A Distant Shore: African Americans of D-Day

In 1997, after going unrecognized for nearly half a century, seven African American heroes of WWII were bestowed with the U.S. military’s most prestigious award–the Medal of Honor.

While only one veteran was alive to accept the decoration from former President Bill Clinton, he represented tens of thousands of forgotten black soldiers who fought and died alongside their white comrades during the second world war. In this moving tribute, HISTORY pays homage to the valor and sacrifices of these African American soldiers, while shedding light on the discrimination they endured. For the first time ever, the stories of the seven soldiers who were finally honored for their bravery vividly come to life, while dramatic recreations and in-depth interviews offer an insight into the African American contribution to the Normandy invasion.

Highlighting moments of both glory and shame, A DISTANT SHORE: AFRICAN AMERICANS OF D-DAY offers an eye-opening look into this important chapter in U.S. history.