America in WWII, European front The Big Red One America in WWII, European front

The Big Red One Semi-autobiographical account of the experiences of Sam Fuller, the director and writer, of his experiences in the American Army , 1st Infantry division.

Sam Fuller Writer and independent director who made films with tough subjects Racism Violence Mental illness Shell shock

World War II Began when Japan, Germany and Italy began aggressive actions in their spheres of the world. US avoids becoming involved because of isolationism after WWI and troubles with Great Depression. Germany, Italy and Japan join forces in the Tripartite Pact. (Sept. 1940)

World War II Germany had been gobbling up Europe since 1936, when it began retaking the land it lost in WWI. Eventually they controlled

US involvement The U.S. doesn’t get involved until December 1941. USSR only real force fighting Germany in Europe until June 1944. US slowly gets involved.

The Big Red One The Big Red One is the nickname for the First Infantry Division in the US Army. (Infantry are foot soldiers) The division started in 1917. Fuller was in the Big Red One in WWII.

Fuller in WWII Sam Fuller was in WWII fighting in the European Theater. He was awarded a silver star, a bronze star and a purple heart during his time in the Army. He was involved in Operation Torch in North Africa, The Invasion of Sicily, D-Day and the liberation of France, Belgium and Czechoslovakia.