The Greatest Generation Live Podcast

For Women’s History Month, we talk with author and historian Brooke Kroeger, whose recent article, “The Go-Between,” shines new light on one of World War II’s most fascinating and least understood correspondents: Helen Kirkpatrick. Brooke will also discuss WWII reporter Ann Stringer, whose story Brooke captured in A Journalist at War. Helen Kirkpatrick was everywhere the war burned hottest: London during the Blitz, North Africa, Italy, Normandy, and Paris. She broke major stories, moved with unusual ease among political, military, and diplomatic circles, and became the only woman among 1,600 accredited American correspondents to receive the U.S. Medal of Freedom for her wartime service. How did she gain such access? And why do some of her accomplishments still sit in the shadows of classified files and unanswered questions? Kroeger also draws attention to a troubling ambiguity: her younger brother, Lyman B. Kirkpatrick Jr., became a high-ranking figure in U.S. intelligence after WWII, and the degree to which his and her careers overlapped raises unanswered questions about whether journalism and espionage sometimes blurred. Brooke Kroeger will walk us through the life and service of this remarkable reporter who straddled the worlds of journalism, intelligence, and wartime diplomacy. It’s a story of courage, connection, and mystery told by the scholar who knows it best. Helen Kirkpatrick broke barriers at the eve of World War II when the Chicago Daily News hired her for its London bureau. As war unfolded, Kirkpatrick reported across Europe. Her dispatches appeared sometimes several times a day, and she was credited with breaking sensitive news based on high-level, confidential sources. When asked later why she merited awards such as the U.S. Medal of Freedom and France’s Légion d’Honneur, Kirkpatrick often replied with humility — sometimes claiming she didn’t even know. Her wartime papers, now archived, remain thin on direct explanation. Ann Stringer (1918–1990) was a trail-blazing American reporter whose career with United Press took her from covering domestic beats with her husband to the battlefields of World War II after his death in Normandy. Determined to carry on both his work and her own ambition, she crossed into war-torn Europe in late 1944, even when military restrictions tried to keep her from the front lines. Colleagues like Walter Cronkite and Harrison Salisbury praised her as one of the finest reporters of her generation, and she won lasting distinction for filing the first dispatch on the historic link-up of American and Soviet forces at Torgau on the Elbe. After reporting through the end of the war and covering the Nuremberg trials, she left United Press in 1949, married, and continued to write for major news outlets from her home in Manhattan.

Glenn Flickinger welcomes Doug Cervi, who will offer a general presentation on the Holocaust that blends historical overview with educational insight. Cervi will situate the Holocaust within the broader sweep of Nazi persecution and genocide — tracing how state-sponsored antisemitism escalated from discrimination and isolation to industrialized mass murder. His presentation will clarify the scope of the Nazi regime’s crimes, including the targeting of Jews as well as Roma, people with disabilities, political dissidents, LGBTQ individuals, and others deemed “undesirable.” Drawing on decades in the classroom, Cervi will also explain how and why Holocaust education is taught across New Jersey’s schools today. New Jersey was one of the first states in the nation to mandate Holocaust and genocide education. As Executive Director of the Commission, Cervi works with educators to provide curriculum guidance, training, and resources designed to ensure students understand not only the historical facts but the moral and civic questions the Holocaust raises. He will share reflections on the challenges and opportunities of teaching this history in a time when fewer survivors remain to tell their stories firsthand. As living witnesses pass from the scene, the responsibility shifts to educators, institutions, and communities to preserve testimony accurately and thoughtfully — without sensationalism, distortion, or political misuse. Finally, Cervi will address why understanding genocide and its human impact remains vital for students and citizens alike. The Holocaust is not presented as distant tragedy alone, but as a case study in how prejudice, propaganda, bureaucratic obedience, and indifference can converge with catastrophic consequences. Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to deepen your grasp of its historical and contemporary significance, Cervi’s talk will anchor the history of the Holocaust in both documentary fact and the responsibility of memory.

In this Veterans Breakfast Club World War II Open Conversation, Glenn Flickinger leads a wide-ranging discussion on military history, memory, and the stories that keep the past alive. The evening opens with a moving tribute to General William Matz, former head of the American Battle Monuments Commission, with reflections from Rich Sherman, Colin Heaton, and Marilyn Walton on his leadership, combat service, humility, and lifelong devotion to the men he led. From there, the conversation turns to one of the most unexpected World War II stories you’ll hear: the wartime origin of duct tape. Participants trace it back to a civilian worker’s letter to President Franklin Roosevelt and explore how a practical battlefield solution became a household staple. The group then dives into the history of the Medal of Honor, from its Civil War beginnings to famous recipients, unusual medal designs, family connections, and personal encounters with Medal of Honor awardees. The discussion ranges from Teddy Roosevelt and Douglas MacArthur to Royce Williams and the National Medal of Honor Museum. Later in the program, Mark Copeland of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force shares details about a remarkable educational tour through Germany, including Dachau, Schweinfurt, Moosburg, and Courtroom 600 in Nuremberg, where the war crimes trials were held. The final segment features Greg Yost on the history of the War Powers Act, exploring the constitutional tension between Congress and the president over the power to wage war. This is the kind of open conversation the Veterans Breakfast Club does best: smart, informal, wide-ranging, and grounded in history, memory, and lived experience. Subscribe for more conversations on World War II, veterans history, military history, oral history, Medal of Honor recipients, Nuremberg, the Eighth Air Force, and the stories of the Greatest Generation.

Come raise a glass and celebrate World War II veteran Russell Freeburg who turns 103 years old on March 4! We’ll mark the day with a special Veterans Breakfast Club livestream celebration with Russ joining us to share his story with Scott Masters and his students from Crestwood Oral History Project. Russ was born on March 4, 1923, in the railroad town of Galesburg, Illinois. He grew up in the Great Depression, came of age as clouds of war gathered, and served his country on the battlefields of Europe. After graduating high school in 1941, Russ enrolled at Knox College and joined ROTC. In February 1942 he entered the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps and was called to active duty in June 1943. By March 1944 he was assigned to the 8th Armored Division, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, C Company. A Staff Sergeant and squad leader, Russ crossed the Atlantic aboard the HMS Samaria and trained on England’s Salisbury Plain before shipping to France as the Battle of the Bulge raged. His division moved across the Metz front, shifted from the 3rd to the 9th Army, and fought through southern Holland. He crossed the Rhine and the Ruhr, battled through the Ruhr Pocket, and pushed east into Germany and Czechoslovakia, ending the war not far from Soviet lines. Then came the long journey home—through the “cigarette camps” of France, back across the Atlantic, and finally discharge in February 1946. After the war, Russ built a remarkable career in journalism. He began at the City News Bureau of Chicago, joined the Chicago Tribune in 1950, and moved to Washington in 1958 to cover the Justice Department and the White House. In 1966 he became executive director of the Tribune’s Washington bureau and later served as managing editor. He co-authored Oil & War with Robert Goralski of NBC News in 1987—a study of the geopolitics of energy long before it became headline shorthand. The evening will be hosted by Glenn Flickinger and co-hosted by Crestwood Preparatory College history teacher Scott Masters, founder of the Crestwood Oral History Project. This celebration will be part oral history, part birthday party—an opportunity to hear Russ in his own voice and to thank him for a century of witness.

Join us for a special livestream about the history of the Battle of Monte Cassino and what it will be like to talk its grounds as part of our VBC WWII Italian Campaign Tour, October 17–30, 2026. In the spring of 1944, the rugged slopes above the Italian town of Cassino became the scene of one of World War II’s most desperate, costly, and consequential struggles. For four months — through repeated assaults, bitter weather, and brutal terrain — Allied forces fought to break the German Gustav Line and open the road to Rome. The fighting around the ancient abbey and the Liri valley exacted a terrible toll and left a mark on every unit that passed through. We’ll discuss what made Monte Cassino so formidable: the Abbey, the Gustav Line, the rivers, and the hills that dominated the Liri Valley. We’ll also discuss some of the human stories behind the statistics, from infantry assaults to artillery duels and the multinational Allied effort. And we’ll talk about how this history ties to our itinerary, especially the portion of the trip centered around Cassino: Day 10 (Mon, Oct 26) — travel into Cassino via the Winter Line and iconic sites of the Italian Campaign. Day 11 (Tue, Oct 27) — a full day on the ground in Cassino — visiting the Cassino War Museum, both Commonwealth and German cemeteries, the Abbey of Montecassino, and the Polish Cemetery and exhibit. Day 12 (Wed, Oct 28) — continuing our exploration of battlefield landscapes at Anzio and Piana delle Orme, and then on to Rome. We’ll touch on the larger arc of the tour — from the landings in Sicily through Salerno, down the Amalfi Coast, across the Winter Line, and up to Rome — and how each segment sets the stage for understanding Monte Cassino in its full historical context.

When Americans picture the Pacific War, they usually imagine palm trees and jungle heat. But in 1942–43, World War II came to the frozen edge of Alaska. On the remote Aleutian Islands of Attu Island and Kiska Island, U.S. and Japanese forces fought a brutal campaign of fog, wind, snow, and rock, the only land battle of World War II fought on American soil. Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for a virtual conversation with Allen Frazier, Military.com journalist and historian, whose deeply researched article brings this overlooked campaign into sharp focus. Drawing on military records and human stories, Frazier recounts how more than 15,000 American troops battled not only entrenched Japanese defenders, but exposure, frostbite, and terrain so unforgiving that weather claimed more casualties than enemy fire. This conversation will explore: The Japanese attacks on Dutch Harbor and the occupation of Attu and Kiska Operation Landcrab and the savage 18-day fight to retake Attu The role of “Castner’s Cutthroats,” Alaska Native scouts crucial to the campaign Acts of heroism, including Private Joe Martinez’s Medal of Honor charge The final banzai assault on Attu—and its devastating cost The bloodless but deadly Allied landing on evacuated Kiska The forgotten civilian story: the Unangax̂ (Aleut) people, whose village was destroyed and whose culture was nearly erased Frazier also confronts the moral weight of the campaign: the forced relocation of Aleut civilians, the deaths of Attuan villagers in Japanese captivity, and the fact that survivors were never allowed to return home. The Battle for Alaska secured U.S. territory, but at an immense human cost that still echoes today. As always, VBC’s livestream will invite reflection, questions, and conversation. This is a chance to revisit a chapter of World War II that is both uniquely American and too often forgotten.

Glenn Flickinger sits down with legal historian John Q. Barrett to explore the origins, drama, and legacy of the Nuremberg trials, the unprecedented post–World War II prosecution of Nazi leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Barrett, a Professor of Law at St. John’s University and Elizabeth S. Lenna Fellow at the Robert H. Jackson Center, is one of the foremost experts on U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, Franklin Roosevelt’s close adviser who left the Court in 1945 to serve as chief U.S. prosecutor at Nuremberg. He is currently at work on a major Jackson biography and is the creator of The Jackson List, a long-running email and web project that shares stories and discoveries about Jackson, the Supreme Court, Nuremberg, and related topics with readers around the world. In this program, Glenn and Professor Barrett will walk us through how Jackson came to lead the Nuremberg prosecution, what was at stake in the courtroom, how the trials were actually conducted day-to-day, and why Jackson later called Nuremberg “the most important work of my life.” They’ll also look at how the trials shaped modern ideas of international criminal law and individual accountability for state-sponsored atrocities, and why Nuremberg remains a touchstone in debates about war, justice, and memory today. Whether you’re new to the subject or already familiar with Jackson and Nuremberg, this is an opportunity to hear from the scholar who has done as much as anyone to recover and explain this history. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Author Eric Setzekorn gives us a new look at World War II’s China-Burma-India (CBI) theatre through the eyes of Joseph Stilwell, the tough-minded American general entrusted with command over all U.S. forces in China, Burma, and India. His new book is Uncertain Allies: General Joseph Stilwell and the China-Burma-India Theater. Most Americans know little about the CBI, an awkward, sprawling command that stretched from eastern India across Burma into China. It was created mainly to keep China in the war against Japan and to defend British India, using a mix of Chinese, Indian, British, East African, and American forces against Japanese and local Axis-aligned troops. Japan seized Burma in 1942 and cut the Burma Road, China’s last overland lifeline to Allied aid. The U.S. responded with two desperate improvisations: flying supplies over the Himalayas on the dangerous “Hump” air route and carving a new jungle highway—the Ledo Road—through Assam in India to reconnect with the old Burma Road into China. Into this tangle stepped Lt. Gen. Joseph “Vinegar Joe” Stilwell. A career officer, fluent in Chinese and with long experience in Asia, Stilwell was chosen to be Chiang Kai-shek’s chief of staff and the commanding general of all American forces in China, Burma, and India. Washington hoped his language skills and blunt, no-nonsense style would bridge gaps between the Allies and turn China’s vast manpower into a more effective fighting force. Instead, Stilwell found himself at the center of a constant political and strategic storm. He clashed with Chiang Kai-shek, whom he saw as corrupt, cautious, and more interested in preserving his regime than fighting Japan. Chiang, for his part, distrusted Stilwell’s plans to rebuild and control Chinese armies and resented American pressure on Chinese strategy. Stilwell also collided with fellow American Claire Chennault, the former Flying Tigers leader who commanded the U.S. Fourteenth Air Force. Chennault believed that a strong air campaign from Chinese bases could batter Japanese cities and lines of communication. Stilwell argued instead for a ground-first approach: reopen Burma, build the Ledo Road, and reform Chinese ground forces before committing to large-scale air offensives. Allied leaders in London and Washington tried to mediate the difference but often ended up deepening the rivalry and confusion over priorities. Each of the Allies, it turned out, had its own priorities. The British wanted to defend India and recover Burma. The Americans wanted China as a major fighting partner and future base against Japan. Chinese leaders pursued survival in a grinding civil war against Chinese Communists even as they resisted Japan. In Uncertain Allies: General Joseph Stilwell and the China-Burma-India Theater, historian Eric Setzekorn uses Stilwell’s story to make sense of this complicated, often overlooked front. Drawing on American, Chinese, and Japanese sources, he shows how mismatched expectations, clashing personalities, and limited resources shaped the campaigns in Burma and China—and how the CBI became an early example of the political-military challenges the United States would face in later conflicts. Setzekorn’s analysis draws on newly available archival materials, including declassified U.S. records and Chinese- and Japanese-language sources — a research base far wider than most earlier accounts of the CBI. The result is a more balanced, granular, and realistic portrait of war, alliance, and policy than the sweeping, often sentimental narratives that dominated postwar memory. The book doesn’t pretend that Stilwell was entirely right or wrong. Rather, it shows how his blunt, soldierly pragmatism, his insistence on a transactional, militarily efficient approach, collided repeatedly with the political realities of global alliance, Chinese internal weaknesses, and divergent Allied priorities. The CBI campaign emerges not as an unalloyed triumph, but as a case study in the deeper cha

Join us for a Veterans Breakfast Club livestream conversation with author Edward Aldrich about his compelling dual biography, Partnership: George Marshall, Henry Stimson, and the Extraordinary Collaboration That Won World War II. In this richly researched work, Aldrich brings into sharp focus one of the most consequential collaborations in twentieth-century American history: the wartime partnership between Army Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall and Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson. While the canon of World War II history is filled with battlefield commanders and frontline exploits, Partnership shifts the lens to the strategic heart of the U.S. war effort in Washington. Marshall and Stimson, working from adjacent offices with the door intentionally left open between them, built and directed the Army’s dramatic expansion, oversaw logistics on a global scale, and helped shape the Allied strategy that would defeat the Axis powers. Their decisions touched virtually every dimension of the war—from training and equipping millions of soldiers, to strategic planning and coordination with Allied leaders like Winston Churchill, to considerations about the postwar world order. Aldrich’s book is more than a military history: it is a dual biography that traces how two very different men—Marshall, the Army organizer of victory, and Stimson, the seasoned statesman and civilian leader—came together under President Franklin D. Roosevelt to manage the greatest industrial mobilization in U.S. history. It draws on primary sources including Stimson’s wartime diary and Marshall’s papers to illuminate not only their accomplishments but the character, disagreements, and mutual respect that defined their long collaboration. In our livestream, Aldrich will reflect on what it meant to write this book: the gaps in the historical record he sought to fill, the insights he gained into how civilian and military leadership can function in concert, and how Marshall’s and Stimson’s partnership shaped not just the Allied victory but the postwar international order. We’ll explore why understanding their relationship matters for the broader story of World War II, and why their example resonates with readers interested in leadership, strategy, and the often invisible networks of decision-making that define war and peace. Whether you’re a lifelong student of the Second World War or are discovering these towering figures for the first time, this conversation will shed light on how two leaders behind the scenes helped win the most vast and complex war in history—and why their extraordinary collaboration still matters today. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

For Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Veterans Breakfast Club hosts a special livestream conversation with historian David Nasaw, focusing on one of the most searing chapters in his new book, The Wounded Generation: Coming Home After World War II: the experiences of Black veterans returning to the United States in 1945–46. More than one million Black men and women served in World War II, fighting for democracy overseas while living under segregation at home. Many embraced the war as a chance to claim full citizenship, inspired by the “Double V” campaign—victory against fascism abroad and racism at home. What awaited them, as Nasaw shows, was not gratitude or equality, but a wave of intimidation, violence, and repression aimed squarely at returning Black veterans. Through Black newspapers like The Pittsburgh Courier, government reports, and contemporary scholarship, Nasaw traces how the simple act of coming home—stepping off a ship, boarding a bus, wearing a uniform—could trigger confrontation and punishment. Returning veterans were assaulted on public transportation, targeted by police, and warned, often brutally, that Jim Crow still ruled. The story of Sergeant Isaac Woodard, blinded by a South Carolina police chief while still in uniform, stands as one of the most infamous and devastating examples of this campaign of terror. The discussion will also examine why Black veterans were seen as such a threat. White officials and politicians feared that men who had worn the uniform, carried weapons, and fought overseas would challenge segregation at home—by voting, organizing, and demanding respect. In response, Southern leaders mobilized law enforcement, courts, and vigilante violence to “put them back in their place,” often with deadly consequences. Nasaw will help us understand how the treatment of Black veterans after World War II shaped the early civil rights struggle, hardened resistance to Jim Crow, and revealed the deep contradictions at the heart of American victory. It is a story of courage, trauma, and resistance—and a reminder that for many veterans, the war did not end when they came home. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Historian Bruce Henderson joins us to discuss Operation Carpetbagger, a secret war in Europe in World War II that is subject of his new book, Midnight Flyboys: The American Bomber Crews and Allied Secret Agents Who Aided the French Resistance in World War II. In Midnight Flyboys, Bruce delivers a masterful, richly detailed chronicle of that secret war. Beginning in 1943, the precursor to the CIA — the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) — recruited volunteer crews from American bomber squadrons and assembled them at a hidden airfield just west of London. Given the choice to stay with conventional bombing duties or sign up for an entirely different kind of mission, these flyers volunteered. Under codename Operation Carpetbagger, these men flew heavy B-24 Liberators across the English Channel, not to bomb enemy targets, but to fly low over pitch-black countryside, in the dead of night, hoping to pick out faint ground signals marking drop zones. Into those dark fields they dropped steel containers filled with rifles, ammunition, grenades, medicine, even bicycles, the essentials of insurgent warfare. On many nights, they also parachuted Allied secret agents into the maquis strongholds of Nazi-occupied France. For decades the story remained classified. But as Henderson shows, the Carpetbaggers and the agents they supported played a vital role in preparing the ground for the Normandy invasion and the liberation that followed. Those who served eventually earned the highest military honors: a Presidential Unit Citation for the bomber crews, and later a Congressional Gold Medal for OSS personnel. What makes Midnight Flyboys particularly powerful are its vivid portraits of the men and women behind the missions: the bomber crews risking night after night, the secret agents dropped into unknown danger, and the members of the French Resistance who awaited them. Critics have praised the book’s clarity and narrative power. A starred review in Library Journal calls it “immersing readers in the peril and heroism of covert World War II missions,” noting Henderson’s ability to “simplify complex military operations without losing emotional depth or detail.” We are honored to present this story with Bruce Henderson, live on our VBC Greatest Generation Live — Thursday, January 8 at 7:00 pm ET. Join us! We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Glenn Flickinger marks the anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge with historian Walter S. Zapotoczny, author of The 28th Infantry Division and the Battle of the Bulge: Combat, Faith, and Perseverance. The book is a close study of how the men of Pennsylvania’s “Keystone Division” held the line in the Ardennes in December 1944–January 1945, and what kept them fighting when the odds were against them. Drawing on extensive firsthand accounts, he follows the 28th as it stretches across the 25-mile front on the German border, absorbs the shock of Hitler’s last offensive, and defends key positions in Belgium and Luxembourg. Zapotoczny is less interested in re-telling the battle map than in examining motivation, morale, and belief. The book looks closely at how soldiers understood “the American way of life,” how Army chaplains ministered under fire, and how faith and camaraderie shaped endurance in combat. Based in part on his doctoral research on the 28th Division at the Bulge, the study blends operational history with social and religious history to explain why these citizen-soldiers kept going when retreat seemed like the only rational option. It’s a focused, 240-page narrative—illustrated with photos and maps—well-suited to readers who want to understand what the Battle of the Bulge looked and felt like from the foxhole level, especially in one hard-hit American division. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Glenn Flickinger will continue his discussion of the the VBC’s WWII Tour of Italy in October 2026, where VBC will spend 14 days following the path of the Allied forces through one of the most grueling campaigns of World War II. Todd and Glenn will also talk with Italian Campaign expert, 45th Infantry Division Historian Professor David D’Andrea, who will also be joining us on our trip. We’ll trace the course of the Italian Campaign, beginning with Operation Husky, the massive Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943 that opened the road to Europe’s soft underbelly. From the hard-fought landings at Gela and Scoglitti to the urban battles in Palermo and the mountainous defenses near Messina, Sicily tested the courage and coordination of American and British troops. From there, the campaign moved to mainland Italy, first at Salerno, where American soldiers fought to hold their beachhead against fierce counterattacks, and then up the rugged spine of the Apennines. We’ll visit key battlegrounds of Cassino, where Allied forces waged a costly struggle for control of the ancient Abbey of Monte Cassino, and Anzio, where troops endured months of shelling in a desperate bid to outflank German defenses. The campaign culminated in the liberation of Rome on June 4, 1944, two days before D-Day in Normandy. Our trip will visit these storied sites—Catania, Syracuse, Agrigento, Palermo, Salerno, Cassino, Anzio, and Rome—accompanied by historians and local guides who will help us connect the landscape to the history that unfolded there. Along the way, we’ll also enjoy the beauty that drew the world to Italy long before and long after the war: the turquoise waters of the Amalfi Coast, the golden temples of Agrigento, and the ancient beauty of Palermo and Rome. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Naval historian Craig L. Symonds talks about his new book, Annapolis Goes to War: The Naval Academy Class of 1940 and Its Trial by Fire in World War II. Symonds follows one cohort from plebe year to the fleet, using the Class of ’40 to tell a larger story about America’s rapid transition from peace to global war. These midshipmen arrived at the Academy the year Hitler reoccupied the Rhineland and graduated the week of Dunkirk; more than a hundred were on duty at Pearl Harbor, where ten were killed—seven still entombed in USS Arizona. It’s a tight, human-scale history that shows how the Academy shaped young officers who would face combat within months. Annapolis Goes to War gives a fresh view of training, leadership, and loss in WWII. Early reviews call the book “often-moving” and recommend it to anyone interested in military history; another notes how vividly Symonds shows young officers thrown into war scarcely 18 months after graduation. Craig L. Symonds is Professor Emeritus at the U.S. Naval Academy and a former Ernest J. King Distinguished Visiting Professor at the U.S. Naval War College. A leading naval historian, he’s written widely read works including World War II at Sea (2018), The Battle of Midway (2011), and Nimitz at War (2022). His honors include the Lincoln Prize, the Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Neptune, and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement (2023). We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Join us on Thursday, December 4 at 7:00pm for a special VBC livestream with Dr. Jim Blackwell, author of the new book Gunners! B-29 Machine Gunners in the Korean War. Jim Blackwell brings to life the stories of ten B-29 gunners—ordinary young men who climbed into the big Boeing Superfortress and flew some of the toughest missions of the Korean War. Now in their nineties, these veterans represent the last living voices of a chapter too often misunderstood. Blackwell sets the record straight, showing how B-29 crews adapted, fought, and prevailed in the skies despite harsh conditions, MiG attacks, and a rapidly changing air war. He explains their remote-controlled turrets, their astonishing air-to-air victories, and even the small comforts that carried them through—like landing low on fuel just to enjoy fresh eggs in Japan. Blackwell knows the terrain. A retired Army officer and longtime defense analyst, he’s spent decades studying military strategy, technology, and history. His book gives these men the tribute they earned but never sought. As a thank-you to those who served, the Veterans Breakfast Club is giving away free copies of Gunners! to any veteran who orders through our site. Order here: https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/pro... Join us for an evening of good stories, sharp history, and a rare look at the quiet heroes of the Korean War. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

We’re thrilled to welcome 103-year-old 82nd Airborne veteran Gene Metcalfe to talk about his extraordinary World War II experience, which included a combat jump in Operation Market Garden, being counted among the dead at the Battle of Nijmegen, a face-to-face meeting with Heinrich Himmler, and months as a POW in Stalag VII-A. Gene’s story began on On November 10, 1942, at DeKalb (Illinois) High School, when he stood up, walked out, and joined the Army, inspired by what he’d seen at the movie theater while watching Parachute Battalion. Gene trained at Camp Toccoa, Georgia, with the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, then more training at Fort McClellan, Fort Benning, and Camp Mackall. Eventually he was assigned to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. He didn’t reach England until June 6, 1944—D-Day itself—joining a veteran outfit that had already fought in Sicily, Italy, and Normandy. Three months later came Operation Market Garden, the ambitious Allied plan to leapfrog into the Netherlands, seize a string of bridges, and open a highway into Germany. On September 17, 1944, Metcalfe climbed aboard a C-47 bound for Groesbeek Heights outside Nijmegen. When Gene jumped, German 88s and machine guns were already zeroed in. He watched his own aircraft roll over in the air and slam into the ground in flames and realized the planners had badly underestimated German strength around Nijmegen. Once on the ground, Gene and his comrades of the 508th fought through scattered woods and villages around Groesbeek and Nijmegen, taking fire from German tanks and anti-aircraft guns used in a ground role. During a night battle, he pushed forward into an advanced position and, partly deafened by shellfire, never heard the order to fall back. A German shell detonated nearby and hurled Gene through the air. Gene was listed as killed in action, the only member of his patrol who did not make it back. But he wasn’t dead. When he came to, he was a Prisoner of War. Elements of the 10th SS had overrun the area. Taken behind the lines, he was brought to a 16th-century castle where he found himself standing in front of a senior SS officer he recognized from photographs: Heinrich Himmler, head of the SS and one of the most powerful men in Nazi Germany. Gene stuck to what he’d been taught—name, rank, and serial number—while Himmler’s men quizzed him about his unit and mission. From there, Metcalfe was sent deeper into the Reich. His first stop was Stalag XII-A, a transit and labor camp, then he moved to the Luftwaffe POW camp Stalag Luft III, and from there crammed into a boxcar for a five-day, five-night journey without food, water, or sanitary facilities to Stalag VII-A near Moosburg, outside Munich. At Stalag VII-A, Gene did some of the ugliest work the Germans could find for POW labor: clearing roads and digging out corpses from the rubble of bombed-out Munich after air raids. Later he was assigned to a farm detail with a German family. As Soviet forces approached in 1945, Gene was recalled from the farm back to Stalag VII-A. He escaped with two fellow POWs and headed toward Lake Constance, aiming for the Swiss border and neutral territory. They got as far as the lake but were captured trying to cross and marched back to the camp. Not long after, in April 1945, American forces liberated Stalag VII-A. Liberation didn’t mean going straight home. Gene and a fellow DeKalb soldier, Billy Carey, “borrowed” a convertible from the liberated area, stopped in Munich, and even met General George S. Patton before making their way to Paris. He spent about ten days there, then was processed at the American Camp Lucky Strike staging area and shipped back across the Atlantic. He hitchhiked the last leg home to DeKalb in late May or early June 1945—the same way he’d left, only now with a Bronze Star, a future Purple Heart and POW medal, and months of combat and captivity behind him Metcalfe has said that World War II showed him bot

Award-winning historian David Nasaw, author of the new book The Wounded Generation: America After the Greatest Generation, talks with Glenn Flickinger about the human costs of WWII in the United States. In his deeply researched and powerfully written history, Nasaw reveals the hidden cost of victory in World War II—the long and often painful homecoming of millions of American veterans who returned to a nation unprepared for their wounds, visible and invisible. Drawing on letters, diaries, and oral histories, he paints a vivid portrait of men and women struggling to rebuild their lives amid postwar shortages, racial inequities, changing gender roles, and the lingering trauma of combat that was then dismissed as “battle fatigue.” Nasaw, one of America’s most respected biographers and historians, re-examines the familiar myth of the “Greatest Generation” and restores to the story the complexity and hardship that marked the postwar years. He shows how the experience of homecoming—filled with readjustment, silence, and resilience—shaped families, communities, and the nation itself for decades to come. This conversation will explore what World War II veterans faced when the cheering stopped and the work of coming home began—and why their experiences still matter today. Hosted by the Veterans Breakfast Club, this program continues our mission to create communities of listening around veterans and their stories, honoring not just their service in war but their journey back to peace. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Glenn Flickinger and Todd DePastino discuss the VBC’s WWII Tour of Italy in October 2026, where they will spend 14 days following the path of the Allied forces through one of the most grueling campaigns of World War II. Todd and Glenn will also talk with Italian Campaign expert, 45th Infantry Division Historian Professor David D’Andrea, who will also be joining us on our trip. We’ll trace the course of the Italian Campaign, beginning with Operation Husky, the massive Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943 that opened the road to Europe’s soft underbelly. From the hard-fought landings at Gela and Scoglitti to the urban battles in Palermo and the mountainous defenses near Messina, Sicily tested the courage and coordination of American and British troops. From there, the campaign moved to mainland Italy, first at Salerno, where American soldiers fought to hold their beachhead against fierce counterattacks, and then up the rugged spine of the Apennines. We’ll visit key battlegrounds of Cassino, where Allied forces waged a costly struggle for control of the ancient Abbey of Monte Cassino, and Anzio, where troops endured months of shelling in a desperate bid to outflank German defenses. The campaign culminated in the liberation of Rome on June 4, 1944, two days before D-Day in Normandy. Our trip will visit these storied sites—Catania, Syracuse, Agrigento, Palermo, Salerno, Cassino, Anzio, and Rome—accompanied by historians and local guides who will help us connect the landscape to the history that unfolded there. Along the way, we’ll also enjoy the beauty that drew the world to Italy long before and long after the war: the turquoise waters of the Amalfi Coast, the golden temples of Agrigento, and the ancient beauty of Palermo and Rome. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for a moving conversation with author Kevin M. Callahan about his book Brothers in Arms: Remembering Brothers Buried Side by Side in American World War II Cemeteries. Drawing from years of research, hundreds of family interviews, and a personal pilgrimage to American military cemeteries around the world, Callahan tells the powerful and often heartbreaking stories of brothers who fought and died together in World War II. Brothers in Arms features over 700 historic photographs and original artifacts, collected from the families of the fallen, that put faces and voices to the names carved in white marble. In meticulously maintained cemeteries across Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific—each operated by the American Battle Monuments Commission—visitors occasionally come across two or even three graves with the same last name. These are brothers who served in the same war, often the same unit, and who now rest side by side in foreign soil near the battlefields where they fell. Callahan’s book chronicles these stories in vivid detail, drawing readers into the lived experiences of American families during the war—sons lost, letters kept, grief endured. From Normandy and Ardennes to Sicily, Manila, and Tunisia, the book traces not only the geography of the war but also the deeply personal cost borne by a generation. This livestream offers a chance to reflect on duty, family, sacrifice, and remembrance—through stories that span continents and generations. Kevin M. Callahan will share his research, the process of uncovering these personal histories, and what he has learned from visiting each of the 14 overseas World War II cemeteries maintained by the United States. Learn more about Brothers in Arms and the American Battle Monuments Commission: ABMC.gov Brothers in Arms book website: https://brothersinarmsbook.com #VeteransBreakfastClub #BrothersInArms #KevinMCallahan #WWII #MilitaryHistory #GoldStarFamilies #AmericanBattleMonumentsCommission #VBC #WarStories #WWIICemeteries #VeteranVoices #WWIIHistory We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Glenn Flickinger sits down with historian and author Paul R. Bruno to trace the Jeep’s unlikely birth—from a desperate 1940 Army request for a ¼-ton 4×4 scout car to a battlefield icon that helped win World War II. We’ll trace the origins in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the tiny American Bantam Car Company built the pilot Jeep in an astonishing 49 days, before Willys-Overland and Ford entered the fray and the Army standardized the vehicle. We’ll talk about how a handful of engineers, procurement officers, and test drivers turned sketches into steel, and why the Jeep mattered so much to the Allied war effort. Paul is one of the leading chroniclers of this story. He’s spent two decades researching the Jeep’s origins and has written a trilogy on it: The First Jeep (a deep dive into Bantam’s crash program and what it teaches about rapid development); The Original Jeeps (a narrative of the three-way race among Bantam, Willys, and Ford, honored with Military Writers Society of America and Global Ebook awards); and the photo companion, The Original Jeeps in Pictures. His work blends archival detail with clear storytelling, showing how the Army’s specs evolved, why Bantam’s breakthrough couldn’t scale, and how Willys and Ford shaped the final wartime Jeep. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for a special conversation with Brigadier General (Ret.) Paul Tibbets IV, whose military career spans more than three decades and includes leadership at the highest levels of U.S. Air Force strategic operations. General Tibbets brings a unique perspective shaped by deep family ties to military aviation. He is the grandson of Paul W. Tibbets Jr., pilot of the Enola Gay during World War II. General Tibbets entered the Air Force in 1989 after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy with a degree in Human Factors Engineering. Over the course of his career, he flew all three of the Air Force’s strategic bombers—the B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, and B-52 Stratofortress—and served in a wide range of operational and command roles. These included command of the historic 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base and service as Deputy Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. He flew combat missions in the Balkans and Afghanistan, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for his role in Operation Allied Force. Tibbets also held key positions in nuclear operations, culminating in his role as Deputy Director for Nuclear Operations at U.S. Strategic Command. Throughout his service, he combined operational experience with strategic oversight, contributing to the readiness and deterrence posture of the U.S. nuclear enterprise. #VeteransBreakfastClub #PaulTibbetsIV #AirForce #StrategicCommand #MilitaryAviation #VeteranStories #LiveEvent #VBC We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

They spun lies to defeat the Nazis. They were Propaganda Girls. Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for a fascinating livestream interview. Special guests is Lisa Rogak, bestselling historian and author of Propaganda Girls: The Secret War of the Women in the OSS (St. Martin’s Press, March 4, 2025). VBC’s Glenn Flickinger and award-winning documentary filmmaker Daria Sommers. During WWII, the OSS handpicked brilliant, daring women—reporters, multilingual diplomats, entertainers—to wage a secret war of misinformation. In her gripping narrative, Lisa Rogak tells the stories of four remarkable women: Betty MacDonald, a journalist from Hawaii Zuzka Lauwers, a Czech-born linguist Jane Smith-Hutton, fluent in Japanese from her embassy life Marlene Dietrich, legendary actress and outspoken anti-Nazi These “Propaganda Girls” produced forged documents, fake newspapers, radio broadcasts, songs—and even deep-cover rumors—designed to break Axis morale. Their cloak-and-dagger work in Europe, occupied China, and Washington went largely unseen—until now. Macmillan describes the book as “the incredible untold story of four women who spun the web of deception that helped win World War II.” The Jerusalem Post highlights how Rogak reveals a “series of believable lies designed to cause the enemy soldiers to lose heart and ultimately surrender,” while exposing the sexism these women faced inside the OSS. Lisa’s storytelling is bolstered by newly declassified documents, 250+ endnotes, and deep archival work—bringing this clandestine mission into vivid, human focus. Lisa Rogak, a New York Times bestselling author of more than forty books, has chronicled figures like Stephen King, Barack Obama, and Stephen Colbert. Her reputation for weaving meticulous research into engaging narratives prepares readers for a bold pivot—fluid prose meets wartime espionage in Propaganda Girls We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

On August 14, 1945, the world breathed a collective sigh of relief as Japan announced its surrender, bringing the deadliest conflict in human history—World War II—to an end. Now, 80 years later, the Veterans Breakfast Club invites you to join us for a special 90-minute livestream conversation to commemorate Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day) and reflect on that moment of peace, triumph, and transition. The event will take place Thursday, August 21 at 7:00pm ET, eight decades and one week after Americans crowded streets, hugged strangers, and celebrated the end of a war that had cost millions of lives. We’ll explore both the history of V-J Day and the personal memories of those who lived through it—veterans, civilians, and family members. It’s a chance to hear firsthand accounts of how the world reacted to the end of the war and to discuss what that day meant for the Greatest Generation and the generations that followed. Topics will include: The lead-up to Japan’s surrender after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki President Truman’s announcement and the spontaneous celebrations that erupted The formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945 Reflections on coming home, rebuilding, and remembering You’ll hear not only the history, but also personal recollections from those who remember where they were when the war ended, how their families reacted, and what the end of WWII meant to them and their communities. #VJDay80 #EndOfWWII #WWIIVeterans #VeteransBreakfastClub #VBCLive #VictoryOverJapan #WorldWarIIHistory #VJDayMemories #GreatestGeneration We’re grateful to UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for a powerful evening conversation with Susan Servais, daughter of the late Kathe Mueller Slonim, author of Escape from Dachau: A True Story of Survival, Courage, and a Daring Escape in the Face of Unthinkable Evil. In this riveting program, we’ll explore one family’s astonishing true story of rescue and resilience in the face of Nazi tyranny. Also joining us will be Dachau survivor Nate Leipciger who will tell his story and Dachau liberator Hilbert Margol a member of the 42nd Division who participated in the liberation of Dachau. Nate Leipciger was born in 1928 in Chorzów, Poland, and was just eleven years old when the Nazis invaded and his life was thrown into unimaginable horror. After three years in ghettos, Nate and his family were deported to Auschwitz, where his mother and sister were murdered. He and his father endured slave labor, a death march, and imprisonment in seven different camps before being liberated by American soldiers at a subcamp of Dachau on May 2, 1945. They were the only survivors of their family. Nate immigrated to Canada in 1948, built a new life as an engineer. “We managed to survive the impossible,” he says. “The Holocaust did not just happen to us. It was done to us. And the world is responsible.” PFC Hilbert Margol, born February 22, 1924 in Jacksonville, Florida, was drafted in 1943 and served with Battery B, 392nd Field Artillery Battalion of the famed 42nd “Rainbow” Infantry Division, alongside his identical twin brother, Howard. In April 1945 his unit became among the first American forces to enter and liberate Dachau concentration camp—Hilbert and Howard were stopped by a stench in the woods and discovered boxcars crammed with the dead, a sight that Hilbert describes as beyond anything he’d imagined. After his honorable discharge in April 1946, Margol dedicated much of his later life to public education, sharing his firsthand testimony to oppose Holocaust denial and ensure the horrors he witnessed are never forgotten. The program centers around the daring 1938 escape from Dachau—Nazi Germany’s first concentration camp—by Kathe’s father, aided by his cousin, a former Reich official secretly born Jewish. Driving across Germany with forged Nazi credentials, Max Immanuel risked everything to save a family member from near-certain death. Their story, documented by Kathe Mueller Slonim before her death in 2021 and published posthumously by her children, unfolds moment by moment with cinematic intensity and heart-stopping stakes. Susan Servais, who helped bring her mother’s manuscript to publication, will share behind-the-scenes insights into the making of Escape from Dachau and why the story matters now more than ever. As antisemitism rises globally and Holocaust memory grows more urgent, this book is both a harrowing history and a moral call to vigilance and courage. Escape from Dachau is more than a Holocaust memoir. It’s a high-stakes story of deception, danger, and family loyalty in the shadow of the Nazi regime. Rich with historical context and illustrated with 30 archival photographs, it honors the bravery of those who resisted evil with ingenuity and heart. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

