. Patton organized an audacious counterattack, staging an assault that ultimately turned the tide of the battle. Using innovative tactics that involved using his tanks to bypass German strongpoints and cut off supply routes, Patton was able to create a corridor for American forces to advance through and link up with other units. This tactical maneuvering proved to be a turning point in the war and paved the way for the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.

The episode then shifts to the Eastern front, where viewers are given a glimpse into the Soviet army's efforts to break through German lines and liberate occupied areas. The intense fighting and bombings are depicted with vivid imagery as viewers witness the Soviet army's push to Berlin, the heart of Nazi German.

The episode also covers the Allied bombing campaign in Europe, showing how Allied bombers decimated German military factories and infrastructure, rendering the German war machine almost paralyzed. The devastating bombings also caused collateral damage, and viewers follow the story of a young German family trying to survive in the midst of the bombings.

Throughout the episode, there is the underlying theme of the Allied determination to bring an end to the war and the hardships and sacrifices that this entails. Viewers are given a look into the ordinary lives of soldiers and civilians alike as they try to survive in the midst of the war's chaos.

Overall, the Striking Distance episode of WWII in HD season 1 provides an immersive look into one of the most brutal battles in modern history. Through the use of archival footage and eye-witness accounts, the episode succeeds in bringing the realities of the war to life. Whether you're a history buff or simply interested in learning more about the events that shaped our world, this episode is a must-see.