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Released in 1944 by Warner Brothers in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, "Task Force" is a Technicolor short film narrated by Jackson Beck. The film focuses around Coast Guard "Task Force" duty. Besides operational glimpses, the viewer is treated to a snapshot of the life of a Coast Guardsman on and off duty. While the film contains much documentary-style footage, some sections of the film are re-enactments and the scenario presented (in which the USCG battles a German U-boat and then lands troops on a Pacific Island) seems somewhat fanciful.
A review of the film when it was released stated that the movie "acquaints the public with the very important role being played by the fourth of Uncle Sam's services. It is the story of an American invasion fleet going into action on an unnamed battlefront. The first attack comes after the Coast Guard cutters have sighted the enemy. All hands are ordered to battle stations. The U-boats position is fixed, depth bombs are loosened, and the submarine surfaces, the big guns go into action and the U-boat sinks. Later the Navy sends out reconnaissance planes to meet twenty on-coming enemy aircraft. Now the ack-ack of the cutter roars defiance. The destination is reached and the Navy's big guns shell the enemy's fortifications through the day and through the night. Then comes the landing of the troops…"
00:00 A large task force, including ships and Coast Guard cutters, is spread out over the ocean, preparing for an invasion.
1:12-1:35: Coast Guard planes fly ahead to ensure the seas are clear of enemy submarines and surface raiders.
1:38-1:57: The convoy includes many ships, with troop transports being the most crucial, carrying irreplaceable cargo.
2:12-2:20: Soldiers relax and trust the Coast Guard and Navy to get them to their destination.
2:28-2:36: The Merchant Marine mans cargo ships carrying essential equipment.
2:44-2:51: Navy warships are ready for action, surrounding the convoy.
3:19-3:39: The cutter takes its escort position, and the crew begins their routine, including standing watch and listening for submarines.
4:09-4:17: Rough weather is preferred by the Coast Guard and Navy as it keeps submarines submerged.
4:47-5:04: The convoy is held together by blinker lights, with the constant threat of engine trouble.
5:08-5:21: Fog increases the risk of ships colliding, but the convoy maintains its speed.
5:27-5:34: Clear weather invites enemy submarines to surface and attack.
5:42-6:03: The convoy approaches "torpedo alley," increasing tension as they listen for submarines.
6:05-6:14: The crew prepares for action as they detect a submarine.
6:14-7:10: The cutter tracks and engages the submarine in a battle of wits.
7:10-7:50: The cutter prepares to attack the submarine with depth charges.
8:09-8:51: The submarine is forced to surface, and the cutter's deck guns open fire.
8:51-9:12: The crew feels relieved after sinking the submarine, knowing the danger they faced.
9:12-9:36: The convoy returns to routine, with a chance for normal living.
9:36-9:57: Some jobs in the Coast Guard are never finished, and the crew tries to relax when off duty.
10:04-10:25: Soldiers on troop transports adapt to seafaring life, sometimes feeling like they're on a pleasure cruise.
10:50-11:15: As the invasion day approaches, officers finalize landing plans, knowing success depends on precise timing.
11:17-11:24: Navy reconnaissance planes signal the invasion is imminent.
11:30-11:50: Troops prepare for the invasion, trying to act normal despite the tension.
11:50-12:21: Enemy aircraft approach, and the convoy's aircraft carrier prepares for action.
12:37-13:31: The Navy guns are ready to soften up the shore for the invasion.
13:31-14:21: The Navy bombards enemy shore batteries to weaken resistance.
14:21-14:50: The Coast Guard landing crews prepare to shuttle troops to the beach.
14:50-15:09: Coast Guard crews shuttle troops from ships to the beach in armored watercraft.
15:09-16:39: Troops wait anxiously for the landing, anticipating enemy attacks.
16:39-17:03: After securing the beach, the Coast Guard ferries in supplies to support the troops.
17:03-17:32: Once a port is secured, troop transports unload their cargo quickly.
17:32-17:49: The Coast Guard's job is done, but they are ready for future missions.
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 www.PeriscopeFilm.com/
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