Eighty years ago, in the final days of World War II, the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) completed one of the most critical missions of the war—delivering components of the atomic bomb to Tinian Island—only to meet a tragic fate days later in the Philippine Sea. On July 31, 2025, exactly 80 years to the day after the sinking, the Veterans Breakfast Club will host a special 90-minute livestream conversation with renowned WWII historian and author Colin D. Heaton to reflect on the legacy of the Indianapolis and the harrowing story of its crew. The USS Indianapolis was struck by Japanese torpedoes shortly after midnight on July 30, 1945. The ship sank in just 12 minutes, taking hundreds with her. Of the 1,195 sailors and Marines aboard, roughly 900 made it into the water—only 316 would survive. For days, they endured dehydration, exposure, and relentless shark attacks before a chance air patrol spotted them. Our guest, Colin D. Heaton, brings decades of scholarship and firsthand military experience to the story. A former U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps servicemember, Heaton has authored numerous acclaimed books of military history, including German Anti-Partisan Warfare in Europe 1939–1945 and Night Fighters: The Luftwaffe and RAF Air Combat over Europe, co-written with Anne-Marie Lewis. He has also appeared as a guest historian on the History Channel’s Dogfights and taught military history at American Military University. During this live program, Heaton will explore the Indianapolis’s role in WWII, the circumstances of its sinking, the Navy’s delayed response, and the long-overdue exoneration of the ship’s captain, Charles B. McVay III. He’ll also reflect on the broader implications of the tragedy and how it’s remembered today. This is more than a history lesson—it’s a memorial and a reckoning, told with insight and reverence by one of the most respected voices in military history. #USSIndianapolis #WWIIHistory #ColinHeaton #NavalHistory #VeteransBreakfastClub #Indianapolis80 #VBCOnline #MilitaryHistory #WWIINavy #July31Anniversary We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

On the morning of June 6, 1944—D-Day—14,000 Canadian troops stormed ashore at Juno Beach, a five-mile stretch of the Normandy coastline wedged between British landing zones. Facing a well-fortified German defense and rough surf, the Canadians fought their way inland in one of the most successful yet costly operations of the day. By nightfall, they had advanced further than any other Allied force. Yet, the Canadian contribution to D-Day remains one of the most underappreciated chapters of the Normandy invasion. Join the Veterans Breakfast Club on Thursday, July 24 at 7:00pm ET for a special livestream conversation about the Canadian experience on D-Day. We’ll explore the planning, execution, and aftermath of the Juno Beach assault, and reflect on how Canadian veterans have remembered and interpreted the legacy of that pivotal moment in World War II. Our guests include: Mark Zuehlke, award-winning author of the Canadian Battle Series, including Juno Beach: Canada’s D-Day Victory and Holding Juno. Zuehlke’s vivid narrative history has made him one of Canada’s most widely read military historians. His work brings to life the grit, sacrifice, and valor of Canadian soldiers on the battlefield. Scott Masters, longtime history teacher at Crestwood Preparatory College in Toronto and founder of the Crestwood Oral History Project, which has documented hundreds of Canadian veterans’ wartime stories. Masters brings a passion for educating the next generation about Canada’s military heritage through personal testimony and lived experience. Jim Parks, D-Day Juno Beach veteran with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. He recalls his convoy crossing the Atlantic Ocean to Britain, his training in southern England and Scotland, and his experience landing on Juno Beach two minutes before the main assault wave. Together, our guests will paint a comprehensive portrait of Juno Beach and the Canadian D-Day experience—from the strategic high-level decisions to the individual stories of soldiers in the surf. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for a special 90-minute online conversation with historian Robert S. Norris, author of Racing for the Bomb: General Leslie R. Groves, the Manhattan Project’s Indispensable Man. This event will spotlight the overlooked military mastermind who turned atomic theory into wartime reality: Lt. Gen. Leslie R. Groves. The Manhattan Project looms large in American memory—Los Alamos, Trinity, Hiroshima—but few remember the man who made it all possible. In Racing for the Bomb, Norris reveals how Groves, often dismissed as a caricature of military bluster, was in fact the indispensable architect of the atomic age. From selecting the sites at Oak Ridge, Hanford, and Los Alamos to coordinating vast industrial-scale construction, international uranium acquisition, bomb design, and the formation of the elite 509th Composite Group of B-29s, Groves ran his own army, treasury, and state department—all under a veil of secrecy. Robert S. Norris, a leading nuclear historian and former analyst at the Natural Resources Defense Council, brings to life the driven, brusque, and deeply ambitious general whose personal force of will—combined with keen judgment and boundless energy—shaped not just the bomb, but the postwar national security state that emerged from its use. Groves pioneered “black budgets,” security clearances, and compartmentalized intelligence—hallmarks of Cold War secrecy. Racing for the Bomb is the first full scholarly biography of Groves, completing the unfinished work of historian Stanley Goldberg and offering an authoritative, readable, and revealing portrait based on Groves’s private papers, military records, and firsthand interviews. Don’t miss this chance to explore the atomic age from a new perspective: not from the scientist’s lab bench, but from the general’s war room. Norris will discuss Groves’s pivotal role in the decision to use the bomb, his fraught but productive relationship with J. Robert Oppenheimer, and the lasting implications of his management style on U.S. defense and intelligence structures. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

The Veterans Breakfast Club invites you to an in-depth 90-minute livestream event on Thursday, July 10 at 7:00pm ET, focused on one of the most legendary fighting forces of World War II: the U.S. Army Rangers. Host Glenn Flickinger will lead a conversation with two of the leading experts on Army Ranger history—David Hogan Jr. and Mir Bahmanyar—as they delve deep into the Rangers’ origins, missions, and enduring legacy. The U.S. Army Rangers were born in 1942 out of the need for agile, highly trained soldiers capable of rapid deployment and specialized operations. Inspired by British Commandos, the Rangers spearheaded some of the most difficult and dangerous missions of the war. They climbed the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc on D-Day, raided Italian strongholds at Cisterna, and faced annihilation and triumph in equal measure. Who were these men? What distinguished their training, tactics, and culture from conventional forces? And how did their experience shape the future of U.S. special operations? These questions and more will be explored by: 🔹David Hogan Jr. – A distinguished military historian and senior historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History. Author of Raiders or Elite Infantry? The Changing Role of the U.S. Army Rangers from Dieppe to Grenada, Hogan brings a deep archival and analytical perspective to the evolution of Ranger forces. Read more: https://warroom.armywarcollege.edu/author/david-hogan 🔹Mir Bahmanyar – A former U.S. Army Ranger turned historian and author of Shadow Warriors: A History of the US Army Rangers. Bahmanyar combines lived experience with scholarly insight and has served as a historical consultant for film and television. Learn more: https://www.mirbahmanyar.com/about Join us for an evening of rich storytelling, expert analysis, and interactive discussion. Whether you’re a military history buff, a student of World War II, or just curious about America’s elite forces, this program will offer unparalleled insight into the formation and legacy of the Army Rangers. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

In July, an international team, led by famed explorer Dr. Robert Ballard, will launch an expedition to conduct archaeological surveys of historically significant shipwrecks in the Iron Bottom Sound. This confined waterway of the Solomon Islands was the site of five naval battles of Guadalcanal, a defining turning point of World War II. Even after eighty years, to date, only 30 of the military ships lost in this area have been located, with dozens remaining to be found in deep waters.  In locating and exploring these historically significant sites, this expedition intends to honor and keep alive the memory of valiant service and sacrifice made by WWII servicemen, illustrate the importance of protecting cultural heritage sites through interdisciplinary, interagency, and international collaboration, and document the stories contained in the details of the seafloor battlefield. The expedition streams live 24/7 for communities worldwide to explore alongside the team at NautilusLive.org. Join in a special Greatest Generation Live event from Veterans Breakfast Club and Ocean Exploration Trust to connect the team at sea aboard Exploration Vessel Nautilus. Bring your questions to explore the advanced technology bringing new efficiencies to expeditions, and learn the latest discoveries from one of the world’s most important seafloor battlefields. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Join us for a very special Greatest Generation Live livestream event as we dive deep into the history of Gold Beach on D-Day with acclaimed British military historian Tim Saunders MBE MA, co-hosted by Scott Masters, educator and founder of the Crestwood Oral History Project in Toronto, and Glenn Flickinger of the Veterans Breakfast Club. We’ll also have D-Day veteran Ken Cooke sharing his story. Ken received his draft notice in 1943, after his 18th birthday. On D-Day he crossed the English Channel, after reveille awoke him at 3:00 AM.  Ken landed in the second wave on Gold Beach in 6″ of water and was bothered that his socks were wet!  Ken’s 50th Division, 6th Battalion cleared villages and marched another 8-9 miles. He was wounded July 4, 1944 from a shell explosion in Hottot-les-Bagues, France where he received shrapnel in his back.  He was transported to a first-aid station, and then to a field hospital in Bayeux.  Ken boarded a ship for England and was treated at a Scottish hospital, where he was put in a plaster cast from his neck to his waist. He rehabilitated for five months in Scotland.  He was given two weeks leave after which he flew from Leeds to Brussels where he joined the Highland Light Infantry.  They crossed the Rhine to Bremen.  He sustained psychoneurosis during another Bren-Gun-Carrier explosion event and recovered in a Brussels hospital. He was discharged and was transported by the Dakota Air Ambulance.  May 8, 1945 at age 19, Ken was demobilized and returned home. On the morning of June 6, 1944, British forces of the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division stormed ashore at Gold Beach, one of five Allied landing zones in Normandy. Their objective: break through Hitler’s Atlantic Wall, link up with Canadian forces landing at Juno Beach to the east and U.S. troops at Omaha to the west, and push inland to seize the key city of Bayeux and cut the vital Caen–Bayeux road. Despite heavy resistance, flooded terrain, and daunting German fortifications, British troops overcame the odds, making Gold Beach one of the most successful landing zones on D-Day. But the victory came at a cost—and with stories still waiting to be told. Tim Saunders served over 30 years in the British Army before dedicating his life to military history. A decorated officer in the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment and later The Rifles, Tim brings an insider’s understanding of battlefield tactics and soldiering to his work as an author, filmmaker, and battlefield guide. He has written over 20 books, many on D-Day and the Normandy Campaign, and produced historical documentaries with Battlefield History TV and Pen & Sword Digital. He lives on the edge of Salisbury Plain, where the sounds of training tanks still echo as he writes. Scott Masters, one of Canada’s most celebrated educators, is the founder of the Crestwood Oral History Project, an extraordinary archive of hundreds of interviews with veterans, Holocaust survivors, and other witnesses to history. His award-winning work—recognized by the Governor General’s History Award and the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence—has transformed how young people engage with the past and honor those who lived it. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club on Thursday, June 26 at 7:00pm ET for a powerful Greatest Generation Live conversation exploring the often-overlooked legacy of World War II: the emotional wounds carried home by veterans and the lasting impact on their families. This free, virtual event will be held on Zoom and streamed to YouTube and Facebook. Our featured guests are Carol Schultz Vento, daughter of 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper Arthur “Dutch” Schultz, and Susan Friedenberg, daughter of Army medic and D-Day veteran Bernie Friedenberg. Both men served heroically in WWII, both returned home deeply changed by their experiences, and both left lasting imprints on their families. Carol Schultz Vento is the author of The Hidden Legacy of World War II: A Daughter’s Journey of Discovery, a moving memoir that weaves historical research with personal reflection. Her father, Dutch Schultz, jumped into Normandy on D-Day with the 82nd Airborne and later appeared as himself in the film The Longest Day. Though celebrated for his bravery, Dutch struggled with undiagnosed PTSD throughout his life—a condition that shaped Carol’s upbringing and ultimately led her to uncover his wartime past and her family’s hidden story. Carol’s forthcoming memoir, Twisted Strands: Family Secrets and Intergenerational Trauma, offers an intimate look at how war’s psychological toll can echo through generations. Joining Carol is Susan Friedenberg, whose father Bernie Friedenberg landed on Omaha Beach as a combat medic and treated the wounded under relentless fire. A Jewish-American war hero who later helped liberate concentration camps, Bernie lived with the psychological burden of his service for the rest of his life. His story is commemorated in a new Atlantic City memorial and honored on the website berniefriedenbergworldwariimemorial.com. This event promises to be a candid, emotional, and enlightening conversation about courage, trauma, and the enduring bonds between veterans and their children. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

The Veterans Breakfast Club invites you to a special Greatest Generation Live hosted by Glenn Flickinger. This program will shine a spotlight on an often-overlooked chapter of World War II: the Battle of Normandy from June to August 1944, the brutal and pivotal campaign that followed the famous D-Day landings. While June 6, 1944—D-Day—has been seared into public memory as a symbol of Allied courage and sacrifice, the bitter, grinding combat that followed in the Norman hedgerows, villages, and fields is less frequently remembered. Yet it was this prolonged and costly battle that ultimately broke the back of German resistance in France and opened the road to Paris and beyond. Joining Glenn Flickinger is acclaimed military historian Joseph Balkoski, widely recognized as one of the foremost experts on the Normandy campaign. Balkoski is the author of several authoritative works, including the classic Beyond the Beachhead: The 29th Infantry Division in Normandy. In this deeply researched and vivid account, he tells the story of the 29th Infantry Division’s harrowing fight from Omaha Beach through the hedgerow hell of Normandy, drawing from personal accounts, official records, and battlefield tours he has led for decades. Joseph Balkoski has been called “the top living D-Day historian” by USA Today, and his work has been praised for its balanced narrative, sharp analysis, and deep respect for the men who served. His other titles include Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and additional volumes on the 29th Division’s role in the European Theater. This event is free and open to all. Join the conversation, ask questions, and help us remember not just the landing, but the long and deadly struggle that followed. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Join Glenn Flickinger with our featured guests Michel Paradis, author of The Light of Battle: Eisenhower, D-Day and the Birth of the American Superpower. Michel’s book is a unique look at Eisenhower’s rise from obscurity to Supreme Commander of Operation Overlord in a two-year period. He looks at the key figures who influenced Ike’s development and what, who and how molded him into the supreme commander. It is a unique view of General Eisenhower never before seen from this perspective. Michael Paradis’s new book offers a sweeping examination of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s leadership during the Normandy invasion, and how D-Day not only shaped the outcome of World War II but also laid the groundwork for America’s emergence as a global superpower. He will talk about Eisenhower’s challenges in forging and leading the largest multinational military force in history, the decisions that shaped the success of the landings, and what D-Day means in the broader arc of American and world history. D-Day, known as Operation Overlord, marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. The landings involved over 150,000 Allied troops from the United States, Britain, Canada, and other nations, who stormed the beaches of Normandy under withering fire. The cost was staggering, but the operation’s success was a turning point in the war, hastening the defeat of Nazi Germany. This Veterans Breakfast Club conversation will be an opportunity not just to recount the historical facts but to listen to personal stories, explore the human side of history, and honor the courage of those who fought. Expect an engaging and moving discussion that deepens our understanding of D-Day’s significance, both then and now. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Glenn Flickinger, with guests Marilyn Walton and Nancy Putnam share the history of the liberation of the two POW camps where their fathers where imprisoned, Stalag Luft I and Stalag Luft III/VIIA in the closing weeks of World War II. Marilyn was the historical POW consultant to “Masters of the Air”, and the author of several books on the subject. Nancy has been a key leader of the 100th Bomb Group foundation for many years. Both know the stories of their fathers’ experience in-depth. Both have been frequent guests and contributors to the VBC. April 1945 marked a period of swift and determined Allied advances into Nazi Germany, resulting in the liberation of dozens of Prisoner of War (POW) camps scattered throughout the Reich. These were not the infamous concentration camps of the Holocaust, but German-run military camps—Stalag Luft camps where the Luftwaffe held allied airmen in the tens of thousands. The liberation of these camps was often hasty and chaotic, occurring as Allied forces moved deeper into German territory amid collapsing German resistance and growing humanitarian urgency. By April, many of the German guards at POW camps were either fleeing westward, surrendering, or in some cases, preparing to evacuate prisoners toward the interior of Germany to avoid capture by the Soviets. American and British forces liberated many of these camps in Central and Western Germany as they advanced on a broad front from the west. One of the first major American POW camps liberated in April was Stalag VII-A, located in Moosburg, Bavaria. It was the largest POW camp in Germany, holding over 76,000 prisoners of war by war’s end, including a substantial number of American airmen. On April 29, 1945, the U.S. 14th Armored Division of General George Patton’s Third Army captured the camp after a brief firefight with German forces in the vicinity. The American tanks rolled into Moosburg to find the camp severely overcrowded, with prisoners of multiple nationalities held in worsening conditions due to months of inadequate rations and medical supplies. Stalag IX-B in Bad Orb, one of the more notorious camps due to poor conditions and mistreatment of American prisoners, especially Jewish GIs, was liberated on April 2, 1945, by units of the U.S. 44th Infantry Division. The camp had housed thousands of Americans, many of whom were suffering from malnutrition and disease. Several hundred American POWs had been singled out there for forced labor based on their religion or ethnicity. Stalag VII-A, in Moosburg, also deserves mention for the sheer diversity of its prisoner population by April 1945. In addition to American troops, it held British, French, Russian, and other Allied servicemen. American airmen made up a substantial portion, many having been shot down during the strategic bombing campaigns of 1943–1945 over Germany. Stalag IX-A, located in Ziegenhain, near Kassel, was liberated on March 30, 1945, just ahead of the April wave. It held a mix of American and British prisoners. Nearby, Stalag IX-C at Bad Sulza was liberated by American forces on April 11, 1945, and among the prisoners were American medical personnel and other servicemen who had been captured during the Battle of the Bulge and other late-war operations. Conditions in many of these camps had sharply deteriorated in the final months of the war, with German logistics collapsing under Allied pressure. Food shortages, overcrowding, and disease were rampant. The liberation of the camps often took place without formal fighting; German guards frequently fled or surrendered without resistance, though some did attempt to relocate prisoners ahead of advancing armies. The liberation of the POW camps in April 1945 was not a single event but a series of overlapping rescues carried out by converging Allied armies amid the chaotic collapse of Nazi Germany. While some prisoners had been on the move for weeks—relocated on foot or by rail to evade advancing armies—others were found

