Searching for Augusta

“Searching for Augusta: The Forgotten Angel of Bastogne” is a compelling historical narrative that uncovers the remarkable story of Augusta Chiwy, a Congolese-born Belgian nurse who became an unsung hero during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. The film intertwines the horrors of the 1944-1945 siege of Bastogne with Chiwy’s courageous efforts alongside American Army medic Jack Prior. Inspired by a fleeting mention of an African nurse in the TV series “Band of Brothers,” military historian Martin King embarks on a years-long quest to identify and honor her, driven by a determination to bring her story to light.

Chiwy, known as the “Angel of Bastogne,” worked tirelessly under relentless German bombardment, treating wounded soldiers despite racial prejudices that barred black nurses from caring for white patients. Soldiers faced a stark choice: accept her care or face death. Drawing from Prior’s recently discovered diary and King’s exhaustive research, the film details their improbable partnership and hints at a war-torn romance amid the chaos. Beyond the battlefield, it explores Chiwy’s life—from her upbringing in colonial Belgian Congo to the subtle racism she faced in Belgium—highlighting her resilience and selflessness.

King’s journey to find Chiwy, who had faded into obscurity after the war, is a parallel narrative of perseverance. Battling bureaucratic resistance and even racist backlash, he eventually locates her, securing belated recognition from the U.S. Army and Belgian government shortly before her death in 2015. The film not only illuminates a lesser-known chapter of the Battle of the Bulge but also celebrates Chiwy’s legacy of compassion and sacrifice. Through vivid storytelling, the film ensures that Augusta Chiwy’s name and heroism endure, making this a poignant tribute to a forgotten figure of history.