Interrogation of Enemy Airmen 1943 (1943, B&W, 30:00) From the Archives of the Central Intelligence Agency.This fascinating film was produced during World War 2 to train American "AIOs" (Air Intelligence Officers) in techniques for interrogating captured enemy airmen, gathering vital intelligence. You'll get a look inside an AIO training school, where candidates learn a variety of interrogation methods, the importance of thoroughly familiarizing yourself with existing intelligence about enemy units and weapons, and observe mock interrogations that are critiqued by the class. Then you'll see a series of re-creations of field interrogations that are conducted by real AIO servicemen in the native languages of captured pilots with English subtitles. See how each interrogator's approach is modified for the typical national characteristics of captured German, Italian and Japanese pilots and aircrew, while still being aware of each individual's personality and how it could be exploited. (An AIO had to think fast on his feet.) You'll also see how agents were planted in prison camps to glean information, "parties" were held to loosen tongues and more.

Merrill's Marauders and the 88th Fighter Squadron in Burma (1944, B&W, 26:00) This dramatic film contains all known footage of Merill's Marauder's 5307th Composite Unit (provisional) secret deep penetration mission behind Japanese lines through the Burmese jungle to capture the airfield at Myitkyina. Almost unique among such film records, it was shot and is narrated by Sgt David L. Quaid, the combat cameraman who participated in the operation, giving an eyewitness perspective. Supplied solely by air drops, the Marauders, the fore-bearers of today's 75th Rangers, fought through unbelievable mountain terrain and rampant disease, engaging the enemy in fierce fire fights along the way.(For a detailed description of the Marauder's amazing mission, read this Wikipedia article.). The last third of the film is an up close look at 88th Fighter Squadron P-40 dive bombers flying out of the captured Myitkyina airfield, supplying very close air support for the Marauder's assault on the town itself. Highlights include distinctive skull marked P-40Fs, with pilots & support crews, unique from the cockpit views of P-40 dive bombing runs and 88th FS armorers custom fitting 250 pound Navy HE depth charges with fins & detonators for use against jungle fortifications. Parts of the original film were damaged when dropped into a drainage ditch in transit from the battlefield. We have digitally restored those sections.

Operation Carpetbagger: Air Dropping Agents and Supplies into Nazi Occupied Europe (1950, B&W, 15:00) From the Archives of the Central Intelligence Agency. This special operation was too secret to be revealed during World War II. Specially modified B-24 bombers of the 492nd & 801st Bomb Groups flew up to 40-50 high risk missions on moonlit nights over Nazi occupied Europe, dropping agents and supplies to 300,000 Resistance members. The operation was run by the O.S.S. "Carpetbagger" group out of an airfield at Harrington, England. You'll see B-24 operations as well as a detailed look at the huge, well camouflaged supply facility at nearby Holme. Highlights include O.S.S mission planning and flight operations briefing sessions and a very detailed account of how different kinds of weapons, ammunition and other essentials were packed in custom containers and loaded onto B-24s for parachute drop.