Big Picture: First Sergeant

Year Published: ca. 1938

Creator: National Archives and Records Administration

Format: 16mm/video file

Description: National Archives and Records Administration ARC Identifier 2569677 / Local Identifier 111-TV-410 Big Picture: First Sergeant DVD Copied by Katie Filbert - Department of Defense. Department of the Army. Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. U.S. Army Audiovisual Center. (ca. 1974 - 05/15/1984). Story of a first sergeant on duty in Berlin is told -- This is a personal story told on film about one man -- an Army top-kick -- on duty 100 miles behind the Iron Curtain. First Sergeant Richard B. Gilland, a career non-commissioned officer, is one of the hardcore of NCOs who play an indispensable part in keeping the U.S. Army the greatest fighting team in the world. Filmed in Company C, 6th Infantry Regiment, stationed in Berlin, Germany, Gilland was chosen as one who typifies the ideal first-soldier. He has an outstanding combat record and shows up on film with a clean-cut rugged appearance. Also included is footage on his family and community life to give television viewers a well-rounded look at the "day in the life of a First Sergeant." Gilland, 35-year-old native of Breckenridge, Texas, is a veteran of 17 years in the service. He fought in the European-African-Middle East Theatre in World War II and in Korea. He's been First Sergeant of Company C since April 1956. The television viewer will get a peek at his wife, Faye, and their four daughters: Elizabeth, 9; Donna, 7; Paula Faye, 4; and Susan Joan, 3.