I am a military and historical advisor to film and video makers. Over the past ten years,
I have provided thorough, dependable research and on-set advisement to directors and producers, including
Dale Dye (No Better Place to Die) and Rob Child (The Wereth Eleven).
My primary area of expertise is World War II in Europe.
In the field of military history publishing, I have investigated topics for acclaimed authors John C. McManus and Phil Nordyke.
On a parallel course I have launched a career as an actor, most recently portraying Colonel John Glover in
America's First D-Day, dramatizing Washington crossing the Delaware, directed by Rob Child.
Prior to my film work, I had a fulfilling career spanning over 20 years in the U.S. Military and local law enforcement.
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Above left, publicity photo. ~ Top right, Tom (in green) playing Col. John Glover in America's First D-Day.
George Washington (in blue) is played by John Koopman III. ~ Bottom left, Tom (in center) portraying Lt. Gibson on set of
The Wereth Eleven. ~ Bottom right: Tom researching
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Résumé
Military Advisor & Researcher
Head Researcher and Historian: No Better Place To Die – (in progress), Feature film by Dale Dye and Warriors, Inc.
Military Advisor: The Wereth Eleven – 2011, Documentary by Joe Small and the Ardennes Group LLC
Special Advisor: The USS Franklin Honor Restored – 2010, Documentary by Joe Small & The Ardennes Group LLC
Military Advisor/Researcher: Mother of Normandy – 2010, Film made by Doug Stebleton of Iron Mike Entertainment
Assistant Editor: Mother of Normandy: The Story of Simone Renaud – Companion book to the Film. Author, Jeff Stoffer (Editor of American Legion Magazine)
Lead Military & Historical Advisor: Operation: Manor Assault – Film by Doug Stebleton and Iron Mike Entertainment. Released in 2008.
Acting
No Better Place To Die – Feature film by Dale Dye and Warriors, Inc.
America’s First D-Day – 2012 Feature film by Robert Child, Bob Campbell Jr. and Bob Campbell Sr. Played role of Col. John Glover.
The Wereth Eleven – 2011, Documentary by Joe Small and the Ardennes Group LLC. Played role of Lt. Gibson.
Operation: Manor Assault – Film by Doug Stebleton and Iron Mike Entertainment. Released in 2008.
Articles & Book Research
Author – American Legion Magazine
- A March Through History – May 2010
- Mission Accomplished – May 2010
Historical researcher for two books by French author Gilles Bre on the 82nd Airborne & 101st Airborne Divisions and their time in Normandy June – July, 1944:
- Un Pont en Normandie (French language version), published 2003
- A Bridge in Normandy (English version), published 2003
Historical researcher for Chroniques Du Jour – Chronicles of D-Day.
Historical researcher for author John McManus on his book September Hope (2012) covering the US Army in Holland during WWII.
Immersion Tour Guide
Tour guide and partner at Normandy Drop Zone Tours, a provider of
full immersion historical and cultural tours to Normandy, France,
focusing on D-Day 1944.
Acting Courses
Essentials 1: New York Acting School for Film and TV, Instructor: Mark Stolzenberg
Law Enforcement Experience
Over 20 years experience (1989--2010) as a Police Officer for the Township of Fairfield, New Jersey.
Performed the vital public services of preserving the peace, protecting life and property,
preventing crime, apprehending criminals, and enforcing state laws and local ordinances.
Areas of Expertise:
- Certified firearms instructor
- Combat shotgun instructor
- Submachine gun instructor
- Police patrol rifle instructor (assault rifle)
- Certified for Remington shotguns, Glock handguns, and PR 24 Police Baton
- EMT and First Responder Certification
- Scuba and Skydiver Certification
- Commander of Honor Guard Detachment
- Company Commander of Police Recruit Training Class 8/89–12/89
Military Experience
Six and a half years active duty US ARMY with assignments in the following units:
- 7th Special Forces Group (AIRBORNE), Ft Bragg, NC
- 4th Infantry Division, Ft Carson, CO
- 1st Infantry Division (Forward) Goppingen, Germany
Five years service in New Jersey National Guard.
Areas of Expertise:
- Sergeant, squad leader, and acting platoon leader
- Paratrooper
- Recondo – LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol)
- Intelligence
- Numerous weapons types used by infantry
- Primary Leadership Development Training
Client Recommendations
Capt. Dale Dye USMC (Ret.)
Warriors, Inc.
