Special premier of The Pacific at Pendleton

Service members, civilian employees and families of Camp Pendleton had the opportunity to view a special screening of “The Pacific,” part one of a 10-part Home Box Office series, Feb. 26. The program a miniseries based on World War II and is scheduled to premier on television March 14.

The show was introduced by retired Marine, Capt. Dale Dye, series consultant and co-director. Dye worked as a unit director, shooting the series’ major battle scenes. He is also a seasoned actor who can be seen in films such as “Rules of Engagement” and “Saving Private Ryan.”

The Pacific was produced by acclaimed director Steven Spielberg and Oscar recipient Tom Hanks, who both also produced the 2001 World War II television miniseries, “Band of Brothers.”

The two miniseries are similar but unrelated, in that Band of Brothers focuses on the experiences of the US Army’s E Company assigned to the 101st Airborne Division’s European campaign, centered around Maj. John Winters; and The Pacific focuses on the US Marine Corps’ actions in the Pacific theater of operations, centered around Medal of Honor and Navy Cross recipient, John Basilone, the only enlisted Marine to receive these awards during World War II.

Part one also introduces and reveals glimpses of Lt. General “Chesty” Puller, who has earned more awards than any other Marine in Marine Corps’ history.

“It’s great to see some of our forefathers represented because, outside of the Marine Corps, no one really knows who Chesty Puller or John Basilone is,” said Lance Cpl. Evan Hooper, maintenance clerk, 5th Marine Regiment. “It brings new light to what happened on the other side of the world during the war.”

The series features well-known battles involving the 1st Marine Division, such as Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, Peleliu, and Okinawa, as well as Basilone’s involvement in the battle of Iwo Jima, said Dye.

“I could feel the passion portrayed by the actors,” said Pfc. Anderson Delinois, supply clerk, 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division. “It was motivating to see how much men really wanted to be Marines back then.”

The screening ended with an extended trailer on what is to come in the remaining nine episodes.

“I can’t wait to see the ret of the series,” said Hooper.

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