Americans had seen little fighting on the battlefield after the North African invasion. That all changed on Valentine's Day of 1943, when the first skirmish between American and German forces in World War II broke out.

Episode 66: The Battle of the Ruhr

World War II Chronicles is a weekly look back to 'This Week in World War II, 75 Years Ago.' Originally produced in coordination with the National Archives to mark the 50th anniversary of the war, World War II Chronicles features original newsreel reports and archival footage to tell the story as it happened, week by week.  Hosted by famed World War II newsreel anchor Ed Herlihy, World War II Chronicles is produced by the American Veterans Center.