Grandpa’s War Story Goes Viral

Sunday, Nov. 8, at 4 PM

Also airs on Fusion on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 PM and Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 7 PM

Narrated by Liev Schreiber, this documentary shares the remarkable account of James (Jim) Schmidt’s World War II service and military career, and his grandson Henry DeHoop’s efforts to generate interest in his grandfather’s war journey with the help of social media.

Like 16 million others of his generation, Schmidt responded to the national call to duty following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. The twist: Schmidt enlisted at the age of 14 and left home without ever telling his parents. Schmidt’s age was eventually revealed, and he was sent home.

Not to be deterred, Schmidt would serve stints in both the U.S. Navy and Merchant Marines before finally reaching 18 and officially rejoining the Army. GRANDPA’S WAR STORY GOES VIRAL charts a story of remarkable service.