100 Year Old WWII Veteran Shares His Story | Bio Brief of Thaddeus Watson
Grades: 5 - 8

Adolphus Thaddeus Watson, 100 Year old WWII Veteran, who served in the U.S. Army all black 351st artillery unit during the Battle of the Bulge is featured. His story takes us on a historical journey from being raised on a plantation by his Aunt Fannie who was born into slavery, the Jim Crow era, serving in the segregated U.S. Military, experiencing freedom for the first time in Scotland, enduring the Battle of the Bulge, post-war Jim Crow segregation, enjoying a successful career in construction for 31 years, while raising his six children with his wife Learlen. This is the inspirational story of a true American Hero, the last surviving WWII soldier of the U.S. Army 351st Artillery Unit, Adolphus Thaddeus Watson.

Quick Ideas for Using the Video with Students:
1. In the first 90 seconds of the video, we learn that Mr. Watson moved north as part of the “Great Migration.” Have students research this topic more and learn about why it happened and the effects it caused.
2 Use the video as an example of a “biography” video for students to use as a template for a “biography” video they will create as part of their study of history, primary sources, video creation, or any number of related topics. Have students select an individual from history or in their community to create a video about, conduct the research, and create the video.
3. After viewing the video, have students discuss the life events and societal changes that Mr. Watson experienced. What do those events help them understand about American history in the 20th century?
4. Use the video as you study World War II, the American Civil Rights Movement, the Great Migration, or other related topics.

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