“[Tommy] is the man with the answers and anyone with questions can’t do
better in finding a source for full, accurate and reliable information.”
Extensive, detailed research into the events, personalities and particulars of a
pivotal 20th Century event like World War II is vital to moviemakers like me.
As the Military Advisor to critically acclaimed films or TV series such
as Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, The Pacific and a bunch of others,
I’m the guy who has to come up with the right answers for writers, producers and
directors. While I can’t know everything, I’m lucky to know a man who does.
If Tom McArdle doesn’t immediately know the answer to any esoteric question
about World War II, he knows how to get that answer in a hurry. And when
Tommy answers a question, he does it completely – often with accompanying
documentation – that keeps me from having to chase details. That’s invaluable
to me and to any other researcher, writer or storyteller dealing with the events
of the period.
Tommy McArdle is never hard to reach and no question I’ve ever had for him was deemed
too hard. As a former airborne soldier, he knows what I’m after following a brief
discussion and digs into the records with vigor to provide what I need. He has a
particular expertise in the Normandy D-Day battle and follow-on operations in the
European Theater of Operations which has proved invaluable to me many times.
This is the man with the answers and anyone with questions can’t do better in finding
a source for full, accurate and reliable information.
Robert Child, Director
Wereth 11 & America’s 1st D-Day
“I would bring Tom on board any of my future productions
without hesitation on camera or behind the scenes...”
I have worked with Tom McArdle on two productions my Emmy® nominated
Wereth Eleven and the forthcoming America's First D-Day about General
George Washington and his crossing of the Delaware. Tom performed a
superb role on camera with dialog and was able convey the intensity of
the launch of the massive opening salvo of the German offensive in the
Battle of the Bulge. He was invaluable to me in verifying the accuracy
of the WWII dialog and actually offered several suggestions for
corrections. Whenever I felt there was a gray area as far as
historical accuracy I would turn to Tom and he alway had a ready
answer. I would bring Tom on board any of my future productions
without hesitation on camera or behind the scenes and he gets my
highest recommendation.
Jeff Stoffer, Editor
The American Legion Magazine
“[Tommy’s] knowledge of military history comes as much from the heart as from the mind.”
Tommy McArdle’s knowledge of World War II, particularly the European theater, is
unparalleled because he does not simply read about it. He lives it. When I first met
him, he was cinching his combat boots in preparation for a night-time re-enactment
of a firefight somewhere in the Merderet River floodplain of Normandy, where U.S.
paratroopers jumped in advance of the beach landings of D-Day. He is one of those
few historians who knows what it means to walk in the boot-prints of history.
As editor of The American Legion Magazine, I have often turned to Tommy for research,
writing and fact-checking services. He also provided invaluable support and research for
my 2010 book, Mother of Normandy: The Story of Simone Renaud, and documentary
film of the same name. I have hired Tommy on a number of occasions to write about his
experiences in Europe among World War II veterans, whose memories he has captured and
whose stories enrich his understanding of history. A veteran and former highway patrol
officer, Tommy is passionate about those who have served in uniform. His 2010 piece,
Mission Accomplished, illustrates his sincere respect for those who have
fought for our freedoms. In the article, he wrote of visiting the grave of Staff Sgt.
Louis Feuerstein of New Jersey, who was shot down in Belgium during World War II.
A family member of Staff Sgt. Feuerstein said no one had ever visited his grave.
Tommy then began taking it upon himself to visit the grave each year, and decorating it,
at the Ardennes American Cemetery in Belgium, during his annual pilgrimage to march
“In the Bootsteps of the 82nd Airborne Division,” a trek taken every February to retrace
the routes of U.S. forces who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
His knowledge of military history comes as much from the heart as from the mind.
He is always my first choice when faced with a factual question about World War II,
and I am always delighted when his words appear in The American Legion Magazine
and website.
Phil Nordyke
Military History Author
“...premiere military history detective in the business...”
Tom McArdle is one of the foremost researchers of military history living today. His background as a former member of the U.S. Army Special Forces and his experience as a career policeman give him both the technical knowledge and detective skills to solve mysteries of military history once thought to be forever unexplained. Tom’s great knowledge of and contacts at the world’s military history archives such as the National Personnel Records Center, the National Archives, the U.S. Army Center of Military History, and numerous museums is a tremendous asset for anyone wanting a researcher who knows where to start digging for answers. In addition, he is very well connected with veterans and veterans’ organizations and associations.
