Remembering Normandy on Memorial Day

I have been very blessed to have met some truly outstanding individuals through my documentary film work. One of those very special people is Bill Hochman, who passed away recently. Bill was a beloved Professor at Colorado College, but before that was a WWII U.S. Navy veteran. I was introduced to Bill by John Levis, one of his former students. Bill’s ship, the LST376, was part of the D-Day invasion and on their second run to France on June 9, 1944 was sunk by a German E-boat. Many of Bill’s shipmates died in the frigid waters of the English Channel, though Bill and others were rescued by a British destroyer.

Bill Hochman

Part of my work included conducting an interview with Bill about his perspective on war and the effects it has on those who serve. While some components of this interview were added to the film, I decided to preserve the bulk of the interview and place this after the film, as Bill’s memories and perspective are invaluable. I’ve often felt that we need to hear from those who serve in order to understand the decision of going to war and the true impact this has on those we send to war. I also have a strong personal connection to Bill’s perspective as my own late father was also a WWII veteran, a U.S. Marine who served in the Pacific. My life was truly enhanced by my meeting with Bill and what I learned from getting to know and working together with this wonderful human being.

Right picture: Colin McMillan and Bill Hochman

Memorial Day is our holiday to remember those who served, and I’d like to share this film with you. The film itself is 36 minutes, and then after a pause of roughly 20 seconds the interview with Bill commences and lasts another 45 minutes. This interview is mostly unedited as I simply wanted to present his thoughts without interference.

Please consider sharing this film with anyone you think might be interested.

Thanks,

Chris Farina