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Combat Reels Reviews

I've known and worked with Mr. Tyler Alberts for over six years in the capacity of historical researcher primarily focused on World War II documents and images. He is a superb researcher with an in innate ability to locate and identify obscure documents, images and film footage often overlooked by other scholars and researchers. His skill and ability to identify military units on sight from vehicle markings and shoulder sleeve insignia is the best I've ever seen.

His work in the National Archives and Records Administration resulted in the discovery of documents, images, and film footage previously thought lost or destroyed. Much of 90th Regional Readiness Command's, United States Army Reserve, historical archive, particularly the more obscure references, is a direct result of his research in the National Archives and other records repositories. In addition to official government archives his research extends to private letters, diaries and snapshots thus preserving information that would otherwise be lost.

Most recently he was instrumental in locating images of Third United States Army from World Wars I through the Cold War. Many of the images that he identified are to be used in a forthcoming publication on the history of Third Army form World War I to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His dedication, energy, diligence, professionalism and willingness to share his information with veterans and their families set him apart from others. Mr. Alberts' professional reputation is unsurpassed. I unconditionally support his research, and feel his videos are a welcomed and needed research tool for historians and enthusiasts alike.

THOMAS M. RYAN
LTC, GS
Command Historian
Third United States Army

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Historial Researcher 11/1/2005 Historical Researcher October 31, 2005 It is with sincere appreciation, admiration, and thanks that I write this review for Mr. Tyler Alberts, and his Staff at CombatReels. I have just recently spoken with Mr. Alberts and can assure you that anyone who wants accurate, quality Combat Footage about one specific Division - this is the Company that can deliver!! I commend the entire staff for their time, energy, and devotion to gather and organize any and all combat footage from the shelves of the National Archives. I feel the general public has never seen this before. I can say for sure out of all the WWII footage and documentaries that I have accumulated over the years, I have never seen this footage before!!! The two Division DVD's that I purchased recently from CombatReels are on the 29th and 35th Divisions. My interest in these two particular Divisions is that my Uncle served in the 35th Division, "Patton's Third Army", and had also assisted the 29th Division in their efforts to Capture St. Lo. My Uncle and his men of the 654th Tank Destroyer Battalion "Company B" fought alongside the 134th Infantry in the capture of St. Lo. Both units would continue to defend the town protecting all major roadways from being recaptured by the Germans. They would remain there beyond the breakout of St. Lo - code named "Operation Cobra". I have searched and searched for Combat Footage that might contain images of my Uncle and his unit in action - CombatReels and the grace of God has made my ultimate dream come true!!! While watching footage of the 29th Division, to my astonishment, I recognized a close-up of my Uncle. He was 2nd Lieutenant (P) Mauirce P. Alger Jr. serving as Executive Officer of Company B. He was watching over a procession of tank destroyers of the 3rd Platoon, Company B. They were heading to the lower slopes of Hill 122 in the vicinity of Emelie to support the trapped men of the 134th Infantry. The men would quickly take Hill 122, which had been formerly assigned to the 29th Infantry Division. From there the unit would move onward to St. Lo. The documented date of the footage was 18 July 1944 - just three days before he would be killed in action in the town of St. Lo, France. On that fateful day, 21 July 1944, their Commander planned to go into St. Lo to better place his tanks. After considerable convincing, his two Lieutenants insisted that they go instead. Lieutenant Alger and one of his best friends, Lieutenant David J. Thelen proceeded from the Command Post on the edge of town into St. Lo to evaluate the positions of the 134th Infantry and their tank destroyers. While on the main street, in the vicinity of the crossroads, they came under heavy artillery fire at 13:00 hours. At 13:15, they heard a round coming into their position. They had learned to recognize the sound of the incoming, and knew it was one of the German?s ?dreaded 88s?. As they had been trained, they dove under one of their tank destroyers. In a cruel turn of fate, the round deflected at just the right angle to explode directly under the tank destroyer. Both men were killed instantly and a Sgt who was inside the tank destroyer was severely wounded. It would be days before their bodies would be extricated by a team of volunteers. The team was made up of members of the Reconnaissance Company, Headquarters Company, and Lieutenant David McNaught who was their dear friend. The recovery mission was conducted under an intensive artillery and mortar barrage. It was necessary to carry the bodies on litters by hand for over a mile through ravines, ditches, and hedgerows, through areas infested with enemy snipers. Each member of the party was recommended for the Bronze Star Medal. Many thanks are sent to the recovery team, and especially to the McNaught family for the thoughtfulness, courage, and brave actions of their loved one. Today my Uncle and his close friend lay at rest in the Normandy American Cemetery amongst their comrades in arms. My Uncle received his final promotion to First Lieutenant as he had been expecting just days before he was killed. His greatest promotion of all would be that he would be face to face with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 23. In July 2005, his sister, my husband and I took a D-Day remembrance trip to visit his grave and the places he served. Now, three months after returning, we are amazed to learn that we walked in the same area that he was filmed only days before his death. I cannot thank Tyler Alberts enough for his efforts to uncover these rare images. Another incredible discovery was gleaned from Reel #16 dated 17 August 1944, covering the 35th Division in the town of Orleans, France. Unmistakably, close ups of LT David McNaught are in the footage. There are multiple close-up shots of himself and his men firing rounds from their tank, and clearing the town with French citizens. Discovering such high quality footage of both of these young men is overwhelming, and our families thank God that we are able to see these rare images of our loved ones in action. LT McNaught survived the war and never forgot his fallen friends. He and his wife later had a son who they named David Alger McNaught in honor of the two friends. This is a wonderful tribute to the memory of these two outstanding young men. I will say now in closing to all who are interested in accurate Division combat footage - search no further!!! There is no guarantee that you will find footage of a loved one or friend but you just never know. Thanks Again CombatReels!!!! Ann Gaule Melbourne, Florida John 3:16 Ann Gaule

Great reference videos 10/25/2005 I purchased both the 101st and 82nd Airborne DVDs and I was quite impressed with the amount of footage I have never seen before. As a veteran of the 82nd I recommend these videos to anyone who cares about learning about the actions of World War II. I applaud the efforts of Combat Reels. Walter Burr

90th Division DVD 10/14/2005 This is the best dvd of combat footage I have ever seen. I highly recomend anyone interested in World War II to purchase these videos. These guys are serious when they say "You have never seen footage presented like this before". Thanks Combat Reels, you have provided me with a great product. Michael Francis Michael Francis

Great DVDs 10/12/2005 I recommend buying the set. Thanks Shawn McCarthy