Made in 1951 by the U.S. Army to train combat infantrymen during the Korean War, RECONNAISSANCE PATROL shows the organization of a nighttime patrol behind enemy lines, made to gather intelligence on enemy positions. The objective of the patrol is also to capture an enemy soldier so that he can be interrogated.

Told from the perspective of the commander, the film explains in great detail how the patrol is organized, equipped, and how the soldiers conduct themselves during the mission. Soldiers move slowly and deliberately, trying to keep themselves hidden from the enemy. At 9:10, a friendly artillery strike is made that allows the squad to cross a river in rubber dinghys while the enemy is distracted. At 14:50, the squad uses red-lensed flashlights to communicate with each other. The squad gains valuable intelligence while spying on a sentry post near “hillside village”.

At 17:30, an enemy soldier who was attempting to go to the bathroom in the wood is captured by the squad. The squad’s interpreter explains to the soldier that if he wants to live, he needs to cooperate. The squad then begins a slow retreat from enemy territory, recounting its steps, re-crossing the river, and making its way back to friendly lines.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com