GUEST: Russell Moore, USS Hornet Museum

In the overcast Italian camp, Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter stand amidst the cheering men of the 107th, their eyes locking briefly as the crowd’s energy swirls around them. The camera pulls upward, capturing the sea of triumphant soldiers.

The scene shifts to Washington, where Senator Brandt strides to a podium outside the Capitol Building, flanked by Marines in crisp dress uniforms. “I am honored to present this medal for valor to my personal friend, Captain America!” Brandt declares, raising a hand toward the doorway behind him. “Captain America! Captain, that’s your cue!” Brandt’s assistant apologetically steps through the doorway, and quietly says something in Brandt’s ear.

In the audience, a general, bearing a striking resemblance to comic book creator Stan Lee, leans toward a colleague and whispers, “I thought he’d be taller.”

At the bustling Strategic Scientific Reserve Headquarters, deep beneath London’s streets, Steve stands before a large tactical map, pointing decisively. “The fifth one was here in Poland, right near the Baltic. And the sixth one was about here, 30, 40 miles west of the Maginot Line. I just got a quick look.”

Peggy, standing beside him, flashes a smile. “Well, nobody’s perfect.”

Steve continues, “These are the weapon factories we know about. Sergeant Barnes said that Hydra shipped all the parts…”