2 hour episode first aired September 20, 1979

Writers: Rod Peterson & Claire Whittaker
Director: Harry Harris
Music: Alexander Courage

“It was one spring day during the war that our mother came back to us, and with her arrival it seemed that everything began to look brighter. In Europe and North Africa the Allied forces were gaining strength; giving new hope to those of us on the home front. There were dark days still ahead, but for now it was peaceful on the mountain and my family rejoiced in being together again.”

When the Assistant Manager of the Pickett plant quits Erin Walton fills in, only to experience the glass ceiling when she asks JD to hire her permanently, with a big raise.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Bridges turns to John Walton, head of the Draft Board, when new recruit Tommy Satterfield goes AWOL. If Tommy doesn’t return, and soon, he’ll face jail time. John decides to confront the issue head-on and pay a visit to the Satterfields. When Tommy, who is hiding out back, finally comes out John persuades him to honor his duty to his country.

Later, news comes that the troopship taking Tommy overseas has been attacked and Tommy killed. Calvin, Tommy’s father, doesn’t take the news very well. Emboldened by whiskey Calvin heads to the Walton house, shotgun in hand, and threatens to kill one of John’s sons in revenge.

Olivia Walton brings an unexpected telegram with news that John-Boy, on active service with the Stars and Stripes, is posted as missing.

Will this change things for Calvin Satterfield? Will Calvin exact his revenge? Will John find a way to console another father and together confront their grief?

Don’t miss this moving portrayal of the hardship and heartache experienced by the families who loved and supported the heroes of our Greatest Generation.