We welcome our own Naval Academy-bound Trey Burman on the program to discuss the history of the WWII Liberty Ship. Trey has volunteered on the SS John W. Brown for years and will share the history and details he’s learned on board the ship. During World War II, the United States faced an urgent need to transport troops, equipment, and supplies across oceans under threat from enemy submarines. The solution came in the form of the Liberty ship—an unglamorous but revolutionary cargo vessel that played a vital role in the Allied victory. Conceived as a mass-produced, quickly built ship based on a British design, the Liberty ship program became one of the great industrial feats of the war. The standard Liberty ship measured 441 feet long and could carry over 10,000 tons of cargo. Powered by a triple-expansion steam engine, the ships cruised at a modest 11 knots. Their real strength, however, lay in their numbers. From 1941 to 1945, American shipyards produced 2,710 Liberty ships, an astonishing pace that helped offset staggering losses at sea. Shipyards across the country adopted assembly-line techniques and prefabricated sections to slash construction time from months to mere weeks. The record was set by the SS Robert E. Peary, launched just 4 days and 15 hours after its keel was laid. Though initially derided as “ugly ducklings” or “dime a dozen,” Liberty ships proved durable and indispensable. They carried two-thirds of all cargo transported from the U.S. to overseas fronts and were manned by merchant seamen and Navy Armed Guard units, who braved enemy attacks to keep supply lines open. More than 200 Liberty ships were lost to enemy action during the war. Among the surviving few today is the SS John W. Brown, one of only two operational Liberty ships still afloat. Built in Baltimore in 1942 at the Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard, the John W. Brown served in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters, delivering cargo and supporting troop movements. She also served as a floating high school in New York City for decades after the war, offering vocational training to students until 1982. In the late 1980s, a group of preservationists rescued the John W. Brown from scrapping and returned her to her birthplace in Baltimore. Today, she operates as a museum ship and living memorial to the Merchant Marine and Navy Armed Guard. Maintained by Project Liberty Ship, a volunteer organization, the vessel offers public tours, educational programs, and occasional “Living History Cruises” where visitors can experience life aboard a World War II-era cargo ship in motion. The Liberty ships, and the John W. Brown in particular, stand as enduring symbols of American industrial might, civilian sacrifice, and the often-overlooked heroism of the Merchant Marine. Their story is not just one of steel and steam, but of the human effort to move the machinery of democracy across perilous seas. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Glenn Flickinger and Scott Masters welcome liberators of Nazi concentration camps in the spring of 1945 to share their stories.  Frank Cohn, a Holocaust survivor, fled Nazi Germany with his mother in 1938, just before Kristallnacht. He later served in the US Army during World War II, becoming a member of the 12th Army Group Intelligence Unit, returning to Europe to fight the Nazis. Cohn’s experiences in Nazi Germany and his subsequent service in the US Army provide a powerful testament to his resilience and dedication.  Hilbert Margol served as an artillery gunner in the 42nd “Rainbow” Infantry Division during World War II. He participated in the liberation of Dachau concentration camp on April 29, 1945, and were part of the Army of Occupation in Austria after the war.Denise Fikman-Hans, born in Paris in 1938, endured the upheavals of World War II as a young Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied France. In 1942, her father, aunt, and uncle were arrested and deported to Auschwitz. To protect her children, Denise’s mother sent her six children and two nieces into hiding, initially placing them on a farm. However, the children were soon separated and sent to different families, and eventually to a convent and monastery. Denise remained in the convent until 1948, after which she returned to Paris to live with her mother and stepfather. As Allied forces advanced deep into Nazi-held territory, they uncovered the horrific realities of the Holocaust. Between April and May of that year, U.S., British, and Canadian troops liberated several concentration camps, exposing to the world the scale of Nazi atrocities and marking a turning point in both the war and human conscience. The U.S. Army was the first to encounter one of the major camps when, on April 4, 1945, soldiers of the 89th and 4th Armored Divisions entered Ohrdruf, a subcamp of Buchenwald in central Germany. What they found shocked even the most battle-hardened troops: piles of emaciated corpses, torture devices, and starving survivors. General Dwight D. Eisenhower visited Ohrdruf personally and ordered widespread documentation, anticipating that people might one day deny what had happened. This liberation was followed by the discovery of Buchenwald itself on April 11, where thousands of prisoners had staged an uprising just before U.S. forces arrived. American soldiers found around 21,000 prisoners, many at the brink of death. Meanwhile, U.S. troops also liberated Dachau, the notorious camp near Munich, on April 29, 1945. Dachau, the first Nazi concentration camp established in 1933, had become a model for other camps and a symbol of Nazi terror. American soldiers from the 45th and 42nd Infantry Divisions encountered over 30,000 prisoners, many sick and dying, and dozens of train cars filled with decomposing bodies outside the gates. The sights of Dachau provoked profound revulsion and led to acts of reprisal against SS guards. British forces made their most significant discovery at Bergen-Belsen in northern Germany, liberated on April 15, 1945. The British 11th Armoured Division found 60,000 prisoners in appalling conditions—most suffering from starvation, typhus, and dysentery. Nearly 10,000 unburied corpses lay scattered across the grounds. British soldiers quickly began relief operations, bringing in food, medical supplies, and bulldozers to bury the dead. Despite their efforts, thousands of survivors continued to die from disease and malnutrition in the days following liberation. Canadian soldiers, advancing as part of the First Canadian Army in the Netherlands and northern Germany, encountered and liberated smaller satellite camps and forced-labor sites tied to the Nazi system of exploitation. In northern German regions, Canadians helped liberate prisoners in camps near Neuengamme and other subcamps associated with the Nazi war machine. The liberation of these camps left an indelible mark on the soldiers who witnessed them and the world that soon learned of the atroci

Glenn Flickinger and Scott Masters welcome a large group of World War II veterans to share memories of V-E Day, Victory in Europe, on May 8, 1945. The veterans include George Rubin, Joe Peterburs, Brenda Reid, and Mary Owen. Brenda Reid served from 1943 to 1945 in the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (officially known as the Wrens).  She trained in LORAN (long range navigation) in Connecticut. With her new skills, she was sent to Lower Whitehead (Deming Island, Nova Scotia) where she took up her position maintaining the sensitive machinery at the only Wren-run station. Reid spent close to two years in the Navy and at Whitehead. She met her future husband while serving, who was in the RCAF and stationed at a nearby radar base. After the war ended, they returned to Toronto, Ontario where they married. Mary Owen, a WREN (Royal Canadian Naval Reserve) in World War II, was a vital part of the Battle of the Atlantic. She served at the LORAN (long-range navigation) station in East Baccaro, Nova Scotia, where her work in signals and communications helped ensure the safe transport of soldiers and war materiel across the Atlantic, ultimately contributing to the Allied victory. George Rubin served as a B-17 waist gunner in the U.S. 8th Air Force, 486th Bomb Group, 835th Squadron. After graduating high school in 1943, he was drafted and initially trained as a pilot before being reassigned to a bomber crew in England. Between late 1944 and early 1945, Rubin flew 18 bombing missions over Germany. On February 25, 1945, during a mission over Munich, his aircraft sustained severe flak damage, losing two engines and suffering 270 holes. Despite his leg injury, Rubin jettisoned the bombs safely to avoid civilian casualties, ensuring they wouldn’t detonate upon impact. The crew crash-landed near Sonthofen, Germany, where they were captured by Hitler Youth members and faced potential execution, which was averted by a German officer. Rubin was subsequently imprisoned at Dulag Luft and later transferred to Stalag 13D and then Stalag 7A, enduring forced marches and harsh conditions until liberation by General Patton’s forces on April 30, 1945 .​ Colonel Joe Peterburs was a distinguished World War II fighter pilot whose service exemplified courage and resilience. Born in 1924, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 and trained on aircraft like the P-40 Warhawk before transitioning to the P-51 Mustang. Deployed to England in late 1944, Peterburs flew 49 combat missions, primarily escorting B-17 bombers over Europe. On May 8, 1945—Victory in Europe (V-E) Day—Americans across the United States and overseas greeted the news of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender with a mix of jubilation, relief, and solemn reflection. After nearly four years of war following Pearl Harbor, the end of combat in Europe signaled a long-awaited milestone. Spontaneous celebrations erupted in major cities such as New York, Washington, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Crowds gathered in the streets, waving flags, singing, and cheering. Churches held services of thanksgiving, while factories paused work for impromptu assemblies. In Times Square, thousands poured in shoulder to shoulder, and in Washington, D.C., crowds assembled near the White House, where President Harry S. Truman—who had taken office only weeks earlier after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt—dedicated the victory to his predecessor, calling it “a solemn but glorious hour.” Yet the national mood was not one of unrestrained elation. For many, the joy was tempered by the cost of victory—more than 400,000 American lives lost in the war—and the knowledge that the fighting in the Pacific continued. Families who had lost loved ones marked the day in private, with quiet remembrance rather than public celebration. Newspapers struck a somber tone alongside celebratory headlines, reminding readers of the ongoing war against Japan. American service members in the Pacific, by contrast, received the news with l

Glenn Flickinger welcomes David W. Hogan, Jr., former Director of Histories at the U.S. Army Center of Military History, to talk about the end of World War II in Europe.  Russ Freeburg also joins us too share this story and insights. Russ served in the 8th Armored Division, 9th Army and is a retired journalist and author of "Oil & War: How the Deadly Struggle for Fuel in WWII Meant Victory or Defeat."  The book is a detailed historical analysis of how access to oil determined the strategies, movements, and ultimate outcomes of World War II. The book argues that the global conflict was as much about securing fuel as it was about defeating enemy forces, showing how Germany, Japan, and the Allies made crucial decisions—such as Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union and Japan’s push toward Southeast Asia—based on the need for oil. Drawing on military records and firsthand accounts, the authors reveal how fuel shortages crippled the Axis powers and gave the Allies a decisive advantage. The final stage of World War II in Europe unfolded rapidly between April and May 1945. On April 12, President Franklin D. Roosevelt died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage in Warm Springs, Georgia, after leading the United States through most of the war. His death shocked the Allied world, but leadership transferred smoothly to Vice President Harry S. Truman, who committed to following Roosevelt’s strategy of unconditional German surrender. In the meantime, Allied forces were closing in on Nazi Germany from both east and west. The Western Allies, including U.S. and British troops, advanced through western Germany, liberating cities and uncovering the horrors of Nazi concentration and extermination camps—among them Buchenwald, Dora-Mittelbau, and Dachau. These discoveries brought the full extent of the Holocaust into public view, revealing mass killings, forced labor, and the systematic extermination of millions. To the east, Soviet forces under Marshal Georgy Zhukov pushed toward Berlin in a final, brutal assault. Although the Western Allies had the capability to push into Berlin, a decision was made—agreed upon at the Yalta Conference and reaffirmed in April 1945—not to contest the Soviets for the German capital. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, instead focused on southern Germany and Austria to eliminate remaining German resistance and avoid unnecessary casualties in a race to Berlin. On April 25, 1945, American and Soviet troops met at the Elbe River near Torgau, Germany. The historic link-up symbolized the effective splitting of Nazi Germany and was a powerful moment of Allied unity. Meanwhile, Berlin was encircled and under heavy bombardment. As the Red Army closed in, Adolf Hitler took refuge in his Führerbunker beneath the Reich Chancellery. On April 30, 1945, with Soviet troops just blocks away, Hitler committed suicide alongside his companion Eva Braun, whom he had married the day before. His death marked the symbolic collapse of the Nazi regime. Following Hitler’s death, Admiral Karl Dönitz briefly assumed leadership of a crumbling German government. With most of Germany occupied and its military disintegrating, Dönitz authorized General Alfred Jodl to sign an unconditional surrender. On May 7, 1945, in Reims, France, Jodl signed the surrender to the Western Allies, which took effect at 11:01 p.m. on May 8—celebrated as Victory in Europe (V-E) Day. A separate, formal surrender to the Soviets was signed on May 8 in Berlin by Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel. With the surrender, the war in Europe ended after nearly six years of unprecedented destruction and loss of life. The continent lay in ruins, but the defeat of Nazi Germany opened the path to reconstruction, occupation, and a new geopolitical order defined by the Cold War. David Hogan is author of A Command Post at War: First Army HQ in Europe, 1943-1945; Centuries of Service: The U.S. Army, 1775-2005; and Raiders or Elite Infantry? The U.S. Army Rangers

Glenn Flickinger leads a conversation about the Battle of Okinawa, the last great battle of the Pacific War that began 80 years ago this week. Joining Glenn is Seth Paridon, Deputy Director of the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, former Historian  at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, and producer and host of the “Unauthorized History of the Pacific War Podcast.” The discussion will focus on the role of the US Army. The Battle of Okinawa, fought from April 1 to June 22, 1945, was the last major ground battle of World War II. It was the largest amphibious assault of the Pacific War, with over 180,000 US Army and Marine Corps troops landing on the island. The battle was characterized by brutal ground combat, entrenched Japanese defenses, and high casualties on both sides. The U.S. Tenth Army, commanded by Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr., landed on Okinawa on April 1. The initial landings were met with little resistance. Instead of contesting the beaches, Japanese forces under General Mitsuru Ushijima had fortified the southern part of the island, creating a network of bunkers, caves, and tunnels along the Shuri Line. This defensive strategy aimed to maximize American casualties and delay an invasion of Japan. After securing the northern part of Okinawa with relative ease, U.S. forces turned south to engage the main Japanese defensive positions. The battle for the Shuri Line, which lasted from April to late May, was the most intense phase of the campaign. The Japanese employed heavy artillery, machine-gun nests, and suicide attacks to slow the American advance. The U.S. Army’s 96th and 7th Infantry Divisions, along with the 1st and 6th Marine Divisions, engaged in grueling combat, using flamethrowers, grenades, and explosives to clear Japanese bunkers and caves. Key battles included the fight for Kakazu Ridge, where Japanese troops launched counterattacks and inflicted heavy casualties. The Americans responded with artillery and air support, gradually wearing down the defenders. Sugar Loaf Hill, another stronghold, saw intense fighting, with Marines taking the position after repeated assaults. The battle for Shuri Castle, the heart of the Japanese defense, was equally fierce. By late May, after weeks of continuous bombardment and ground assaults, U.S. forces finally breached the Shuri Line, forcing the Japanese to retreat south. Despite their losses, Japanese defenders continued to resist in the southern part of the island. Suicide attacks, ambushes, and last-ditch defenses prolonged the battle. Thousands of Okinawan civilians were caught in the crossfire, with many forced by Japanese propaganda to commit suicide rather than surrender. The final phase of the battle saw General Ushijima and his chief of staff, General Isamu Cho, commit ritual suicide on June 22, effectively ending organized Japanese resistance. The land battle for Okinawa resulted in over 100,000 Japanese military deaths, with only a few thousand captured. U.S. casualties were high, with over 12,000 killed and 38,000 wounded. The psychological and logistical toll of Okinawa played a role in the decision to use atomic bombs against Japan, as an invasion of the mainland was expected to be even bloodier. The battle at sea, including the extensive kamikaze attacks on the U.S. Navy, was a significant part of the Okinawa campaign which we will talk about next week!

​During the Vietnam War, American civilians played pivotal roles in supporting both military operations and humanitarian efforts, working through government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Thousands of these civilians were women, and we talk with several of them tonight! Ann Kelsey was a UCLA graduate when she volunteered for the Army Special Services to serve in Vietnam as a civilian librarian. ​In Vietnam, Kelsey managed the U.S. Army Headquarters Area Command Library in Saigon before overseeing four libraries across Cam Ranh Bay, the Sixth Convalescent Center, Dong Ba Thin, and Nha Trang. These libraries functioned much like small-town public libraries, providing soldiers with access to books, records, and movies. They served as crucial sanctuaries, offering soldiers a respite from the war and a connection to the familiar comforts of home. Kelsey’s role extended beyond managing library resources; she assisted soldiers with correspondence courses, helping them pursue educational goals amidst the chaos of war. Her dedication to supporting the troops highlighted the importance of intellectual engagement and morale-boosting activities during the conflict. After her service in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970, Ann continued her career in library science, working in various libraries and specializing in automation planning and system procurement. She remained actively involved in veterans’ organizations and efforts to document the oral histories of veterans, ensuring that the experiences of those who served are preserved for future generations. ​wliw.org+2oralhistory.rutgers.edu+2news.ucr.edu+2 Ann’s experiences in Vietnam not only exemplify the critical role of civilian support during wartime but also underscore the profound impact such service can have on both the individuals who serve and those they support.​ René Johnson similarly felt a compelling need to understand the U.S. involvement in the war firsthand. In 1969, after graduating from Florida State University, she joined the American Red Cross’s Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO) program, becoming one of the esteemed “Donut Dollies.” ​ René was initially stationed at Chu Lai with the Americal Division and later at Cu Chi with the 25th Infantry Division. Her primary role involved traveling to remote fire support bases via helicopter, where she and her colleagues organized morale-boosting activities for the troops. A typical day entailed boarding a helicopter around six in the morning, visiting one or two firebases, conducting programs for at least five hours, serving lunch, and then returning to base to prepare for the next day’s activities. ​ The challenges were significant. René  recounted that visiting soldiers in hospitals, especially those with severe injuries, was particularly taxing. She grappled with finding the right words to comfort those who had sustained critical wounds, such as lost limbs or disfigured faces, and endeavored to reassure them about their futures. ​ Despite the hardships, René found her work deeply fulfilling. After completing her one-year tour as a Donut Dollie, she felt a profound connection to Vietnam and its people. This bond led her to return with the U.S. Army Special Services in the Service Club division, further supporting the troops and local communities. Betty Burris felt it wasn’t fair that our men were subject to the draft and women weren’t. Betty applied to the Air Force but was told she’d have to wait for induction, probably due to a quota that limited the number of women in the military. As a USO volunteer in Philadelphia, she learned of the American Red Cross (ARC) Service in Military Hospitals program. Betty served in the ARC as a Social Worker from 1970 to 1978 in the Portsmouth Naval Regional Medical Center (Virginia), Valley Forge Army Hospital (Pennsylvania), 95th Evacuation Hospital (Vietnam) , Saigon Army Hospital (Vietnam), Wiesbaden Air Force Hospital (Germany), and the Philadelphia Naval Regio

Glenn Flickinger leads a conversation with experts and historians on the final push into Germany in World War II, including the crossing of the Rhine at Remagen 80 years ago in March. By March 1945, World War II in Europe was reaching its final phase. The Allies had advanced deep into Germany, and the last major natural barrier between them and the heart of the Reich was the Rhine River. The unexpected capture of the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen by the U.S. Army on March 7, 1945, was a turning point, allowing American forces to establish a bridgehead on the east side of the Rhine. This surprise victory accelerated the collapse of Nazi Germany. The Rhine River had long been considered a critical defensive line for Germany. Adolf Hitler and his generals believed that by destroying the bridges spanning the river, they could slow the Allied advance and mount a more effective defense. Most of the Rhine crossings had already been demolished by retreating German forces, but at Remagen, the Ludendorff Bridge remained standing, albeit rigged with explosives. On March 7, 1945, elements of the U.S. 9th Armored Division approached Remagen, expecting to encounter a destroyed bridge. To their astonishment, the Ludendorff Bridge was still intact, albeit heavily damaged. German engineers had attempted to demolish it, but faulty detonators prevented the charges from fully going off. Recognizing the opportunity, Brigadier General William M. Hoge ordered an immediate assault. A force of infantrymen and engineers rushed the bridge under intense German fire. Despite casualties from machine guns, artillery, and collapsing sections of the bridge, the Americans managed to seize control. Engineers quickly began defusing remaining explosives and reinforcing the structure to support heavy traffic. The fall of the Ludendorff Bridge was a severe blow to Hitler, who ordered immediate countermeasures. The Germans launched fierce artillery barrages and airstrikes, including attacks by jet-powered Me 262 fighters and V-2 rockets. They even attempted to destroy the bridge with frogmen and a last-ditch commando raid, but none of these efforts succeeded. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army worked frantically to expand the bridgehead, pushing more men, tanks, and supplies across the Rhine. Within days, pontoon bridges were constructed alongside the damaged structure, ensuring a steady flow of troops into the German heartland. After ten days of heavy use and constant bombardment, the Ludendorff Bridge finally collapsed on March 17, killing 28 U.S. engineers. However, by this point, its purpose had been fulfilled. The Allies had established a firm foothold on the eastern side of the Rhine, shattering Germany’s last major defensive position. Within weeks, U.S. and British forces surged deep into Germany, encircling the Ruhr industrial region and cutting off the last remnants of the Wehrmacht’s effective resistance. The capture of the bridge at Remagen hastened the end of the war in Europe. With the Rhine crossed, German defenses crumbled rapidly. By April, American and Soviet forces were racing toward Berlin. On May 7, 1945, Germany surrendered unconditionally. The events at Remagen remain one of the most dramatic moments of World War II, a testament to battlefield initiative and the importance of seizing opportunities in war. The bravery of the U.S. 9th Armored Division helped bring the conflict to a swifter conclusion, saving countless lives in the process. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

We talk about the “Flying Coffins” of World War II that silently transported troops, weapons, and equipment behind enemy lines . . . getting lots of troops killed and wounded in the process. Glider warfare experts Monique Taylor, author of Suicide Jockeys: The Making of the World War II Combat Glider Pilot, and Bill Bonnamy, creator of the 319 Gliderman website, devoted to the WWII 319th Glider Field Artillery of the 82nd Airborne Division, tell us about what these contraptions were, how they were used, and what it was like to fly and crash in the, During World War II, the United States developed and deployed combat gliders as part of its airborne operations, using them to silently transport troops, equipment, and supplies behind enemy lines. These unpowered aircraft, towed by powered planes before being released to glide to their destinations, were used in several major operations in both the European and Pacific Theaters. These contraptions were notoriously dangerous, and those who flew in them faced harrowing experiences. The Waco CG-4A, the most widely used American glider, was a high-wing, fabric-covered aircraft with a tubular steel frame. It could carry a pilot, copilot, and up to 13 fully equipped troops or a combination of supplies, including a Jeep or a 75mm howitzer. The CG-4A measured 48 feet in length with an 83-foot wingspan and weighed approximately 3,900 pounds empty. It had no engine, so it relied on a tow from a C-47 Dakota or other tow aircraft using a 300-foot nylon or steel cable. Another less common glider, the CG-13A, was a scaled-up version of the CG-4A, capable of carrying 30 troops or heavier equipment. Though tested, larger gliders such as the CG-10A and CG-15A were not widely deployed in combat. The United States first used gliders with the invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky) in July 1943 where they suffered heavy losses due to navigational errors, miscommunications, and enemy fire. Many gliders crashed into the sea or were scattered far from their intended landing zones. Glider operations were instrumental in the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Hundreds of CG-4As carried elements of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions into enemy territory, reinforcing the initial paratrooper drops. These troops secured critical bridges, road junctions, and other key positions before the main invasion force arrived. One of the most famous American glider operations took place during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. This ambitious attempt to seize a series of bridges in the Netherlands involved the largest airborne operation of the war, with over 2,000 gliders deployed. CG-4As delivered troops, anti-tank guns, and vehicles behind German lines. Though the operation ultimately failed to achieve its final objective—the capture of the bridge at Arnhem—it demonstrated the effectiveness of glider-borne troops in securing initial positions. Gliders were again heavily utilized in the Battle of the Bulge (December 1944 – January 1945), delivering reinforcements and supplies to encircled Allied forces in Bastogne. In the Pacific Theater, gliders saw more limited use due to the dense jungle terrain, though they were employed in the Burma campaign to deliver supplies to Merrill’s Marauders and other special forces units operating behind Japanese lines. Flying in a combat glider was an experience filled with danger. Pilots, trained under the Army Air Forces, were considered among the most courageous aviators of the war. Unlike powered aircraft, gliders had no means of escape once they were released from their tow planes. Pilots had to skillfully navigate to their landing zones, often under intense enemy fire. Glider landings were abrupt and often destructive, as they had no engines to regulate descent and typically crashed into rough terrain, obstacles, or defensive positions. Many troops sustained injuries upon landing, sometimes before even engaging the enemy. The lack of defensive armament

