The Lost Battalion is a 2001 made-for-television docudrama about the Lost Battalion of World War I, which was cut off and surrounded by German forces in the Argonne Forest during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of 1918. The film was directed by Russell Mulcahy, written by James Carabatsos, and starred Rick Schroder as Major Charles Whittlesey. The film was shot in Luxembourg. It is an A&E Original Movie, premiering on the network in 2001. It is also played on A&E's sister networks such as The History Channel. It was released on home video in January 2002. Plot In October 1918, Major Charles Whittlesey is ordered by Major General Robert Alexander to lead roughly 550 soldiers of the United States Army's 77th Infantry Division into the Argonne forest to repel the German advance. Alexander has little faith in Whittlesey, mocking his status as an "overeducated New York lawyer", and describes his men as "acceptable losses"; much to Whittlesey's dismay. Whittlesey's men, part of the American Expeditionary Forces, consist largely of immigrants and poor working class men from the Lower East Side of New York City. He is assisted in command by Captain George McMurty, a veteran of the Rough Riders, and James Leak, an inexperienced lieutenant from Texas. Whittlesey and his men fight their way through the German line, believing they are going to be joined by American and French forces on their flanks. However, unbeknownst to them, these forces had retreated, leaving the 77th completely surrounded. They are soon joined by riflemen commanded by Captain Nelson Holderman. Whittlesey attempts to send several runners to headquarters, but none return. He uses carrier pigeons to communicate with Alexander, who despite having knowledge of the retreat, orders the battalion to push on. During the siege, American artillery begins falling on the 77th's line, killing numerous men via friendly fire. Whittlesey manages to send a pigeon to headquarters with a message asking the artillery to cease. The barrage ends, but the Germans attack the disoriented Americans. However, the 77th repels the Germans in fierce close-quarters combat. After several days and numerous repelled attacks, the Americans hold the line despite being desperately low on supplies, forcing them to reuse medical supplies and take food off dead soldiers. The Germans capture Lt. Leak and a wounded soldier, and begin using them to try to negotiate with Whittlesey. Lt. Leak receives good treatment from a German officer who speaks