World War II in Photos

American GIs take a break and salute another day alive in La Haye du Puits, France, in July 1944. AP Photo

A couple of years ago, The Atlantic magazine published a retrospective 20-part series of photographs about World War II. There are approximately 900 amazing photos here, with many rarely seen before. As a former military photographer myself, I tried to work by Robert Capa’s motto “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” I’d say all of the photos in this 20-part series exemplified Capa’s motto.

World War II Photographs

HBO’s Next World War II Miniseries

A B-17 of the 8th Air Force during a mission over Germany in 1944.

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So this news is a little over a month old already, but I wanted to let everyone know that Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who made the hit film ‘Saving Private Ryan,’ and also gave us the thrilling ‘Band of Brothers,’ and ‘The Pacific,’ will be working on their third World War II-centered series for HBO, this time based on Donald Miller’s book Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany. I think a miniseries about the bombers of the 8th Air Force flying the unfriendly skies over Nazi-occupied Europe would be incredible, and I for one am looking forward to it whenver it may come out. Spielberg and Hanks are, at least in my mind, two of America’s foremost World War II geeks. They get criticized for portraying a popularized view of history (I’m willing to bet there are probably people out there that think Easy Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division won the war single-handedly), but I think the production values, action, dialogue, and characterization are so good that they get people interested in the history while at the same time tell a good story. For even attempting to tackle what could easily turn into B-movie dreck in less capable hands, I enjoy their work and what they have created with their films. I only wish I could bend their ear a little, as I have what I think is a sure-fire hit idea swirling around in my head that would be perfect for HBO or one of the bigger pay-cable channels (I’m sure they don’t hear that on a daily basis). My idea wouldn’t swirl around just American military history, but that of various nations and eras. So if anyone knows how I can get in touch with the money-and-idea men and women (or just Speilberg and/or Hanks), let me know, because this thing would have to have a really big budget! I’m sort of half-joking here, but I really enjoyed ‘Band of Brothers’ and ‘The Pacific,’ and welcome another series about America’s involvement in the war. But there is one thing I would have to take Spielberg and Hanks to task over-would you two please do a series on the Navy’s role in the war already?!