We are proud to welcome two amateur historians who have changed our understanding of one of the most iconic images in Americans history. Eric Krelle and Brent Westemeyer, through expert and diligent research, uncovered the true identities of the men who raised the flag on Iwo Jima, an act forever enshrined in American memory as a result of Joe Rosenthal's famous photograph. The flag-raising photograph taken by Rosenthal on February 23, 1945, atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima became one of the most enduring symbols of American unity and sacrifice during World War II. The image captured six men hoisting a large American flag after a grueling campaign to secure the island, a strategic foothold in the Pacific. Unbeknownst to Rosenthal at the time, his photograph would resonate deeply with the American public, becoming a symbol of hope and perseverance during a critical period of the war. The photograph had an immediate and profound impact when it was published in newspapers across the country. For a nation weary from years of war, the image embodied the courage, determination, and teamwork of American service members. It quickly became a rallying point for the war effort, inspiring patriotism and boosting morale on the home front. The photo was also instrumental in a nationwide war bond campaign, helping to raise billions of dollars to support the war. Its significance was further cemented when it won the Pulitzer Prize for Photography in 1945. For the Marine Corps, the photograph symbolized the core values of honor, courage, and commitment and became an integral part of their identity, eventually immortalized in the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. In 1947, the six flag raisers were identified as Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley, Michael Strank, John Bradley, Rene Gagnon, and Harlon Block. However, this identification was later found to be inaccurate, with errors corrected decades after the war through the efforts of amateur historians Eric Krelle and Brent Westemeyer. Eric Krelle first noticed discrepancies in the iconic image while comparing it with other photographs and records. Krelle observed that John Bradley’s uniform and gear did not match the individual thought to be him in Rosenthal’s photograph. His research suggested that Harold Schultz, a Marine who had never been publicly credited, was one of the six flag raisers. Schultz, who died in 1995, had reportedly mentioned his role to family members casually but never sought recognition. At the same time, Brent Westemeyer conducted a parallel investigation into the photograph’s details. Using archival materials, personal accounts, and photographs, Westemeyer concluded that Rene Gagnon, another Marine initially identified in the photo, was not present in the iconic scene. Instead, he determined that Harold Keller, another Marine previously unacknowledged, was one of the flag raisers. Both Krelle and Westemeyer also confirmed that John Bradley, despite long-standing claims, was not in the photograph. The Marine Corps responded to these findings with a formal review in 2016, ultimately validating the conclusions reached by Krelle and Westemeyer. The Corps officially recognized Harold Schultz and Harold Keller as among the six flag raisers and acknowledged that John Bradley and Rene Gagnon had been misidentified. They expressed gratitude for the independent researchers’ meticulous work and reaffirmed their commitment to historical accuracy. The corrections, while significant, did not diminish the photograph’s symbolic power but instead deepened its historical narrative by honoring the overlooked contributions of Schultz and Keller. Rosenthal’s photograph continues to be a powerful emblem of the collective sacrifice of all those who fought in the Pacific. Its impact on the American public in 1945, as both a source of inspiration and a tool for unifying the nation, remains a testament to the resilience of the human spirit during times of a

We welcome 99-year-old WWII veteran George Rubin, a veteran of the 8th Air Force, 486th Bomb Group, 835th Squadron. George graduated high school in 1943 and was drafted soon after, initially training as a pilot before being reassigned as a B-17 armorer and waist gunner. At just 19 years old, he joined his crew at Sudbury in the fall of 1944 and flew 18 missions before being shot down over Munich on February 25, 1945. His aircraft, losing multiple engines due to flak damage, attempted to reach Switzerland but was forced to crash-land near Sonthofen, Germany. The entire crew survived, though Rubin suffered serious leg wounds. They landed near a Hitler Youth training camp, where they were quickly captured and threatened with execution. A German officer intervened, saving their lives, and they were subsequently imprisoned. Rubin was sent to Dulag Luft for interrogation before being transferred to Stalag 13D in early March 1945. Later that month, he and others were forced to march to Stalag 7A in Moosburg, where they were liberated by Patton’s forces on April 30 after a fierce three-hour battle. Returning to the U.S. by July 1945, Rubin was stationed at Fort Dix, serving as an air steward assisting in the repatriation of POWs. He suffered from PTSD throughout his life, finally seeking treatment in his 90s. A visit to Sonthofen, recommended by his doctors, helped him find closure. He continues to meet weekly with a PTSD support group, where he is the oldest member among Vietnam and Afghanistan veterans. Later in life, Rubin embraced Quakerism and pacifism. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Iwo Jima Marine Bob Brutinel joined us near his 100th birthday to share his story of service. "I don't believe in medals," was his response when we asked him about the Silver Star he received for valor on Iwo. Private First Class Robert C. Brutinel, born in El Paso, Texas, and later residing in Clifton, Arizona, served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was assigned to Company H, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division. His service included participation in several significant battles in the South Pacific, notably Guadalcanal, Choiseul, and Iwo Jima. ABC15.COM On March 12, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima, PFC Brutinel's company encountered a fortified Japanese pillbox that impeded their advance. Serving as a demolition man and flamethrower operator, Brutinel executed a direct frontal assault on the enemy position, utilizing his flamethrower until its fuel was depleted. He then returned to the company supply point to refuel his weapon and proceeded to launch a second attack, ultimately neutralizing the pillbox. This act of valor significantly contributed to his unit's progress during the battle.  In recognition of his gallantry and intrepidity in action, PFC Brutinel was awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest military combat decoration for valor awarded by the United States. His official citation commends his courage and dedication to duty, reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.  Following his military service, Robert Brutinel became a longstanding member of the Casa Grande, Arizona, community, where he has been actively involved for over 60 years. In August 2024, the Casa Grande Detachment 901 of the Marine Corps League, along with other local organizations, honored him on his 100th birthday, celebrating his service and contributions to the community.  Throughout his life, Brutinel has been recognized as a mentor and respected figure within his community, embodying the values of service and dedication both in his military and civilian endeavors.

Glenn Flickinger marks the 80th anniversary of the Yalta Conference with a conversation with experts and historians. Yalta was held from February 4 to 11, 1945, and it was a pivotal meeting during World War II between the Allied leaders: Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States, Winston Churchill of the United Kingdom, and Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union. Taking place in the Livadia Palace near Yalta in Crimea, the conference aimed to address the post-war reorganization of Europe and establish a framework for lasting peace. By early 1945, the defeat of Nazi Germany was imminent. Allied forces were advancing on multiple fronts, with the Red Army pushing through Eastern Europe and the Western Allies moving toward Germany from the west. The conference’s primary objectives were to ensure coordinated military strategy in the final stages of the war, decide on the political future of liberated countries, and establish mechanisms to prevent future conflicts. The leaders agreed to divide Germany into four occupation zones controlled by the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and, later, France. Berlin, situated in the Soviet zone, would also be split into four sectors. Stalin sought to secure Soviet influence in Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, which was a contentious issue. The Allies agreed that Poland’s borders would be shifted westward, with the Soviet Union annexing eastern Polish territories. In return, Stalin promised free elections in Poland and other Eastern European countries, though this commitment was later undermined. Plans for the establishment of the United Nations (UN) were finalized, with agreements on the structure of the UN Security Council, including veto power for its five permanent members: the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France, and China. Stalin also pledged that the Soviet Union would enter the war against Japan within three months of Germany’s surrender. In exchange, the Soviet Union was promised territorial gains, including southern Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands, and influence in Manchuria. Additionally, the conference produced a declaration committing the Allies to support democratic institutions and free elections in liberated nations, though the interpretation and implementation of this agreement varied, particularly in Eastern Europe. The Yalta Conference laid the groundwork for the post-war geopolitical order, but it also sowed the seeds of the Cold War. The division of Germany and Berlin set the stage for the eventual establishment of East and West Germany. The Allied Control Council was created to administer Germany jointly, but growing tensions between the Soviet Union and Western Allies led to increasing division. Stalin’s influence over Eastern Europe grew rapidly after the conference. Despite promises of free elections, communist governments were installed in Poland, Hungary, Romania, and other countries, creating a Soviet-dominated Eastern Bloc. The resolution of the Polish question was a source of lasting tension. The Western Allies’ acceptance of Soviet demands alienated the Polish government-in-exile in London and led to widespread dissatisfaction among Poles. The creation of the United Nations was a significant achievement, providing a forum for international diplomacy and conflict resolution. However, the Security Council’s veto system reflected the power dynamics of the major Allied nations and limited the organization’s ability to act decisively during the Cold War. The differing visions of the United States and the Soviet Union for post-war Europe became evident at Yalta. While the United States and the United Kingdom emphasized self-determination and democratic governance, the Soviet Union prioritized security through territorial expansion and the establishment of friendly regimes in its sphere of influence. These conflicting priorities contributed to the ideological divide that defined the Cold War. The Yalta Conference has bee

Nick Cressy and Josh Muri join us to share two amazing WWII B-26 Marauder stories from WWII. On June 4, 1942, during the pivotal Battle of Midway, Josh’s grandfather Lt. James P. Muri piloted  “Susie-Q,” into history with an audacious attack on the Japanese aircraft carrier Akagi. Muri and his crew were part of a daring mission to halt the Japanese fleet’s advance toward Midway Atoll. Their objective: deliver a torpedo strike against the heart of the enemy force. Muri’s bomber, one of four launched from Midway Island, faced relentless fire from Japanese fighter planes and naval guns. Hit multiple times, the aircraft sustained significant damage, and three crew members were wounded. Undeterred, Muri pressed on, releasing a torpedo aimed at the Akagi. To evade the intense enemy fire, Muri took the extraordinary step of flying his damaged bomber directly down the Akagi’s flight deck, barely skimming the surface of the ship. This low-level maneuver minimized the exposure of his plane to anti-aircraft fire and swarming Zero fighters. The Susie-Q returned to Midway Island, riddled with over 500 bullet holes, yet miraculously intact. Muri’s actions not only saved his crew but also disrupted Japanese Admiral Nagumo’s battle strategy. This moment proved critical in setting the stage for the American victory at Midway, a turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Muri and his crew received the Distinguished Service Cross for their bravery. His feat was immortalized in Lonnie Bell’s song “Midway” and honored decades later with the Jimmy Doolittle Award. After his military service, Muri lived a quiet life in Montana, passing away in 2013 at age 93. Nick Cressy’s uncle, Staff Sergent Nick Bentas, was an engineer/top turret gunner served first in the Mediterranean flying from Sardinia then Corsica and then Dijon France on missions to Italy, France and Germany. They supported the invasion of Southern France and transferred to support the 7th Army. On a mission on 19 January 1945, his plane lost the right engine and crashed outside Fontain France, killing the crew. Nick captures the story in his book, Back from 44: The Sacrifice and Courage of a Few – A Story of Heroism in the Skies Over Western Europe. The B-26 Marauder, the aircraft flown by Muri, became renowned for its versatility and durability. Known for its low loss rates, the B-26 flew more than 110,000 sorties during the war, dropping 150,000 tons of bombs. Despite its early deployment challenges, the Marauder earned a distinguished record in Allied operations. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

World War II historians Colin Heaton and Marilyn Walton join us to share remarkable stories of courage, mercy, and humanity on the part of those who fought on the other side, the Axis powers of Germany and Japan. Stories include: Captain Werner Hartenstein: On September 12, 1942, the German submarine U-156, commanded by Hartenstein, torpedoed the British RMS Laconia in the Atlantic. The Laconia, a military target, carried British troops, Italian POWs, and civilians, including women and children. Upon discovering Italian POWs and civilians among the survivors, Hartenstein defied the “No Rescue Order,” prohibiting aid to shipwreck victims. He ordered his crew to rescue many survivors, taking over 200 aboard U-156 and using towlines to connect to lifeboats. A Red Cross flag was raised, and he broadcast a message to Allied forces asking for help, promising not to attack rescue vessels. However, an American B-24 bomber attacked U-156, forcing Hartenstein to stop the rescue. Survivors were transferred to other German U-boats, and eventually some were collected by a Vichy French cruiser. U-156 resumed patrols, leaving many survivors in lifeboats, leading to the “Laconia Order,” which prohibited future rescue attempts.  Hartenstein is remembered for his humanity in a brutal conflict. He prioritized rescuing women, children, and Italians, showing concern for all survivors. His actions stood out in a war marked by atrocities, offering a rare glimpse of empathy from a German officer. Hartenstein’s rescue effort symbolized the potential for humanity, even amid harsh realities of war.  Hans-Joachim Marseille: The story of Marseille, known as the “Star of Africa,” is one of remarkable skill and complex morality. Born in 1919 in Berlin, Marseille was a talented pilot but had a rebellious nature. He gained fame during the Battle of Britain for his aerial combat skills and later matured under Captain Eduard Neumann in North Africa. Marseille developed tactics that earned respect and was known for his compassion, often risking his life to notify Allied forces about downed pilots. His defiance of Nazi commands and sympathy for Jews caused tension within the military. Despite his fierce skill that made him a propoganda figure, he subtly showed disdain for Nazi principles. Marseille died tragically at 22 in an accident, leaving a legacy as a complex, legendary figure. Irv Baum Saburo Sakai: Sakai was a renowned Japanese ace known for his honorable conduct. He refrained from unnecessary killings and spared enemies when possible. After the war, he disapproved of Japan’s wartime propaganda and sought accountability for war crimes, ultimately becoming a pariah in Japan but gaining respect from former enemies. His contributions to reconciliation were not fully acknowledged in his own country. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

Navy veteran and photographer Richard Sherman joins us with former US Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, Maj. Gen. Bill Matz, to talk about his new book, Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned. The book presents a deeply moving tribute to the American soldiers who rest in the 23 overseas military cemeteries from World War I and World War II. This work, the culmination of eight trips across five years and three continents, is both a historical document and a poignant meditation on sacrifice. Sherman’s book is structured into three interconnected sections. The first showcases sweeping architectural photographs that capture the solemn grandeur and meticulous design of these memorial grounds. His lens balances the monumental—the vast seas of white crosses—with intimate and unexpected moments, like a craftsman engraving a headstone. These images provide a visual narrative of loss and commemoration, resonating with both technical precision and emotional depth. The second section delves into over 59 biographical portraits, meticulously researched and vividly presented. Sherman highlights a diverse array of individuals, including Medal of Honor recipients, siblings who served together, nurses, chaplains, and civilian specialists. Drawing from personal letters, family photos, and historical accounts, he transforms these names and dates into poignant human stories. The biographical sketches offer readers a glimpse into the lives and sacrifices of these individuals, bridging the gap between history and humanity. The final section, titled “Taps,” serves as a photographic meditation, reflecting on the enduring significance of these sacred spaces. Sherman allows his photographs to speak volumes, with text appearing sparingly to enhance rather than overshadow the imagery. His approach underscores the power of visual storytelling, allowing readers to engage with the material on an emotional level. Though the repetition of certain images, such as rows of crosses, may feel redundant at times, it serves as a reminder of the scale of sacrifice. This minor flaw is overshadowed by the book’s heartfelt presentation and the depth of its content. Never Home is a profound exploration of the human cost of war and a testament to the enduring legacy of those who gave their lives in service. It will resonate deeply with military families, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the personal and collective impact of war. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

Our friend from St Lucia and creator of the WWII Log Book Project, Nick Devaux, joins us to talk about a truly forgotten front of World War II, the Caribbean Basin. During World War II, the Caribbean played a significant but often overlooked role in the broader conflict. Its strategic position made it a critical area for military operations. The Caribbean bordered vital sea lanes connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Panama Canal, as well as shipping routes between the Americas and Europe. These routes were essential for transporting troops, raw materials, and supplies. The Axis powers, particularly Germany, targeted the Caribbean to disrupt Allied supply chains. German U-boats operated extensively in the region, attacking merchant ships and tankers carrying oil from Venezuelan and Trinidadian refineries to Allied forces. The Battle of the Caribbean, as this campaign became known, resulted in significant losses for Allied shipping. Oil production in the Caribbean was another critical factor. The region’s refineries, especially those in Aruba, Curaçao, and Trinidad, were among the largest in the world. Protecting these installations from Axis attacks became a top priority. The United States established military bases in several Caribbean territories, including Trinidad, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas, to guard refineries and shipping lanes. The British also strengthened defenses in their colonies, recognizing the importance of these assets to the war effort. To secure the region, the Allies implemented agreements with local governments, many of which were colonial administrations under British, Dutch, or French control. The 1940 Destroyers-for-Bases Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom allowed the U.S. to build military bases in British territories, providing critical infrastructure for anti-submarine warfare and air reconnaissance. These bases included significant facilities in Antigua, St. Lucia, and Jamaica. The presence of American and British military personnel brought cultural influences and new ideas, fostering aspirations for greater political autonomy among Caribbean populations. Many Caribbean men who served in the armed forces or worked abroad during the war returned with heightened expectations for social and economic progress, contributing to postwar movements for independence and self-governance. In colonies like Trinidad and Jamaica, these changes helped lay the groundwork for decolonization in the following decades. The Caribbean’s civilian population endured hardships during the war. German submarine activity disrupted trade, leading to shortages of food and essential goods. Rationing became widespread, and fears of invasion or sabotage created an atmosphere of uncertainty. In some areas, blackouts and other security measures were implemented to protect against potential attacks. Despite these challenges, Caribbean civilians contributed to the war effort through fundraising, volunteering, and production of war materials. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

We discuss the experiences of German POWS held during World War II in the United States with Carole Popchock and others who have researched and written about the subject. During World War II, the United States became home to over 400,000 German prisoners of war (POWs) held in camps across the country. The influx of these POWs began in 1943, as the Allies gained the upper hand in North Africa and Europe, capturing large numbers of German soldiers. By the war’s end in 1945, approximately 511 camps had been established in 45 states, with the largest populations concentrated in Texas, California, and the Midwest. The decision to house these POWs on American soil was driven by logistical necessity and international agreements. The Geneva Conventions of 1929 established guidelines for the treatment of POWs, including adequate shelter, food, and the opportunity to engage in productive work. The U.S. government sought to adhere to these standards, though the experiences of POWs varied significantly depending on the location and management of individual camps. Many camps were located near military bases or in rural areas where labor shortages provided opportunities for POWs to work. The prisoners’ daily lives revolved around routines designed to maintain order and provide meaningful activity. Work assignments were a central feature, as the U.S. faced labor shortages due to the war. German POWs were employed in agriculture, forestry, construction, and other industries. In many cases, they replaced American workers who had joined the armed forces. The Geneva Conventions prohibited forced labor directly related to the war effort, so prisoners were not assigned tasks such as manufacturing weapons. Instead, they performed essential civilian work, often for private employers who paid the U.S. government for their labor. The prisoners themselves received a small stipend, which they could use to purchase goods at camp canteens. Housing conditions in the camps ranged from basic to relatively comfortable. Most camps consisted of barracks surrounded by fences and guard towers. Inside the barracks, prisoners slept in bunk beds and had access to communal facilities such as dining halls and recreation areas. The quality of food provided to the prisoners was often better than what they had experienced in the German military, which led to some complaints from American civilians who were dealing with wartime rationing. Education and cultural activities were encouraged within the camps. Many prisoners took advantage of classes in English, mathematics, and other subjects, while others participated in theatrical productions, musical performances, and sports. Religious services were also provided, with chaplains assigned to cater to the prisoners’ spiritual needs. These activities helped maintain morale and occupied the prisoners’ time, reducing the likelihood of unrest. Relations between the POWs and the local American communities were complex. In some cases, prisoners worked alongside civilians, fostering a level of mutual understanding and even friendship. Some German POWs were invited into American homes for meals or holidays, particularly in rural areas where their labor had a significant impact on the local economy. However, there were also instances of hostility and suspicion, especially in areas with strong anti-German sentiment. Security concerns occasionally arose, but escapes were rare and typically nonviolent. Most escapees were recaptured quickly, as they faced significant challenges blending into American society. The ideological diversity among the prisoners was a source of tension within the camps. Some German soldiers were staunch Nazis, while others were apolitical or opposed to Hitler’s regime. To prevent Nazi indoctrination or coercion within the camps, the U.S. authorities monitored prisoner activities and separated known Nazi loyalists from others when possible. Re-education programs were introduced late in the war, aiming

