American war propaganda film, What Makes a Battle? chronicles the Battle of Kwajalein in The Marshall Islands in the summer of 1944. The film features footage from Army, Air Force, & Naval cameras, as the concert of air, sea, and battle attacks annihilated approximately 8,000 Japanese and Korean soldiers.
Included Films:
What Makes a Battle?
What Makes a Battle?
Produced: 1944
Length: 15 Minutes
This government war propaganda film documents the Battle of Kwajalein on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The film begins by detailing the pre-war preparation, manufacturing and delivery of tanks, ammunition, weapons and military supplies. The film contains authentic battle ground footage as we see air craft carriers with B-24 Bombers sailing toward the Marshall Islands and the ensuing bombing or softening, as the narrator calls it, of the islands. Next we see troops storm and take control of the beach exchanging fire with enemy combatants. The narrator sets the tone for the ground battle as he explains that, Germans would have quit right away, but Japs are Japs….and dug out in the ground like rats. Finally we are shown post battle footage of Japanese POWs, dead Soldiers, and the general destruction of the islands. General Eisenhower, closes the film with a short motivational speech that encourages buying war bonds. This film was produces by the Army Pictorial Service of the United States Signal Corps Army Air Force Navy & Marines.
