In this episode of CNTV News, Brad and Quin dive deeper into the bravery and heroism of the 45th Infantry Division, also known as the Thunderbirds. Roughly 2,000 First Americans from more than 50 tribes served in the unit during World War II. They endured harsh conditions and intense combat throughout Italy as they liberated the Italian people and eventually the Dachau concentration camp in Germany.

The episode highlights "Nations at War: Field Sketches of a Pawnee Warrior," an exhibition at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum that showcases sketches by Pawnee Sergeant Brummet Echohawk. These drawings provide a glimpse into the stress of intense battle, and their rediscovery is bringing this history to modern Italian communities; replicas of Echohawk's sketches are being shared with museums in Italy to ensure the story of the 45th Infantry continues to be told.

Next, Retired Major Mike Mitchell and Brigadier General Brad Carter share their journey along the Thunderbird Trail in Italy. The "battle buddies" visit significant landing sites for the 45th Infantry, like Salerno and Anzio. Along the trail, the Chickasaw Nation and the Oklahoma National Guard Foundation are partnering to place monuments and plaques that commemorate the courage of the Thunderbirds during WWII.

To close the episode, Brad and Quin share the important work of the Chickasaw Nation to identify Chickasaw soldiers who lost their lives in WWII.