Tom Hanks is revisiting the horrors of World War II ahead of the upcoming anniversary commemorations tied to America’s 250th independence celebration.
The Oscar-winning actor, widely praised for portraying Captain John H. Miller in Saving Private Ryan, reflects on the Nazi invasion of Poland in a new History Channel documentary series set to premiere later this month.
Tom Hanks narrates historical moments
In the newly released footage, Hanks describes the devastating early days of the German invasion of Poland in 1939.
“In less than a month, a major European nation has been removed from the map,” Hanks says while grim wartime footage plays on screen.
He also explains how German forces rapidly targeted critical infrastructure.
“The Germans take out railroads, bridges and airfields in the first 24 hours,” he says in the documentary.
Historians discuss Poland invasion
The series also features commentary from historians analyzing the scale and brutality of the invasion.
Jadwiga Biskupska said Polish civilians experienced the realities of modern warfare in terrifying ways.
“Polish civilians experience modern war in an unbelievably horrifying way. They see people killed. It’s a nightmare,” she said.
Meanwhile, Alexandra Richie noted that Poland possessed a strong military at the time but was ultimately overwhelmed.
“The Poles have a modern army. It’s the fifth largest army in the world,” Richie explained, adding that Germany had devoted extensive resources to military expansion under Adolf Hitler.
“The Poles were outgunned,” she said.
New series premieres this month
The first three episodes featuring Hanks are scheduled to premiere on May 25 as part of programming honoring the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.
Hanks has long been associated with World War II storytelling through acclaimed productions including Band of Brothers and The Pacific, both of which he executive produced.
His performance in Saving Private Ryan remains one of the most celebrated portrayals of wartime leadership in modern cinema.