A Golden Cross to Bear: A Story of the 33rd Division in World War 1

Retired Ottawa, Illinois music educator Roger Amm begins a journey of discovery to learn about the military service of his grandfather - Pontiac, Illinois farmer Gustave Amm - who fought with the 131st Infantry Regiment of the 33rd "Golden Cross" Division during World War I. What he learns begins a larger mission to honor all who serve, on both sides of the conflict.

Retired Ottawa, Illinois music educator Roger Amm's quest to understand what his grandfather Gustave Amm endured during combat in World War I takes on new meaning after observing a chemical weapons training session with those currently serving in uniform with the U.S. Army's 33rd Brigade Combat Team in Bloomington, Illinois.

The remnants of trench warfare on the former battlefields of World War I in France yield clues for Roger Amm about what his grandfather Gustave Amm witnessed during the bloodiest battle in U.S. military history, and leads to an emotional moment at one of the most hauntingly beautiful locations dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Historian and battlefield guide Randy Gaulke retraces the path of the 131st Infantry Regiment for Roger Amm, and takes him on Gustave Amm's perilous march from the banks of the Meuse River in eastern France to the heights of the Bois Plat Chêne, among the many locations in France during the bloodiest battle in U.S. military history in October and November of 1918.

During his quest to learn more about the World War I combat experience of his grandfather, Gustave Amm, an American soldier of the 131st Infantry Regiment, Roger Amm also visits the Bavarian town of his ancestors, and makes a surprising discovery before returning to the United States to honor the sacrifice and service of all who served in the "war to end all wars" more than a century ago.