Tom has a superb knowledge of battlefields the world over that allows him to find the most obscure locations for events long ago. Among Tom’s great finds for me was a letter by a German soldier who fought at the la Fiere causeway, which is likely the only German account of the battle. He has also found an 82nd Airborne trooper’s unpublished account of fighting in Sicily, Italy, Holland, and the Bulge based on a diary that he kept during World War II.
If you want the premiere military history detective in the business, you need to contact Tom McArdle.
John C. McManus, Ph.D.
U.S. Military History Professor
“Tommy McArdle has impeccable and impressive credentials.”
Tommy McArdle has impeccable and impressive credentials. A former airborne soldier himself,
he has spent decades researching military archives, visiting World War II battlefields, developing
battlefield tours, and cultivating deep friendships with veterans. I can say from first hand
experience in working with him that he is a 'go to guy,' an all around expert and a fine man as well.
Dr. McManus teaches at Missouri University of Science & Technology.
Doug Stebleton, Producer
Iron Mike Entertainment
“[Tommy] is very passionate about history and is a pleasure to work with.”
Tommy McArdle has done great research for me on my two films, Mother of Normandy and
Manor Assault. He also did research and editing on the Mother of Normandy book, which
I was very pleased with. He is very passionate about history and is a pleasure
to work with. He is well versed in military history and also is great tour guide.
I have hired him and referred him to many people over the years. I can highly
recommend him for any projects that require intense research and as a tour guide.
Filmography
No Better Place to Die
Director: Dale Dye
As lead researcher and historian for the film, I provided historically accurate information on the 82nd Airborne Division's struggle to capture and hold crucial crossing points over the Merderet River during the Normandy invasion.
My direct contacts were with the director/screen writer. I ensured the accuracy of the script against realtime events and provided a detailed on-ground tour to the director/screenwriter and his staff at the actual location in France where the principal engagement took place.
Furthermore, I contacted and interviewed living survivors of the engagement and provided pertinent information to the director/screen writer. I also advised on technical details of period uniforms, weapons and special equipment.
The Wereth Eleven (2011)
Director: Robert Child
As military advisor, I provided on-location advice to the producer and director of this documentary that recounts the heroic battle waged by the African-American
333rd Field Artillery Battalion against the massed attacking German army at the start
of the Battle of the Bulge.
I provided on-location assistance to the producer and director in all facets of the film.
Most notably, I advised on period tactics, uniforms, weapons, and battle scenes. I researched and documented the units and personalities involved and all relevant events.
In addition to advisement, I acted in the role of Lt. Gibson.
Trailer >
America’s First D-Day (2012)
Director: Robert Child
As an actor, I portrayed Col. John Glover, whose amphibious regiment ferried George Washington's army across the Delaware River for a surprise attack at Trenton in December 1776.
Trailer >
USS Franklin: Honor Restored (2011)
Director: Joe Small
I served as special advisor on this documentary film that gave voice to the
the surviving men of the USS Franklin. The carrier, known as "The Ship That Wouldn't Die", survived a direct hit by a Japanese armor-piecing bomb just fifty miles off the coast of Japan in March 1945.
I provided the producer on-location assistance with logistics and arranged security for the film sites. I also assisted with interviews of veterans and arranged for and hospitality services.
Trailer >
Mother of Normandy (2006)
Director: Doug Stebleton
From the Director:
Tommy was very helpful on the film in various ways. He did great research for us on the history of the 82nd and 101st Airborne paratroopers and their involvement in the Normandy invasion.
He made introductions for us to interview WWII Normandy Veteran paratroopers and was helpful getting us locations for filming our reenactments.
Since we filmed a lot in the town of Sainte Mere Eglise, France, he was also instrumental with introductions with the airborne museum.
He also helped us on reading our script and making sure we were accurate in all of the historical information that was used in the film.
His knowledge of WWII history and especially the Normandy invasion was so important to how the film turned out.
Trailer >
Operation Manor Assault (2009)
Director: Cary Cremidas
From Producer Doug Stebleton:
Tommy was an instrumental part of the Manor Assault film. Apart from being the lead actor, he also assembled the American Paratrooper re-enactors to act in the film.
He was also our technical consultant on the film and was in charge of the actors and the use of all the weapons on the set.
He also instructed us on historical accuracy of the battle that was fought at La Fiere manor where the film was shot and He secured the location at the manor for us.
He worked very closely with both the director and the producer on the film from the production through post production.
Trailer >
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Copyright © 2013 by Thomas McArdle, All rights reserved.
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