BLOOMINGTON — A new documentary tells the stories of six soldiers and one nurse who left their Indiana homes to serve in World War I. Over There: Hoosier Heroes of the Great War premieres November 10 at 9 p.m. on WTIU Public Television.
Backed by substantial research, filmmaker Jo Throckmorton dives deep into the lives of seven Hoosiers, revealing the unique challenges each faced. The highlighted Hoosiers include the following:
First Lt. Samuel Woodfill came from the small town of Bryantsburg and was WWI’s only Hoosier recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Second Lt. Aaron Fisher was one of Indiana’s most decorated soldiers from the war. Born in Lyles Station, he was hailed as a hero by the French for his bravery in action but fought racial discrimination within American ranks.
James Bethel Gresham left Evansville for the trenches of France in 1917 and became the first American soldier to die in combat during World War I. He was killed by German forces in Haute des Ruelles.
Lottie May Berry of Indianapolis was one of the first members of the American Red Cross to enter the war, becoming the first American nurse to die in service overseas.
Charles Harrison Forrest of Veedersburg was a member of the 104th infantry regiment in eastern France. One morning, Forrest and his unit came under heavy fire attacking up a hill, leading to his death in October 1918.
Ernest Findley Duncan was a house painter from Bloomington. He was celebrated for his honor and courage when his company faced a night attack.
Louis Carl Rupholdt was a carpenter from Goshen, entering combat at only 19 years old in the Battle of the Marne.
Throckmorton found the heroism in these stories to be transcendent across centuries. “I wanted to connect Hoosiers from a century ago to a modern audience,” he said. “Everybody loves a good hero story, which is why this film is relevant today and will be tomorrow.”
A 1987 graduate of Wabash College, Throckmorton has led a 30-year career in creative storytelling, winning an Emmy, an AAF Gold, and several Silver Tellys for his documentary and commercial work.
Learn more about Over There: Hoosier Heroes of the Great War on the film’s website.