On its 80th anniversary, we discuss the Battle of the Bulge, fought between December 16, 1944, and January 25, 1945. It was the largest and bloodiest single battle fought by American forces during World War II. It also represented Nazi Germany’s last major offensive on the Western Front, a desperate bid to reverse the Allies’ advance toward Germany. By late 1944, the tide of World War II had definitively turned against Germany. The Allies had stormed ashore in Normandy in June, pushing through France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, while Soviet forces were steadily advancing from the east. Despite these setbacks, Adolf Hitler refused to concede defeat. Instead, he conceived a bold and highly ambitious plan to strike at the Allies’ weakest point, drive a wedge between their armies, and force them to the negotiating table. Hitler’s strategy, codenamed Wacht am Rhein (Watch on the Rhine), aimed to exploit what he perceived as vulnerabilities in the Allied lines. The Ardennes region of Belgium and Luxembourg, a densely forested area of rolling hills, was held by a mix of battle-worn and inexperienced American units. Hitler believed that a surprise attack here could achieve a breakthrough, allowing his forces to drive westward to Antwerp. Capturing this crucial port city would sever Allied supply lines, split the British and American armies, and potentially lead to a repeat of Dunkirk, where British forces had been forced to evacuate across the Channel in 1940. The offensive required immense resources, but by late 1944, Germany’s ability to sustain its war effort was crumbling. Nonetheless, the Nazi regime undertook Herculean efforts to assemble a formidable strike force. Over 250,000 troops were mobilized for the attack, including 12 newly formed Volksgrenadier (People’s Grenadier) divisions. These divisions were cobbled together from conscripts, Luftwaffe ground crews, and naval personnel, with a heavy reliance on older men and teenagers. Although understrength, these units were bolstered by significant firepower, including machine guns, mortars, and Panzerfaust anti-tank weapons. Despite assembling such a force, the Germans faced profound logistical challenges. The Wehrmacht was critically short of fuel, ammunition, and bridging equipment, which would prove disastrous during the offensive. Moreover, the plan itself was overly ambitious. It called for German forces to cross eight rivers, reach the Meuse within three days, and secure Antwerp within a week—an objective that even optimistic commanders deemed unattainable. The German offensive began in the early hours of December 16, 1944, with a massive artillery barrage along an 85-mile front. Under the cover of darkness and poor weather, German infantry advanced rapidly, overwhelming thinly stretched American defenses. The element of surprise was critical; many American units were caught off guard, and chaos ensued as German Panzers pushed deep into Allied territory. Despite initial gains, the Germans soon encountered significant resistance. American troops, though initially outnumbered and disorganized, regrouped and fought tenaciously. Strategic locations such as St. Vith and Bastogne became focal points of the battle. At St. Vith, American forces delayed the German advance for several days, buying precious time for reinforcements to arrive. Meanwhile, Bastogne, a key road junction, became the site of a heroic defense by the 101st Airborne Division, who held the town against overwhelming odds until relieved by General Patton’s Third Army. The Battle of the Bulge was a catastrophic defeat for Germany. The Wehrmacht suffered over 100,000 casualties, including many of its best remaining troops and officers. It also lost irreplaceable equipment, including over 600 tanks and 1,000 aircraft. These losses effectively crippled Germany’s ability to mount further large-scale offensives, hastening the collapse of the Third Reich. For the Allies, the battle underscored their logistica

Glenn Flickinger welcomes three leading experts on the finest medium range bomber in history, the B-26 Marauder that fought in World War II and was adopted by Allied forces the world over. Josh Muri, Nick Cressy, and Ron Bolesta from the B-26 Marauder Historical Society join us to talk about the history of an aircraft renowned for its speed, versatility, and resilience. Designed and built by the Glenn L. Martin Company, the B-26 made its maiden flight on November 25, 1940, and quickly became an essential tool in the Allied air arsenal. Its development, operational history, and contributions to the war effort offer a fascinating glimpse into the technological and strategic advancements of the time. The B-26 was developed in response to a 1939 Army Air Corps specification for a high-speed medium bomber capable of delivering a significant payload over a long range. The Martin Company responded with an innovative design featuring a sleek, streamlined fuselage, tricycle landing gear, and powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engines. These engines gave the aircraft a top speed of over 300 mph, which was exceptionally fast for a bomber at the time. The Marauder’s speed, combined with its ability to carry up to 4,000 pounds of bombs, made it an attractive option for the Army Air Corps, which awarded Martin the contract before the prototype had even flown. The B-26’s innovative design, however, came with challenges. Its short, high-wing configuration and high wing loading—a result of its relatively small wingspan and powerful engines—gave the aircraft demanding flight characteristics. Early models required higher takeoff and landing speeds than many pilots were accustomed to, leading to a spate of accidents during training. This earned the B-26 the nicknames “Widowmaker” and “Flying Prostitute” (the latter a sardonic reference to the fact that it supposedly had no visible means of support). However, modifications to the aircraft, such as lengthening the wings and increasing the size of the tailplane, improved its handling. By mid-1942, the aircraft was deployed to the European theater, where it became a workhorse for the U.S. Army Air Forces’ Ninth Air Force. In Europe, the B-26 excelled in tactical bombing missions, attacking enemy rail yards, bridges, supply depots, and other infrastructure critical to the German war effort. One of the Marauder’s most significant contributions to the war came during the lead-up to D-Day. From early 1944 onward, B-26 crews flew countless sorties as part of the Allied campaign to cripple German defenses in France. They targeted bridges, rail networks, and fortifications with remarkable precision, thanks to improved Norden bomb sights and a growing cadre of experienced pilots. On D-Day itself, B-26 squadrons provided close air support for the Allied landings, striking German positions near the beaches to soften resistance for the advancing troops. Despite its rocky start, the B-26 developed a reputation for durability and survivability. By the end of the war, it had the lowest loss rate of any Allied bomber, a testament to its robust construction and the skill of its crews. The aircraft was heavily armed for its size, typically featuring up to 13 .50 caliber machine guns for defense, making it a tough target for enemy fighters. By the end of World War II, over 5,200 B-26 Marauders had been produced. Although the aircraft was retired from front-line service soon after the war, its legacy endured. The lessons learned from its design and operation influenced subsequent generations of medium bombers, including the North American B-25 Mitchell and later jet-powered aircraft. The B-26 Marauder stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of those who designed, built, and flew it. Despite its early difficulties, it became one of the most effective medium bombers of the war, contributing significantly to the Allied victory. Its speed, precision, and survivability set it ap

How the 100th went from perhaps the worst bomber group to the best bomber group. Why did it have a discipline problem in 1943? Who made the changes that improved the BG performance? Join Glenn in his interview with Heather Thies of the National Museum of the Mighty Eight, Nancy Putman, and John "Lucky" Luckadoo. Stationed at Thorpe Abbotts in England, the group flew the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress as part of the 8th Air Force, conducting strategic bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. Their nickname stemmed from the extraordinarily high casualties they sustained during some of the war’s most dangerous missions. Despite these losses, the 100th Bomb Group played a crucial role in the air campaign to cripple Germany’s war machine. The group began combat operations in June 1943, targeting key industrial and military sites in France and Germany. Early missions revealed the dangers of daylight precision bombing, and the 100th often faced fierce resistance from German Luftwaffe fighters and anti-aircraft defenses. The group suffered especially heavy losses during missions to Bremen, Münster, and Schweinfurt, where entire formations were sometimes annihilated. These sacrifices cemented their reputation as one of the most daring but ill-fated bomber units, giving rise to their enduring moniker. Among the group’s notable members was Harry Crosby, a lead navigator whose experiences offer a deeply personal perspective on the air war. In his memoir, A Wing and a Prayer: The “Bloody 100th” Bomb Group of the U.S. Eighth Air Force in Action over Europe in World War II, Crosby recounts the harrowing missions and extraordinary courage of his comrades. His vivid descriptions capture the chaos of combat, the constant threat of death, and the camaraderie that sustained the men during their darkest hours. Crosby’s navigation skills were critical to the group’s success, helping to guide bombers through perilous skies to their targets and safely back to base. Despite the staggering losses, the 100th Bomb Group’s resilience never wavered. They participated in pivotal operations such as the bombing campaign during D-Day and attacks on German oil refineries, transportation hubs, and other strategic targets. By the end of the war, their contributions had significantly undermined Germany’s industrial capacity and military infrastructure. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

Tonight, on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, we discuss one of the longest and bloodiest battles fought by American forces in Europe during World War II. Taking place from September 1944 to February 1945, this battle unfolded in the dense Hürtgen Forest, located near the German-Belgian border in western Germany. The battle was fought between the United States Army and German Wehrmacht forces, who defended the area with entrenched positions and heavily fortified defenses. The operation was initially intended to support the Allied advance into Germany but became one of the most grueling and costly campaigns for the American military. The Hürtgen Forest spans about 50 square miles and consists of steep, rugged terrain and thick woods that severely restricted visibility and movement. This dense terrain provided a natural advantage to German defenders, who fortified the area with concrete bunkers, minefields, barbed wire, and hidden artillery emplacements. German forces also used booby traps and anti-personnel mines, making the forest an effective defensive zone. The weather added to the challenge; frequent rain and cold temperatures turned the area into a muddy, harsh environment, complicating the movement of troops and vehicles. American forces entered the Hürtgen Forest in early September 1944, with the primary objective of securing the Roer River dams. These dams controlled the flow of water downstream, and German forces could release the water to flood the Roer River valley, which would prevent an Allied advance across the river. By capturing the dams, the Allies aimed to prevent such flooding and enable their continued push into Germany. The legacy of the Battle of Hürtgen Forest remains a sobering reminder of the challenges of ground combat in difficult terrain and the heavy price of war. The battle demonstrated the importance of terrain and the difficulties of fighting in heavily fortified, natural environments. The long and costly battle, fought over harsh winter months, left a lasting impression on those who served there and became one of the most challenging and controversial campaigns for American forces in the European theater of World War II. The losses and hardships experienced by soldiers in the Hürtgen Forest highlighted the brutal realities of war and the often-overlooked complexities of military planning and decision-making during the war. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

In June 1944, the U.S. Army deployed an unusual and highly secretive unit to Normandy. Known as the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, this 1,100-man team went by a nickname: the Ghost Army. Their mission wasn’t to fight the enemy with traditional weapons but to deceive them using inflatable tanks, trucks, planes, and a range of sound effects. Historian Rick Beyer explores this unique chapter of World War II in his book and documentary film, The Ghost Army, and he will join us tonight to share this history. The Ghost Army’s mission was to mislead German forces about the strength and location of American troops. To accomplish this, they staged a series of carefully planned deceptions across Europe, from Normandy to the Rhine. Using truckloads of inflatable vehicles and loudspeakers blasting recorded sounds of engines and marching troops, they created the illusion of large American units. Each day, the soldiers of the Ghost Army had to decide which military unit they would impersonate, often spending hours studying details to convincingly mimic the behavior, movements, and communication patterns of larger American forces. The Ghost Army’s success relied heavily on creating an immersive deception that would fool German intelligence from multiple angles. Their visual deceptions featured rows of inflatable tanks, trucks, and artillery placed strategically to be visible but imperfectly camouflaged, encouraging enemy reconnaissance to spot them. Sound trucks with speakers were used to broadcast recordings of engines, infantry movements, and equipment clatter, creating an auditory illusion of battalion-sized forces on the move. Radio operators played their part by transmitting fake communication networks, further adding to the illusion. These decoys were so convincing that German intelligence frequently reported the “presence” of American units that existed only in the imagination of the Ghost Army. Many Ghost Army soldiers were artists and designers recruited from art schools across the United States. This included future fashion icon Bill Blass, painter Ellsworth Kelly, and photographer Art Kane. Their creative backgrounds were essential to crafting believable illusions, and during downtime, they captured their experiences in sketches and paintings, leaving behind a unique and artistic record of the war. Some of these artists went on to successful careers after the war, but their wartime contributions remained classified for decades, a fact that Beyer’s documentary brings to light. Rick Beyer’s The Ghost Army documentary reveals not only the intricacies of these deceptions but also the human element behind them. Through interviews with 19 Ghost Army veterans, the film shows how these men used their skills in art and performance to execute high-stakes missions with real consequences. In one of their final and most critical operations, the Ghost Army staged a major deception along the Rhine River. Thousands of Allied lives depended on this illusion, and the soldiers knew that if the Germans discovered the ruse, the consequences could be disastrous. The Ghost Army’s accomplishments remained secret for nearly fifty years. Many veterans, bound by a gag order, never spoke about their experiences even to close family. It was only in recent years that the full extent of their contributions was revealed, and in March 2024, three of the unit’s surviving members were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. This long-overdue recognition marked an important acknowledgment of their bravery and ingenuity, highlighting their contributions to the Allied victory in a way traditional combat could not. Beyer’s work on The Ghost Army brings this fascinating and largely unknown story to a wider audience, capturing the power of creativity and deception in warfare. The documentary, available on streaming platforms like Apple TV and Amazon, offers a vivid portrayal of the Ghost Army’s unconventional role in World War II. Through a blend of his

In a world before GPS and predecessor technology, how in the world did fleets of Allied bombers make their way across vast distances, hit their targets, and return home? Tonight, we talk about how navigation worked in World War II from experts who’ve studied it and one who lived it. John “Lucky” Luckadoo of 100th BG fame will share what he learned in navigation training, and host Glenn Flickinger will walk through WWII 100th BG navigator Harry Crosby’s book on the subject, A Wing and a Prayer, with Mike Faley, 100th BG Historian and Rebecca Hutchinson, Harry’s daughter. Our own Bob Von Bargen, a retired Air Force navigator, will also guide us through the discussion. During World War II, with no digital technology to assist them, USAAF navigators relied on complex skills, advanced training, and specialized equipment to complete their missions accurately and under high pressure. Their methods included a mix of dead reckoning, celestial navigation, and radio navigation—each with its own strengths and limitations. Given the severe consequences of navigation errors in combat, navigators trained rigorously to master these techniques, learning to adapt on the fly to conditions that constantly shifted with the demands of war. Dead reckoning was the most basic and fundamental method navigators used. It involved estimating the plane’s position by calculating the time spent flying at a particular speed and direction. Armed with a stopwatch and a map, navigators would start with a known location and calculate the aircraft’s position based on its heading and airspeed. Crosswinds could throw the aircraft off course so navigators would check their position against landmarks or other data whenever possible. Often, vast stretches of ocean made this cross checking impossible. In such cases, navigators turned to celestial navigation. This complex process involved using a sextant to measure the angle between a celestial body—such as a star, the sun, or the moon—and the horizon. By comparing these measurements with special navigation tables, navigators could establish the plane’s position on the Earth. This technique required both clear skies and precise trigonometric calculations, making it challenging under combat conditions where visibility was often poor. Still, celestial navigation was one of the most accurate methods available at the time, and mastering it was essential for any navigator. Radio navigation provided another layer of support. Using ground-based radio stations, navigators would tune into specific frequencies and use the Radio Direction Finder (RDF) to home in on the radio signals. By comparing the signals from multiple stations, they could triangulate their position relative to these points. Although valuable, radio navigation came with its own set of issues, including limited range and the risk of interference from enemy jamming. Training to become a navigator was intensive and required a wide array of skills. Navigators learned the fundamentals of math, geography, meteorology, and mechanics. Celestial navigation, in particular, demanded precise handling of a sextant and fast calculations, as split-second decisions were often needed under pressure. Training missions would frequently simulate the intense conditions of combat, including flights at night or in adverse weather, to prepare navigators for what they would experience in the field. Familiarity with the aircraft itself was also important, as navigators occasionally needed to take over basic flight controls in an emergency. The navigators relied on a variety of specialized equipment to perform their duties. A standard kit included the sextant for celestial navigation, a drift meter to measure crosswind angles, and a Radio Direction Finder for picking up radio beacons. Maps, rulers, compasses, and protractors also occupied the navigator’s station. Only after World War II did Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), and, later, the Global Positioning System (GPS) come

Renowned historian Sir Richard Evans talks about his new book, Hitler’s People: The Faces of the Third Reich, which delves into the complex factors that led to the widespread support for Hitler’s regime in Germany. Evans argues that a combination of political opportunism, ideological manipulation, and a deep-seated sense of national humiliation and inferiority paved the way for the rise of Nazism. Evans meticulously examines the roles of Hitler’s inner circle, including Göring, Goebbels, and Himmler, as well as lesser-known figures who played significant roles in enabling the Nazi ideology. Evans also analyzes the motivations of ordinary Germans who became complicit in the Nazi regime. He argues that many were conservative nationalists who felt betrayed by the defeat of 1918 and the disintegration of the Kaiser’s Germany. Hitler’s promises of national renewal and a sense of superiority appealed to their shattered sense of stability. Hitler was a singular figure, an opportunist and ideologue who benefited from the suffering caused by World War I and the Treaty of Versailles. However, Evans emphasizes that Hitler was not a political or military genius, but rather a demagogue who arrived at the right place and time to seize power. Sir Richard J. Evans is a famous scholar of German history, who has authored a comprehensive three-volume history of the Third Reich, spanning the years 2003 to 2008. This monumental work, drawing upon Evans’ extensive research and expertise, has garnered widespread acclaim from fellow historians. The first volume, “The Coming of the Third Reich,” delves into the tumultuous period leading up to the Nazi seizure of power in Germany. It meticulously examines the impact of World War I, the Treaty of Versailles, and the economic turmoil that paved the way for the rise of authoritarianism. The second volume, “The Third Reich in Power,” explores the Nazi regime’s consolidation of power and its efforts to win over the German populace. Evans utilizes personal narratives to illustrate the social, economic, and cultural transformations that occurred during this period. The third and final volume, “The Third Reich at War,” chronicles the major events of World War II from the Nazi perspective. It provides a detailed account of key battles, the Holocaust, and Hitler’s downfall. This volume has been hailed as a masterpiece of historical scholarship, offering a comprehensive synthesis of the extensive research conducted on the subject. Overall, Evans’ Third Reich trilogy stands as a definitive and authoritative account of the rise, reign, and fall of the Nazi regime. Its meticulous research, balanced narrative, and insightful analysis have earned it widespread recognition as a seminal work in the field of German history. #wwiihistory #usmilitary  #veterans  #history #trivia  #ww2  #veteranshistory #usveterans #marines #usairforce #militaryhistory #usnavy   Subscribe to Veterans Breakfast Club on YouTube:    / @veteransbreakfastclub  Donate to support the Veterans Breakfast Club: https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/donate We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

