Rare color footage is woven into firsthand interviews and diary entries to bring to life the global sweep of World War II via those who were there.

1. Darkness Falls 50m As Europe falls under Nazi control, America is unprepared for war and the attack on Pearl Harbor. The first bloody battles are fought in North Africa.

2. Hard Way Back 45m The Allies take on the daunting forces of the Axis, with victory far from certain. Charles Scheffel battles Rommel's forces in Tunisia.

3. Bloody Resolve 44m The Marines assault Tarawa in one of the bloodiest battles waged. MacArthur island-hops, and Italy's front lines claim a casualty.

4. Battle Stations 44m The Allies lay plans for the invasion of France; Bert Stiles and the 8th Air Force attempt to clear the skies over Normandy.

5. Day of Days 44m The Allies are bogged down in Normandy's hedgerows in the aftermath of D-Day, while on Saipan, victory turns to horror.

6. Point of No Return 44m The Allies race toward Germany as American Marines battle for ground on Peleliu and across the bloody Pacific.

7. Striking Distance 44m American forces storm the Philippines while Shelby Westbrook is shot down over Europe. Jack Yusen battles ocean dangers when his ship is sunk.

8. Glory and Guts 44m The Marine assault on Iwo Jima brings horror and glory. Pilot Bert Stiles engages a German fighter with disastrous consequences.

9. Edge of the Abyss 43m The Battle of the Bulge pushes the Allies to the brink: Rockie Blunt barely survives the fight. Okinawa erupts as the Japanese make their last stand.