The True Story of the Fighting Sullivans in Bloomington, MN

This program is part of the popular series from the History Channel that investigates some of civilization's unsolved mysteries and controversies. One of the most inspiring, and then saddest, stories of WWII was that of the Sullivan brothers. The five brothers all served with distinction in the war, and were the subject of many reports to the American people on the home front. Then, all five Sullivan brothers met their death in a watery, shark-infested grave, while waiting for rescue after the sinking of the U.S.S. Juneau at Guadalcanal. The ensuing furor guaranteed that never again would one family have to sustain such grievous losses. Archival film footage, photographs, and interviews with survivors of the ordeal are presented. Historians discuss the series of events and decisions that led to the terrible tragedy.