Capturing History
As a documentary filmmaker, Benjamin has traveled across the United States and the world, capturing untold stories of service and sacrifice. His acclaimed work with WWII veterans has resulted in the production of dozens of documentary films, preserving their memories for generations to come. Benjamin’s first feature-length documentary, Normandy Revisited, was released in 2020. His current work includes directing World War II: As They Saw It, a short documentary series sharing the story of a different combat veteran in each episode. All of his films are available to watch for free on YouTube.
Normandy Revisited
Normandy Revisited is a feature documentary that explores the untold stories of history's greatest invasion. Hear firsthand from more than a dozen veterans of the campaign, explore the sacred battlefields through intimate footage, and follow veterans on their emotional journey back to Normandy for the first time since the war. Filmmaker Benjamin Mack-Jackson spent five years gathering these compelling stories, culminating with a journey to France in June 2019. This gripping documentary, released nearly eight decades after D-Day, provides a unique inside look at the forgotten stories of the bloody battle and how the people of France still remember their liberators.
Shot down over enemy-occupied Holland in the fall of 1944, 8th Air Force P-51 fighter pilot Lieutenant Jim Frolking evaded capture for weeks with help from the Dutch resistance. Hear his remarkable story of service, sacrifice, and survival on this episode of World War II As They Saw It, a series from the WWII Veterans History Project.
In this video, discover the incredible true story of WWII veteran Alfred Scheibner, who was severely wounded in action on February 2, 1945, while serving with the 3rd Infantry Division. Join WWII Veterans History Project founder Benjamin Mack-Jackson in an exploration of Scheibner’s wartime artifacts, including an exclusive look at his original medals and uniform. Plus, hear firsthand from Alfred Scheibner as he describes the fateful day that changed his life forever.
As a rifle platoon leader in the 1st Marine Division, Captain Bill Cumbaa saw fierce combat on the islands of Peleliu and Okinawa, two of the Pacific Theater's deadliest campaigns. "Wild Bill" was a hardened combat leader, gaining the respect of his men and earning two Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts – one set on each island. Hear his stories of courage and sacrifice on this episode of World War II As They Saw It, a series from the WWII Veterans History Project.
As a P-51 fighter pilot in the all-black Tuskegee Airmen, George Hardy fought two wars, battling the Axis powers overseas and racism at home. Overcoming the challenges, he would fly 21 combat missions during WWII, facing the infamous German ME-262 jets and enduring heavy anti-aircraft fire over the skies of Europe.
As he fought across the Third Reich in the final months of World War II, Technician Fifth Grade Julius Haberman captured a German M42 helmet – a prized souvenir taken from "a German soldier who didn't need it any longer". In this video, WWII Veterans History Project founder Benjamin Mack-Jackson explores the history behind this incredible relic. Plus, hear firsthand from Julius Haberman as he recounts his wartime experience with the 69th Infantry Division.
On July 14, 1944, Roy Morrison's 20th birthday, he was ambushed by German soldiers near St. Lo, France, during his unit's push across Normandy. He was hit twice by gunfire, but doctors only found and removed one bullet at the time. Nearly 60 years later, a second bullet was unexpectedly found and removed, and Roy wore it on a chain around his neck until the day he died, symbolizing the weight he had carried for decades.