Greatest Generation Live and Glenn Flickinger mark the anniversary of  The Battle Off (or of) Samar in World War II with Admiral Sam Cox, Curator for the Navy, Director Naval History and Heritage Command. Also joining us is Scott Reneau, the grandson of of Admiral Clifton “Ziggy” Sprague who commanded the Task Unit that fought the battle. The Battle of Samar, fought on October 25, 1944, was a critical engagement during World War II, forming part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf. This battle is often remembered as one of the most dramatic naval actions in history, where a small and lightly armed American task force faced overwhelming odds against a powerful Japanese fleet. The battle is noted for the courage and determination of the American sailors who, despite their inferior firepower, managed to inflict significant damage on the Japanese forces and prevent a potential disaster.The Battle of Samar occurred during the broader campaign to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation. The American invasion of Leyte Island was supported by several naval task forces, including Task Unit 77.4.3, known as “Taffy 3.” This group, commanded by Rear Admiral Clifton “Ziggy” Sprague, consisted of six escort carriers, three destroyers, and four destroyer escorts. These ships were designed for anti-submarine warfare and air support, not for engaging battleships and cruisers. Unbeknownst to the Americans, the Japanese had devised a complex plan to counter the Leyte invasion, involving several naval forces converging on the area. The most formidable of these was the Center Force under Vice Admiral Takeo Kurita, which included four battleships, six heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, and eleven destroyers. After surviving attacks from American submarines and aircraft, Kurita’s force managed to approach Samar largely unopposed, aiming to destroy the American invasion fleet off Leyte. On the morning of October 25, 1944, Taffy 3 was conducting routine operations when it unexpectedly encountered Kurita’s powerful fleet. The Americans were caught off guard, as they had believed that Kurita’s force had been neutralized by previous air strikes. Rear Admiral Sprague immediately ordered his carriers to launch all available aircraft and turn to the east to escape while laying down a smoke screen. The battle that ensued was one of the most unequal in naval history. The escort carriers of Taffy 3 were slow and lightly armed, designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, and equipped with small aircraft like Wildcats and Avengers. In contrast, the Japanese force included some of the most powerful ships of the Imperial Navy, such as the battleship Yamato, the largest battleship ever built, armed with 18-inch guns. Despite the overwhelming odds, Sprague’s forces fought back with everything they had. The destroyers and destroyer escorts charged at the Japanese fleet, launching torpedoes and firing their 5-inch guns in a desperate attempt to protect the carriers. The American airmen, flying from the carriers, attacked with whatever weapons were available, including bombs, torpedoes, and even strafing runs after their munitions were exhausted. Sprague’s leadership during this crisis was crucial. He managed to keep his ships coordinated under intense pressure, directing evasive maneuvers and organizing the defense. His decision to charge the enemy with his destroyers and destroyer escorts, despite the overwhelming odds, played a key role in disrupting the Japanese attack. The Japanese fleet, surprised by the ferocity and audacity of the American defense, became disorganized. Kurita, fearing an imminent air strike from more powerful American carriers, eventually ordered a retreat, believing he was facing a much larger force. This decision spared Taffy 3 from complete destruction and saved the invasion force at Leyte from potential disaster. The Battle of Samar was a strategic victory for the United States, despite the loss of several ships, in

Greatest Generation Live and Glenn Flickinger mark the anniversary of “Black Week” in World War II with a panel of Eighth Air Force and 100th Bomb Group experts, Nancy Putnam, Rebecca Hutchinson, Mike Faley, and Jim Blakely. “Black Week” refers to a devastating series of missions flown by the 100th Bomb Group of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II in October 1943. The 100th Bomb Group, part of the 8th Air Force, was based at Thorpe Abbotts, England, and was known for its heavy losses and high casualty rates, particularly during this fateful week. The 100th Bomb Group, known as the “Bloody Hundredth” due to its high losses, was involved in strategic bombing campaigns aimed at crippling Nazi Germany’s industrial and military capabilities. By October 1943, the group had already endured significant losses, but the intensity of the air war was increasing as the Allies pushed deeper into enemy territory. Black Week spanned from October 8 to October 14, 1943, during which the 100th Bomb Group flew several critical missions over Germany. The targets included heavily defended industrial cities and aircraft production facilities, such as Bremen, Munster, and Schweinfurt, which were essential to the German war effort. October 8, 1943 (Bremen): The week began with a mission to Bremen, a major port and industrial center. The 100th Bomb Group faced intense flak and fighter opposition. Out of 21 B-17 Flying Fortresses dispatched, 7 were lost. The mission highlighted the vulnerability of bombers flying deep into Germany without sufficient fighter escort. October 10, 1943 (Munster): The mission to Munster was particularly costly. The 100th Bomb Group lost 12 out of 13 bombers, an unprecedented loss rate of over 90%. This mission became one of the most tragic days in the group’s history, with many crews killed, wounded, or taken prisoner. October 14, 1943 (Schweinfurt): The final mission of Black Week was the infamous second raid on Schweinfurt, known as “Black Thursday.” Schweinfurt was a key target due to its ball bearing factories, which were vital to the German war machine. The 100th Bomb Group lost another 5 bombers, and the overall losses for the 8th Air Force that day were staggering, with 60 bombers lost out of 291. The raid demonstrated the high cost of daylight bombing without adequate fighter support. By the end of Black Week, the 100th Bomb Group had suffered catastrophic losses, losing 26 bombers and hundreds of airmen killed, wounded, or captured. The severe losses during these missions led to a temporary halt in deep penetration raids over Germany until the Allies could improve their tactics and fighter escort capabilities. The week underscored the need for long-range fighter escorts, which were eventually provided by the P-51 Mustang, significantly reducing bomber losses in subsequent missions. Rebecca Hutchinson’s father, Harry Crosby, was a lead navigator in the 100th Bomb Group and played a crucial role in many of the group’s missions, including those during Black Week. After the war, Crosby authored the memoir A Wing and a Prayer: The “Bloody 100th” Bomb Group of the U.S. Eighth Air Force in Action over Europe in World War II, a detailed and personal account of his experiences during the war. In A Wing and a Prayer, Crosby vividly describes the intense pressure and fear experienced by the bomber crews, the camaraderie among the men, and the heavy toll that the war took on those who served. He also reflects on the psychological impact of the missions, including the constant threat of death and the loss of close friends and comrades. A Wing and a Prayer provides a window into the experiences of the airmen who endured some of the most dangerous missions of the war, offering readers a personal and unvarnished view of the air war over Europe. #wwiihistory  #airwarfare  #veterans   Subscribe to Veterans Breakfast Club on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VeteransBreakfastClub?sub_confirmation=1Donate

US Army Colonel Arthur Lee Shreve survived the Bataan Death March and years as a POW of the Japanese at Cabanatuan prison camp in the Philippines, aboard a Japanese “Hell Ship” and hard labor at Camp Fukuoka, Japan. Arthur’s granddaughter, Heather Shreve, shares his story and book, The Colonel’s Way: The Secret Diaries of a P.O.W., Philippines 1941-1945. After his father’s untimely demise in 1913, Arthur Shreve assumed the responsibility of supporting his family. He dropped out of high school just weeks before graduation and enlisted in the Maryland National Guard in 1917. Driven by a desire to fly, he transferred to the Signal Corps and Aviation Section, eventually graduating from flight school in 1918. Shreve’s first assignment was with the Second Aero Squadron in France, where he flew combat missions during World War I. Despite the perilous nature of aerial warfare, he survived and returned to Baltimore in 1919. In 1920, Shreve rejoined the US Army as a second lieutenant. His first assignment was in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he met his future wife. He also gained valuable knowledge about Japanese war tactics and culture, which would prove invaluable in the years to come. Over the next two decades, Shreve served in various capacities, including as a member of the US-German Army Jumping and Polo Team, an instructor at the University of Oklahoma, and a graduate of the Command and General Staff School. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1940 but was recalled to service in 1941. Assigned to the South Luzon Force in the Philippines, Shreve arrived in November 1941. He recognized the vulnerability of the island to Japanese attack and advocated for strengthening its defenses. However, his warnings were not heeded. On December 24, 1941, Shreve witnessed the arrival of Japanese forces at Antipolo, confirming his fears. He played a crucial role in the defense of the Philippines, but was eventually captured and forced to endure the infamous Bataan Death March. Upon arriving at Cabanatuan prison camp in June 1942, Shreve continued his humanitarian efforts. He meticulously documented the camp’s conditions, including the alarming death rate, and established an underground network to smuggle in food and supplies. Shreve’s ingenuity extended to creating a crystal radio receiver from an Army canteen, allowing him to eavesdrop on Japanese communications. This intelligence was relayed to Filipino operatives in Manila, providing valuable information to the Allied forces. In 1944, he was among the 12,000 POWs transported on the Japanese ship Arai Maru. Overcrowding and inhumane conditions led to the deaths of 100 men from suffocation. During a bombing attack, Shreve was shot in the back but survived. He witnessed the Japanese pushing POWs overboard and abandoning ship. Shreve jumped into the water and swam to shore, then returned to rescue four others. Shreve and his fellow POWs were held in a tennis court for five days with minimal food and water. They were then transported to Manila and forced onto train cars with 190 men per car. The only ventilation came from bullet holes in the roof. On the Anora Maru, another Japanese transport ship, Shreve witnessed the deaths of two fellow officers when a torpedo hit the vessel. He helped Colonel North to safety but was unable to save Babcock, who had a severe chest wound. On the Brazil Maru, Shreve and his companions faced freezing temperatures and illness. Shreve was eventually imprisoned in Camp Fukuoka, Japan, where he performed hard labor. He collected the belongings of his deceased comrades in a Red Cross box. In September 1945, Shreve was rescued and evacuated to Korea. Of the original 12,000 POWs, only 270 survived the ordeal. #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #h

This World War II Open Conversation led by historians Todd DePastino and Glenn Flickinger starts with a discussion of the connections between World War I and World War II. Should they be considered one continuous conflict, a "Thirty Years' War"?  Both wars are deeply interconnected in their causes and consequences and viewing them as a single, prolonged conflict highlights the deep-rooted tensions and unresolved issues that persisted between 1914 and 1945. World War I, which began in 1914, was triggered by a complex web of alliances, militarism, nationalism, and imperial competition. The war ended in 1918 with the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh penalties on Germany and redrew the map of Europe. However, the treaty failed to address the underlying issues that had led to the war. Instead, it sowed the seeds for future conflict. Germany was left humiliated and economically devastated, creating a fertile ground for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. The Treaty of Versailles, rather than ensuring peace, contributed to the instability and resentment that would lead to World War II. World War II, which erupted in 1939, can be seen as a direct consequence of the unresolved tensions from World War I. The aggressive expansionism of Nazi Germany, driven by the desire to overturn the post-World War I order and reclaim lost territory, was a primary cause of the conflict. The failure of the League of Nations and the policy of appeasement further enabled Hitler's ambitions. The alliances, rivalries, and grievances that had existed during World War I were revived and intensified, leading to another catastrophic global conflict. The period between the two wars, often referred to as the "interwar period," was marked by economic turmoil, political instability, and the rise of totalitarian regimes. The Great Depression of the 1930s exacerbated these issues, contributing to the collapse of democratic governments and the rise of fascism in Europe. This period was not a time of genuine peace but rather a prolonged ceasefire, where the underlying causes of World War I remained unresolved. The eventual outbreak of World War II can thus be seen as the resumption of a conflict that had never truly ended. However, as expert Greg Yoest reminds us, it's important to recognize the differences between the two conflicts. World War I was largely a war of attrition fought between empires, while World War II was characterized by ideological battles between fascism, communism, and democracy, as well as widespread atrocities, including the Holocaust. The global scale and impact of World War II also far surpassed that of World War I. We also discuss the 79th anniversary of the V-J Day, the Japanese surrender in 1945, especially what factors contributed to Emperor Hirohito's extraordinary--and unprecedented--decision to make a major policy decision regarding the war. We'll talk about the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Soviet declaration of war on Japan on August 8, 1945, and also about other events going on in the war and the world at the time. #wwiihistory #japanesesurrender #worldwarii #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2  #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast  #happyhour #thirtyyearswar  We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

Glenn Flickinger leads a conversation with military historians and Pacific War experts Jeff Ballard and Dave Holland on the US Army’s role in the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. Dave, a seasoned veteran with a 28-year career in the US Marine Corps, is host of the popular Guadalcanal – Walking a Battlefield YouTube channel. He shares with us his extensive knowledge and passion for the Battle of Guadalcanal. He’s dedicated especially to assisting veterans and their families seeking information about the Guadalcanal campaign. Through his extensive personal knowledge, research, and field experience, he has become a valuable resource for those interested in the Guadalcanal campaign. Military Historian Jeff Ballard is the expert on the Navy side of the Battle of Guadalcanal, but he shares his extensive knowledge of the Army experience with us. The battle is often highlighted as a pivotal Marine Corps operation, but it was a joint Army-Marine-Navy effort was essential in securing an Allied victory and marked a turning point in the Pacific War. The initial stages of the battle saw the 1st Marine Division, under Major General Alexander Vandegrift, landing on Guadalcanal on August 7, 1942. They quickly captured the airfield, later named Henderson Field, and established a defensive perimeter. However, the need for reinforcements became evident as Japanese forces mounted counterattacks. The first U.S. Army units arrived on October 13, 1942, with the 164th Infantry Regiment of the Americal Division (officially the 23rd Infantry Division) reinforcing the Marines. This regiment played a crucial role in strengthening the defensive positions around Henderson Field and repelling Japanese assaults, particularly during the intense Battle for Henderson Field in late October 1942. Their presence was instrumental in blunting the major Japanese offensive and maintaining control of the airfield. Further Army reinforcements arrived in the following months. The rest of the Americal Division, including the 182nd and 132nd Infantry Regiments, landed in November 1942, followed by the 25th Infantry Division, comprising the 35th, 27th, and 161st Infantry Regiments, in December 1942 and January 1943. These additional troops significantly bolstered the Allied forces on the island. Army units participated in several key operations to clear Japanese forces from Guadalcanal. They were involved in offensives in the Matanikau River area and the Battle of Mount Austen, the Galloping Horse, and the Sea Horse in January 1943. These operations, conducted in challenging terrain against tenacious Japanese resistance, were crucial in securing strategic locations on the island. The U.S. Army’s role in these battles was vital for the overall success of the campaign. The coordination between Army and Marine Corps units was a critical factor in the success of the Guadalcanal campaign. Both branches worked closely, coordinating attacks, sharing resources, and supporting each other in defensive operations. This integration helped to overwhelm Japanese forces and maintain control of critical areas, such as Henderson Field. The combined efforts of Army and Marine Corps units ensured that the Allies could sustain their offensive and defensive operations effectively. By February 1943, Japanese forces were evacuated from Guadalcanal, marking the successful conclusion of the campaign. The U.S. Army’s involvement was essential in maintaining the momentum and ensuring the eventual Allied victory on the island. While the Marine Corps led the initial stages, the contributions of the U.S. Army were vital in reinforcing and sustaining the effort, ultimately securing a decisive victory for the Allies. In summary, the Battle of Guadalcanal was a joint effort where the U.S. Army’s significant contributions complemented the Marine Corps’ operations. The Army’s participation in critical battles, reinforcements, and coordination with the Marine Corps were key factors in the ev

In preparation for our September VBC trip to England for a tour of English air fields and WWII sites, Glenn Flickinger gives us a presentation on the Air War Over Europe, and how the Allies almost lost it.World War II in Europe saw the pinnacle of air warfare, characterized by immense strategic impact and a vast scale of operations. Tens of thousands of aircraft, primarily from the United States, participated daily in the fight to liberate Europe from Nazi control. This unprecedented mobilization transformed the European Theatre into a massive air war, necessitating swift and extensive logistical efforts involving manufacturing, transportation, and maintenance of aircraft, as well as the recruitment and training of millions of personnel.In 1939, the US Army Air Corps was a modest force with 26,000 personnel and 1,200 outdated aircraft. By 1944, it had expanded a hundredfold, becoming the world’s most formidable air force. This transformation was largely inspired by Brigadier General Billy Mitchell’s vision of strategic bombing. Mitchell argued that long-range bombers could cripple an enemy’s industrial base and demoralize its population, thus ending wars swiftly. His concepts were embraced by key figures like Major General Haywood Hansell, Henry “Hap” Arnold, and Carl Spaatz, who pushed for the mass production of heavy bombers like the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. The B-17, equipped with the advanced Norden Bombsight for precision bombing, became central to the Bomber Mafia’s doctrine of Daylight Precision Bombing. However, initial raids revealed the doctrine’s flaws. German fighter aircraft, such as the Focke-Wulf FW-190 and Messerschmitt ME-109, along with effective anti-aircraft defenses, inflicted severe losses on American bombers. Notable failures included the Schweinfurt-Regensburg raids in 1943, where substantial losses forced a reevaluation of tactics. The turning point came with the introduction of the P-51 Mustang, a long-range fighter capable of escorting bombers deep into enemy territory. The P-51’s superior performance enabled it to protect bombers effectively, leading to a dramatic shift in air superiority. This change was crucial for the success of operations leading up to D-Day. Operation Argument, also known as “Big Week” in February 1944, marked a significant resurgence of the Allied bombing campaign. Over 1,000 bombers and 600 fighters launched daily attacks on German industrial targets, dealing a crippling blow to the Luftwaffe. This operation demonstrated the strategic importance of air power and set the stage for the successful D-Day invasion in June 1944. The Allied air war’s success was supported by immense production capabilities and the relentless efforts of those on the home front. The United States produced over 30,000 heavy bombers, while Britain manufactured over 7,000 Avro Lancasters despite constant enemy bombings. However, the human cost was staggering. The Royal Air Force’s Bomber Command lost 57,000 men, nearly half its force, and the Eighth Air Force saw 26,000 killed. The physical and psychological toll on airmen was profound. Many suffered from Traumatic Stress Reaction, and the brutal conditions at high altitudes caused severe frostbite. Despite these hardships, the courage and sacrifice of these airmen were instrumental in achieving air superiority and, ultimately, victory in Europe. The air war over Europe in WWII was a unique and significant chapter in military history. It highlighted the transformative power of air warfare and the incredible resilience and bravery of those who fought in the skies. Their contributions were vital to the Allied victory and remain a testament to the strategic importance of air power in modern warfare. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event! #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #arm

In preparation for our September VBC trip to England for a tour of English air fields and WWII sites, Glenn Flickinger gives us a presentation on the Battle of Britain, a clash of air power to control the skies over Britain and the English Channel. We will experience a re-enactment of the battle at the Duxford Air Show September 13-15. The Battle of Britain, fought from July to October 1940, marked the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces and was crucial in preventing Nazi Germany from achieving air superiority, which was necessary for launching an invasion of Britain. The battle began after Germany had rapidly conquered much of Europe, leaving Britain isolated. Adolf Hitler aimed to force Britain to negotiate peace by crippling its air defenses and infrastructure through sustained aerial bombardment. The Luftwaffe, Germany’s air force, was tasked with this mission under Operation Sea Lion. The initial phase of the battle, from July to early August, focused on targeting British shipping and ports. This strategy aimed to disrupt supplies and weaken British defenses. However, the Royal Air Force (RAF) managed to respond effectively, inflicting significant losses on the Luftwaffe. In mid-August, the Luftwaffe shifted its focus to RAF airfields and radar stations. This was the most dangerous phase for Britain, as the destruction of these targets could cripple the RAF’s ability to defend the skies. The Germans launched large-scale attacks, leading to intense dogfights between German fighters and British Spitfires and Hurricanes. Despite suffering heavy losses, the RAF’s effective use of radar and efficient communication allowed them to remain resilient. A turning point came in late August and early September when the Luftwaffe began bombing London and other major cities in what became known as the Blitz. This shift in strategy was partly a response to a British raid on Berlin, which angered Hitler. While the bombings caused significant civilian casualties and damage, they inadvertently relieved pressure on the RAF airfields, allowing the British fighters to regroup and recover. The climax of the battle occurred on September 15, 1940, now known as Battle of Britain Day. The Luftwaffe launched a massive assault on London, expecting to draw out and destroy the RAF fighters. However, the British defenders were well-prepared, and the Luftwaffe suffered heavy losses. This failure convinced the German High Command that air superiority could not be achieved. By the end of October, Hitler postponed Operation Sea Lion indefinitely. The Luftwaffe’s inability to dominate the skies over Britain marked the first significant defeat for Nazi Germany in World War II. The RAF had successfully defended Britain, preserving it as a base for future Allied operations, including the eventual liberation of Western Europe. The Battle of Britain was not just a military confrontation but also a test of national endurance and morale. The bravery of the RAF pilots, often referred to as “The Few” based on Winston Churchill’s famous tribute, played a crucial role in securing the victory. Their efforts ensured that Britain remained a beacon of resistance against Nazi tyranny. In summary, the Battle of Britain was a crucial air campaign in World War II that thwarted Hitler’s plans for invading Britain. The RAF’s strategic use of radar, resilient defense of key airfields, and the shift in German tactics to bombing cities all contributed to the British victory. This battle not only prevented a German invasion but also set the stage for future Allied successes in the war. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event! #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #military

