D-Day Pathfinders (C-47s), England, France, Morocco, Italy

Summary

Covers training and departure of Pathfinder teams which were parachuted into France several hours before the main invasion force landed at Normandy, and views of Casablanca and Rome later that year. C-47s shown have invasion stripes. 1' Paratroopers leaving C-47 and descending to DZ at North Witham training area. 13' C-47s, including the lead plane No. 293098, parked and taxiing. 33' Crew of lead aircraft, Lt Col Joel Crouch, Capt Vita Pedone, Capt William Culp, and two crew chiefs, beside C-47 and boarding aircraft. 59' Maj J.L. Sweetman (donor of film) beside C-47 and boarding aircraft. 66' MS C-47 taxiing to left. 70' Control tower at North Witham. 72' Lt Col Crouch with two officer members of the Pathfinder Group. 81' Pathfinder emerging from bushes in jump gear and makeup. 87' Pathfinders lined up to board C-47 as Lt Col Crouch rides motor scooter through scene. 95' C-47 crews posing for pictures shortly before departure (underexposed). 114' C-47 takeoff climb at dusk (start of invasion). 123' Scenes of Casablanca, including sidewalk entertainers, and government buildings. 142' Scenes of Rome, including St Angelo Bridge and castle, and St Peters Cathederal. 170' Sign proclaiming neutral territory of the Vatican state (in Italian and English). 184' Unidentified officers posing for photographs and clowning in Rome. 250' Activity in tent city at Maragliana, Italy (underexposed). 312' Scenes of Rome, including ruins of the Forum, the Pantheon, Fountain of Tievi, Colosseum, ancient gate, Palazzo Venezia, Victor Emanuel monunent and grave of Keats (the English poet). 382' Personnel gathered for outdoor briefing (underexposed). 397' Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline as seen from New York harbor.