550,000 Jewish American men and women fought in World War II. In their own words, veterans both famous and unknown (from Hollywood director Mel Brooks to former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger) bring their war experiences to life: how they fought for for their nation and their people, struggled with anti-Semitism within their ranks, and emerged transformed, more powerfully American and more deeply Jewish.
Acting
Mel Brooks' interview — comedian, soldier, survivor.
Direction
Lisa Ades weaves 550,000 voices into intimate focus.
Writing
Veterans narrate their own contradictions with painful honesty.
Director
Lisa Ades
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Mel Brooks was a combat engineer who defused land mines at the Battle of the Bulge — yes, *that* Mel Brooks.
The film reveals that Jewish soldiers were often assigned 'safer' roles due to commanders assuming they were cowards — then punished for 'shirking' combat.
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