Military by The National Library of Medicine

Personal Cleanliness (US Navy, 1945)

In this film aimed at marines in the field, some points of personal hygiene are presented in humorous animation. The results of inattention to cleanliness, especially of the feet, are stressed. Learn more about this film and search its transcript at NLM Digital Collections: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9440899 Learn more about the National Library of Medicine's historical audiovisuals program at: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/collections/films

Native Food (US Navy, 1945)

Humorous animated film warning soldiers (marines) against eating native food while in the field. Produced by Hugh Harman Productions for the United States Navy. Learn more about this film and search its transcript at NLM Digital Collections: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9301319A Learn more about the National Library of Medicine's historical audiovisuals program at: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/collections/films

Vision in Military Aviation (Dept of the Navy, 1963)

This film outlines some specific visual problems encountered by aviators flying at very high speeds. These include recognizing and avoiding other aircraft in high altitude and high speed operations, determining the size and distance of encountered aircraft, the hazards of flying in empty visual fields, contrast discrimination, and reaction and closure times. Suggestions are made to help the aviator reduce the effects and consequences of these visual problems.

Survival Under Atomic Attack (US Federal Civil Defense Admin., 1951)

This film deals with the action an individual can take to protect himself in the event of an atomic attack which may come with or without warning. This 1951 Federal Civil Defense Administration film warns of the dangers posed by atomic bombs, which wound people in three ways: by blast, heat, and radioactivity. Footage of the devastation caused in Japan at the end of World War II and its aftermath illustrates these points.

The Inside Story: A United States Coast Guard training film (US Coast Guard, 1944)

This film outlines the most common emotional illnesses that may be suffered by a civilian upon entering a military service and suggests how the individual serviceman can deal with them. Anxiety can be caused by isolation from family and familiar circumstances, the pressures of military training, lack of privacy in barracks life, and worry about performing one's duty. Footage of a sailor in the above situations is shown. A navy psychiatrist reassures a troubled seaman, helps him to understand what is happening to him, and gives him material to read that will guide him in his recovery.

Combat Fatigue Irritability (US Navy, 1945)

Gene Kelly directs and stars in this wartime naval "training" film. Kelly plays the role of Seaman Bob Lucas, a troubled and angry "fireman" whose ship was sunk in battle. Many sailors died at sea, but Lucas lived through it and suffers from what now might be termed "post-traumatic stress disorder." After lashing out at everyone around him, Lucas comes to understand his emotions, and moves from illness to wellness, with the help of a wise psychiatrist. Kelly considered his performance in Combat Fatigue Irritability one of his very best.

Suicide, The Unheard Cry (United States. Department of the Army, 1968)

he purpose of this program is to familiarize viewers with the behavior of suicidal individuals, emphasizing that prevention is possible if the signs of a potential suicide are recognized. The film presents five stories of individuals in the Army who show such signs and eventually take their own lives. In each case portrayed, the person displays a characteristic pattern of change in behavior, providing clues as to a desperate mindset. These clues include the inability to cope with family and work problems, depression, overreaction, lack of appetite, insomnia, and other behaviors.