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Director: Davidson Cole
Cast: Steve Finik, Nick Fusco, Chuck Wood, Paul Madden,
Jacques Delisle, and the veterans of the U.S. Army's WWII
95th Infantry Division.
Country: U.S.
Year: 2002
Running Time: 60 min
Format: Beta SP
 In
1944, just days after their introduction to combat, the 95th
Infantry Division, a heralded unit of General George S. Patton's
Third Army, was commissioned to take the stronghold of Metz,
France from Nazi occupation. The heavily fortified city had
withstood all attacks by military forces since 451 A.D., and
the Germans planned to keep that record intact. The 95th documents
the experiences of veterans who fought on some of the war's
most dangerous ground. Their perseverance through fierce battles
earned them the name, "The Iron Men of Mertz" from a Nazi
officer, and the liberation of Mertz marked a pivotal Allied
victory in Europe.
The filmmakers spent nearly three years with these veterans,
attending reunions and recording the soldier's memories and
stories. Ultimately, they followed the veterans, who received
a heroes' welcome from the French on their emotional return
to the site of their historic deeds fifty-five years later.
The soldiers retrace their steps, pointing out the spots they
stood as they faced the enemy on the frontlines and remembering
some of those who lost their lives in the fighting.
The 95th celebrates the heroes among us. These veterans
tell their stories with a sense of honor, anguish, and even
humor; passing on their strategies for survival, the memories
of war, and lessons for life.
--Dan Krovich
Presented By: Davidson Cole, John Digles, Neal Gold
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A 1994 graduate of Northwestern University, Davidson Cole
has also studied acting at the American Conservatory Theatre
in San Francisco and film production at San Francisco State
University. Davidson also pulls off a rare double, as he directed
Design, which is also playing at the 2002 Maryland Film Festival.
Producer John Digles recently launched his filmmaking
career as CEO of Traveller Jones Productions in partnership
with his cousin, Davidson Cole. He has had a successful public
relations career, and is currently a group director at The
MWW Group, one of the top 20 public relations in the nation.
John also produced Design.
Cinematographer/Editor/Producer Neal Gold has spent
over twenty years in the filmmaking business and is known
in Chicago for his ongoing support and encouragement of budding
local talent. Neal also edited Design.
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