1939 - 1945

From the midst of the hate and horror of a Nazi concentration camp came a sterling example of what it means to lay down one's life for another. This true documentary/drama vividly profiles the life and heroic offering of the Franciscan Father Maximilian Kolbe. The actual acount of Father Kolbe's last days at Auschwitz is told by Francis Gajowniczek, the man whose place he took. Scenes from Pope John Paul's visit to Auschwitz and the canonization of St. Maximilian Kolbe completes this impressive story.

Part One: France 1940. The break-through on the Meuse; Closing the trap; The break-through on the Somme; Pursuit to Cherbourg. Part Two: The war in Africa--first year. Graziani's defeat--cause & effect; The first round; The British summer offensive, 1941; The winter campaign, 1941-42. Part Three: The war in Africa --second year. Gazala & Tobruk; Pursuit into Egypt; The initiative passes; Race against time; Now or never--Alam Halfa; Battle without hope--Alamein; Alamein in Retrospect; The great retreat; Consultation in Europe; Back to Tunisia; Between two fires. Part Four: Italy--Italy 1943. Part Five: Invasion. Invasion--1944; The last days; The sky has grown dark.