Mud Mules & Mountains

“Mud Mules & Mountains” follows a group of World War II veterans from the 36th "Texas" Infantry Division, as they revisit the battlefields of their youth at the end of their lives.

Most people are unaware that the 36th "Texas" Infantry Division landed on the beaches of Salerno, Italy, nine months before D-Day. Enduring extremely hostile conditions, as they fought their way across the jagged mountains of Italy. Winning many important victories, including the liberation of Rome. Without their immense sacrifice & courage, the Normandy Invasion would never have been possible. It's tragic their story is largely unknown. We're hoping to change that with "Mud Mules & Mountains".

In 2009, the Producer and I accompanied a group of three 36th Infantry Division WW2 vets & their families on a trip through Southern Italy, retracing their steps through the bloody battlefields of their youth. The current film combines footage we shot in Italy with many years of interviews, various 36th Infantry reunions, and pre-existing archival footage. Including many clips from John Huston’s famous Army documentary “The Battle of San Pietro”.

We covered as much history as possible, but chose to focus on the emotions of the vets as they revisited the ghosts of their past, while preparing to become one themselves.

First to land. First to fight. First to die. This is their untold story in their own words.

Shot on location in Texas & Southern Italy.