The Missouri River has flooded countless times, before and since 1952. But 70 years ago the "Greatest Generation," which had already experienced the Great Depression, World War II, and the Korean War dug its heels in and said: "No." Four days and nights over forty thousand volunteers stacked sandbags, creating and expanding a nineteen mile levee in a battle so tense Edward R. Murrow broadcast his CBS newscasts live from Council Bluffs, providing a play-by-play to the entire nation.

Information in the video taken from:
"The Greatest People in the World," Kathy Kuenzer, Historical Society of Pottawattamie County Member Journal
"Man Against the Missouri," Council Bluffs Nonpareil, 1952
"Flood of '52," Omaha World Herald, 1952
"Marauding Missouri Meets Its Match," William Ramsey and Betty Shrier
Photos/video courtesy William Ramsey, Council Bluffs Public Library, Historical Society archives
Video script by Richard Warner

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