Astronaut Jan Davis talks about her life in aviation and the legacy of service in her family. Her memoir Air Born, tells the story of her and her father. Her father was Ben Smotherman, a B-17 pilot in World War II, vwho aliantly fought in the European Theater of Operations before being shot down over Holland in July 1943. After enduring twenty-one months as a prisoner of war, he was finally reunited with his loved ones and was able to start a family. Years later, after perusing his Wartime Log, his daughter Jan made discoveries about her father’s experiences that shed light on her own life path. As a Space Shuttle astronaut, Jan Davis went through intensive training, flew NASA jets, and completed three spaceflights, spending over 673 hours on orbit. Her experiences and emotions during her launches and space travel echoed those of her father during his combat missions, highlighting the unshakable bond between father and daughter. With Air Born, you can join in on a flight through history as Jan Davis relates her father’s heroic service and draws connections between his combat missions and her own spaceflights. Discover the ins and outs of pilot training in the 1940s alongside Ben Smotherman and bear witness to his harrowing capture, interrogation, and imprisonment at Stalag Luft III. Rejoice with the POWs as World War II finally ends and the prisoners are returned home to continue pursuing their life’s goals. Shadow Jan Davis as she expertly navigates a career characterized by space exploration, scientific experimentation, and phenomenal feats of engineering. And draw inspiration from the intersection of two completely different yet uniquely connected worlds brought together by a common link of family and flying. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event! #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2 #worldwarii #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast #generation911 #happyhour

During World War II, 168 American airmen found themselves in one of the most notorious concentration camps of the Holocaust: Buchenwald. This unexpected and harrowing chapter of their captivity began in 1944 and stands as a grim reminder of the broader atrocities of the war. Author Ric Martini joins us to discuss his research into this disturbing subject, which he compiled in his book Betrayed: Secrecy, Lies, and Consequences. Ric’s father, Frederic C. Martini, was one of those imprisoned at Buchenwald. These airmen were primarily bomber crew members shot down over German-occupied Europe. Typically, Allied airmen captured by German forces were considered prisoners of war (POWs) and were sent to military-run POW camps, as stipulated by the Geneva Convention. However, this group of airmen faced a different fate due to a series of tragic misunderstandings and bureaucratic failings. After being shot down, the airmen initially evaded capture with the help of local resistance networks. Unfortunately, these efforts often ended in their eventual capture by German forces. Labeled as “terrorflieger” or “terror fliers” by the Nazi regime—propaganda that painted them as criminals rather than soldiers—their fate was dire. The Gestapo, rather than the military, took custody of these men. The Gestapo bypassed the established protocol for treating captured Allied airmen and instead classified them as spies or saboteurs, stripping them of the protections normally afforded to POWs. In August 1944, these captured airmen were transported to Buchenwald, a concentration camp primarily used for political prisoners and other targets of the Nazi regime. Their arrival at Buchenwald was marked by shock and confusion; they were housed alongside political prisoners, resistance fighters, and other groups persecuted by the Nazis. Conditions at Buchenwald were horrific. The airmen were subjected to the same brutal treatment as other inmates: overcrowding, inadequate food, harsh labor, and rampant disease. The camp’s SS guards showed no regard for their status as military personnel. Instead, the airmen faced beatings, deprivation, and the constant threat of execution. The turning point for these airmen came through the persistence and bravery of a few individuals. Among the prisoners were individuals who, through covert communication and sheer determination, managed to get word to the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) officers about the presence of Allied airmen in the camp. The Luftwaffe, still adhering to some remnants of the military code of honor, was outraged to learn that legitimate POWs were being held in a concentration camp. Under pressure from the Luftwaffe, and fearing repercussions from the advancing Allied forces, the SS transferred the airmen to Stalag Luft III, a more conventional POW camp. This transfer occurred in October 1944, nearly two months after their initial arrival at Buchenwald. Despite their rescue from the concentration camp, the physical and psychological scars of their experience at Buchenwald remained with them. The story of the 168 American airmen held at Buchenwald highlights the complex interplay of military protocols, Nazi ideology, and the chaotic nature of wartime Europe. It underscores the brutality of the Nazi regime and the resilience of those who endured its horrors. These airmen’s survival, against such grim odds, stands as a testament to their courage and the enduring human spirit amidst one of history’s darkest periods. But another disturbing element of this tragedy is that the 81 American veterans who returned home endured the indignity of the US government denying that they’d ever been there. The denial, based on “alternative facts,” had a profound effect on the lives of men who had first been betrayed to the Germans and then betrayed by the government they had suffered to defend.  Ric’s father, like many other Buchenwald airmen, came home with serious medical problems and acute PTSD. These men were told by

We welcome writer and Executive Producer of Inside Edition Charles Lachman to talk about his new book, Codename Nemo: The Hunt for a Nazi U-Boat and The Elusive Enigma Machine. The book is a white-knuckled saga of a maverick captain, nine courageous sailors, and a US Navy task force who achieved the impossible on June 4, 1944–capturing Nazi submarine U-505, its crew, technology, encryption codes, and an Enigma cipher machine.  Two days before D-Day–the course of World War II was forever changed. The hunters of the Atlantic Ocean had become the hunted, and US antisubmarine Task Group 22.3 seized a Nazi U-boat, its crew, and all its secrets. Led by a nine-man boarding party and Captain Daniel Gallery, “Operation Nemo” was the first seizure of an enemy warship in battle since the War of 1812, a victory that shortened the duration of the war. But at any moment, the mission could have ended in disaster. Charles Lachman tells this thrilling cat-and-mouse game through the eyes of the men on both sides of Operation Nemo–German U-boaters and American heroes like Lieutenant Albert David (“Mustang”), who led the boarding party that took control of U-505 and became the only sailor to be awarded the Medal of Honor in the Battle of the Atlantic. Three thousand American sailors participated in this extraordinary adventure; nine ordinary American men channeling extraordinary skill and bravery finished the job; and then–like everyone involved–breathed not a word of it until the war was over. In Berlin, the German Kriegsmarine assumed that U-505 had been blown to bits by depth charges, with all hands lost at sea. They were unaware that the U-boat, its Enigma machine, and its Nazi coded messages were now in American hands. They were also unaware that the 59 German sailors captured on the high seas were imprisoned in a POW camp in Ruston, Louisiana, until their release in 1946. A deeply researched, fast-paced World War II narrative for the ages, Charles Lachman’s Codename Nemo traces every step of this historic pursuit on the deadly seas. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

For the 80th anniversary we talk about D-Day veteran Yogi Berra and the 38 other Major League Baseball Hall of Famers who served in World War II. That’s right: 39 members of the Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown served in the military during World War II. It’s a sign of how the war effort took precedence over everything in American life between 1941-1945, including the national pastime. , One of the most notable players who joined the military was Ted Williams, a star outfielder for the Boston Red Sox. Williams enlisted in the Navy and became a fighter pilot. His absence from baseball lasted nearly three years, from 1943 to 1945. He served with distinction, earning several commendations. Joe DiMaggio, the celebrated center fielder for the New York Yankees, also left MLB to serve in the Army Air Forces. DiMaggio’s enlistment came in 1943, and he spent three years in the military, where he primarily took on a role in physical education and morale-boosting duties, playing on military baseball teams. Hank Greenberg, a powerful hitter for the Detroit Tigers, was another significant player who served during the war. Greenberg was among the first major leaguers to enlist, joining the Army Air Forces in 1941, just after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was discharged in 1944 but was called back to service, ultimately spending nearly four years in the military. Stan Musial, an outfielder and first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, enlisted in the Navy in early 1945. Although he joined later in the war, Musial still missed the entire season. The departure of these stars, along with many others, led to a noticeable decline in the overall quality of play in MLB. Teams had to fill their rosters with older players, young prospects, and those classified as 4-F, meaning they were deemed unfit for military service due to physical, mental, or moral reasons. Despite these challenges, baseball continued throughout the war, providing a source of entertainment and morale for both the public and the troops. The league also made adjustments to accommodate the war effort, such as implementing “victory games” to raise money for the military and other war-related causes. The war’s end in 1945 saw the gradual return of players from military service, rejuvenating the league. Their service and sacrifice added a layer of respect and admiration from fans, highlighting the deep connection between baseball and American society during this tumultuous period. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event! #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2 #worldwarii #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast #generation911 #happyhour

Playtone’s Kirk Saduski talks about creating “Masters of the Air,” as well as working on Band of Brothers, The Pacific, and many other historical features, series, and documentaries. Kirk Saduski has a B.A. in history from UCLA and an M.A. in history from S.F. State. He has been a producer and executive at Playtone since 1998. He was Executive-in-charge of the HBOmini-series Band of Brothers as well as a Co-Producer of the HBO mini-series John Adams and The Pacific and the HBO movie Game Change. Mr. Saduski was Co-Producer of the HBO documentary David McCullough: Painting with Words and Producer of the HBO documentary He Has Seen War. He is a Co-Executive Producer of the CNN documentary series The Sixties, The Seventies, The Eighties, The Nineties, 1968, and The 2000s. He is currently in production on American Movies Through the Decades for CNN. A member of the Presidential Council at the National World War Two Museum and a Narrative Advisor to the National World War Two Museum in Washington D.C., Mr. Saduski has been an instructor at UCLA since 2010. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event! #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2 #worldwarii #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast #generation911 #happyhour

WWII P-51 Pilot and Tuskegee Airman Harry Stewart shares his story with us on Greatest Generation Live. Stewart successfully completed 43 missions during World War II and is one of only four Tuskegee Airmen to have earned three aerial victories in a single day of combat. When the war in Europe ended, Stewart and his comrades expected to go to the Pacific. But after the Japanese surrender in August 1945, Stewart returned to the U.S. In 1949, he served as part of the team from the 332nd Fighter Group that won the first ever “Top Gun” fighter gunnery competition. Also joining is is historian David Snead, author of Flying with the Fifteenth Air Force: A B-24 Pilot’s Missions from Italy during World War II. The subject of the book, Tom Faulkner, was a B-24 pilot flying out of San Giovanni airfield in Italy . Only 19 years old when he completed his 28th and last mission, Tom was one of the youngest bomber pilots to serve in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Harry Stewart, also with the 15th Air Force, grew up near LaGuardia Airport in Queens, which got him curious about airplanes. After Pearl Harbor, he joined the Army Air Corps to qualify as a pilot. He went to Tuskegee, Alabama, where the famous African American pilots called Tuskegee Airmen trained. He received his wings in June 1944. Stewart then commissioned as a second lieutenant and learned to fly P-40 and P-47 fighter aircraft at Walterboro Army Air Field in South Carolina. After combat training, Stewart served with the 301st Fighter Squadron as part of the 332nd Fighter Group, known as “The Red Tails.” He then went to Italy with 15th Air Force. Stewart escorted B-17 and B-24 bombers over Italy, Germany and Austria. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event! #tuskegeeairmen #p51mustang #worldwarii #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2  #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast #generation911 #happyhour

Guest John Homan was a B-24 pilot in World War II. He recently published his memoirs, "Into the Cold Blue: My World War II Journeys with the Mighty Eighth Air Force" with Professor Jared Frederick, who also joins us.  Into the Cold Blue is a riveting account of the air war over Europe, when hell was four miles above the earth. A born daredevil, John Homan joined the Army Air Forces after the attack on Pearl Harbor. By 1944, he was co-piloting a B-24 Liberator over Nazi Germany, raining death and destruction on the enemy. This first-person account of his harrowing missions chronicles deadly flights through skies of red-hot flak bursts and airmen bailing out with parachutes aflame. The tale will leave readers staggered by the determination and grit of World War II aviators. Fighting a fierce enemy in the air seemed the perfect way for Homan to demonstrate his boldness, but he never could have imagined the horrors that awaited him. During a vast operation over Nazi-occupied Holland in September 1944, his plane was punched full of holes, its left tail shot away, and a tire blown to bits. Homan wondered how he could possibly survive. The young lieutenant and his exhausted crewmates braced for a nearly hopeless emergency landing. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, waited the sweetheart he thought he’d never see again. With wit, warmth, and astonishing clarity, John Homan conveys the skill and heroism of the “Mighty Eighth” Air Force in the most perilous theater of history’s greatest air war. We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event! #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2 #worldwarii #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast #generation911 #happyhour

Glenn Flickinger leads another conversation about Masters of the Air, this time with children and grandchildren of the Apple TV+ series’ main characters. Each is an expert on the 100th Bomb Group, and each will share their family members’ stories and their thoughts on the series. Rebecca Crosby Hutchinson, daughter of Navigator Harry Crosby, Sam Rosenthal, grandson of Pilot Rosie Rosenthal, and Nancy Putnam, daughter of Pilot and POW Gerald Putnam give an inside look at the making of Masters of the Air from viewpoints of three 100th Bomb Group families.Rebecca was the primary Crosby family source for script writer John Orloff and Executive Producer Kirk Saduski. Along with her siblings, Rebecca visited the set in England, and speaks with knowledge and humor about seeing her father “come to life” years before she was born. The Crosby family coordinated with Apple and hosted the official January 26 premiere of Masters of the Air in Boston at the historic Coolidge Corner Theater, followed by a terrific entertaining discussion with Kirk, John and actor Anthony Boyle.Sam’s experiences are equally compelling, and not just as the grandson of Rosie. Sam is a trained actor and had a small role as an airman in Masters  – this placed him inside the production at a time, during Covid, where it was a restricted access campus. If you’ve listened to any of the actor interviews about their roles in Masters, they speak of the true bond that formed among the acting corps, very much like the bonds of 100th BG airmen. Filming ended 2+years ago, and many remain in close touch. Sam was there on set to watch Nate Mann portray his beloved grandfather.While Nancy’s father is not portrayed in Masters, she was involved behind the scenes from early on. Her father was a 100th BG/349th Sq command pilot and operations officer, shot down leading the 13th CW on March 3, 1944, and a POW at Stalag Luft I. Rosie served in the 100th BG 418th Sq which was the primary squadron focus of Masters. Gerald Putnam was Rosie’s roommate and close friend all through pilot training (Dec ’41 to Sept ’43). While assigned to four months of gunnery training in Sebring FL, they engaged in the aerial dogfights that Rosie credits with saving him on the Munster mission: when not pulling targets, they could sign out planes and fly. And fly they did! Think of young men with fast cars, only in the sky.Compare this to Lucky Luckadoo who went from 2-engine training to B-17 combat with no 4-engine phase training whatsoever.  The skeptics who say a B-17 cannot perform maneuvers that Rosie did escaping the German fighters are wrong. Those aerial combat scenes depicted in Masters are accurate.Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health and UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event! #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2 #worldwarii #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast #generation911 #happyhour

Jim Keeffe and Carol Godwin join Glenn to share the history of Stalag Luft III. On the 8th of March 1944, during a bombing mission to Berlin, 19-year-old B-24 pilot James Keeffe was shot down over Holland, catapulting him into a world squeezed colorless by the ever-tightening fist of Nazi occupation. Moving from safe house to safe house with the help of the Dutch Underground, Lt. Keeffe, in plain view of the enemy, evades for five harrowing months. During an escape attempt through Belgium he is betrayed, captured and transferred under armed guard to the infamous German prisoner-of-war camp Stalag Luft III - site of the Great Escape. Jim will share the story of his fascinating book, "Two Gold Coins and a Prayer: The Epic Journey of a World War II Bomber Pilot, Evader, and POW"(https://www.amazon.com/Two-Gold-Coins...) Carol Goodwin is the niece of Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets who flew the B-29 Enola Gay and dropped the atom bomb on Hiroshima, and is the daughter of Stalag Luft II POW Capt. William Carey, who was a chief operative in Military Intelligence Service-X ( MIS-X), which was highly secret and functioned out of Ft. Hunt in Alexandria, VA.  Bill had been co-piloting an experimental YB40 [reconfigured B-17] on a run to bomb the Hüls synthetic rubber plant Recklinghausen in northern Germany when he was shot down in June 1943. After arriving at Stalag Luft III, he continued the war effort by utilizing his previous training as an OSS [Office of Strategic Services] agent to  become a covert code writer for MIS-X in Ft. Hunt. Carol’s father was head of the intelligence operation communicating with MIS-X from SL3. MIS-X sent and received coded letters with POWs.  He taught other POWs how to code. He also participated in plays in the compound’s camp theatres, keeping him associated with many POWs while conducting intelligence.  Her father thought he was corresponding with a woman in the U.S. He finally met “the woman” when he returned home. British intelligence service MI9 did these same things from London. A German guard in the camp bragged he was going home to Peenemunde where there was a big VII rocket factory, and he said that rocket would win the war for the Germans. The RAF coders immediately reported that news to MI9 in London, and they passed the info on to the RAF who then immediately set up a bombing raid on Peenemunde destroying that facility.  The guard returned to the camp and was dismayed to tell the POWs that the facility had been bombed, and he couldn’t understand how the RAF knew it was there. The United States Department of War operated MIS-X. Secret equipment, such as small compasses, maps, and radios were smuggled into the camp to aid with escapes and intelligence operations. Between MI9 and MIS-X, an abundance of contraband made its way into the camp. Each packer of special illegal parcels had a unique mark that the prisoners at Sagan were alerted to look for.  As the tunnels advanced in the spring and summer of 1943, the steady delivery of illegal parcels flooded the camp, and shipments were quite sizable. Monopoly games with real German money, brushes that came apart to reveal contraband, including inks for forging documents, sports equipment that hid the same, and compasses hidden in uniform buttons were gratefully received.  There were blankets that when washed revealed pattern marks to cut along to turn into civilian jackets. At one point, MI9 delivered a full German uniform. Ten days after the Japanese surrendered, ending the war, MIS-X was shut down.  It was not until 1986 that any information about the covert operation was revealed. Exactly what they communicated and their methods for doing so are still somewhat classified today. Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health and UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event! #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #ma

Glenn welcomes distinguished historian Allen Packwood, director of the Churchill Archives in Cambridge to discuss Winston Churchill’s wartime leadership. Our travel “Masters of the Air” tour to England in September 2024 will include a presentation by Allen Packwood at Churchill College in Cambridge. Packwood’s book, “How Churchill Waged War,” delves into Winston Churchill’s leadership during World War II, challenging simplistic views of his wartime ministry. Packwood explores Churchill’s decision-making process, highlighting his humanity, emotion, and the complexity of his approach. The book focuses on pivotal moments, such as Churchill’s response to the fall of France and the Blitz, shedding light on his strategy and mindset. Churchill’s leadership style was characterized by determination, forcefulness, and a willingness to take the offensive. He strategically positioned himself at the heart of the British war effort as Minister of Defence, closely interacting with senior commanders. Notably, Churchill faced challenges like the sinking of the French fleet, which he responded to decisively, even at the cost of strained relations with former allies. During the Blitz, Churchill remained resolute in public, emphasizing retaliation and portraying bombing as part of Hitler’s invasion plan. Behind the scenes, he prioritized offensive strategies, particularly bombing Germany and bolstering forces in the Mediterranean. Churchill’s focus on offensive action aimed to wear down the enemy and maintain British imperial power. However, Packwood also reveals Churchill’s vulnerabilities and the toll of leadership. Churchill faced opposition, suffered health issues, and grappled with limited resources. Despite his iconic status, he encountered criticism, internal strife, and the weight of wartime decisions. Ultimately, Packwood portrays Churchill as a leader driven by the simple goal of victory at all costs, tackling challenges one at a time and navigating the complexities of war with resolve and determination. Allen Packwood is a distinguished archivist and historian, currently serving as the Director of the Churchill Archives Centre at Churchill College, Cambridge. He has been associated with the Centre since 1995, initially as a qualified archivist, and later taking on roles of increasing responsibility, including Acting Keeper and ultimately Director in 2002. Throughout his career, Packwood has been actively involved in curating exhibitions and organizing events related to Churchill and Cold War history. He is recognized for his expertise on Churchill and has lectured extensively in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Under Packwood’s leadership, the Churchill Archives Centre continues to be a vital repository of historical documents, housing the papers of Sir Winston Churchill, Baroness Thatcher, and many other influential figures from the Churchill era and beyond. Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health and UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event! #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2 #worldwarii #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast #generation911 #happyhour

Everett Ernest Blakely was a highly decorated B-17 pilot with the “Bloody Hundredth” Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force in Europe. In the Apple TV mini-series, “Masters of the Air“, is David Shields plays the role of Blakely. Tonight, we have his two sons, David and Jim, to discuss what they think of the series and to tell us about their father’s service. Blakely’s journey began with his early training in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he learned to fly using the Stearman PT13 biplane at Hancock Field in Santa Maria, California. His determination and skill led him to advanced fighter training, but destiny took a turn when he was assigned to the 3rd Bomber Command at MacDill Field in Tampa, Florida, in May 1942. This marked the beginning of his transformation into a B-17 pilot, setting the stage for his pivotal role in the war. Assigned to various bomber groups during his training, Blakely eventually connected with the 100th Bomb Group on October 28, 1942, officially assigned at Walla Walla Army Air Base in Washington. From there, he rose through the ranks, becoming not only a Command Pilot but also the group commander of the 418th Bombardment Squadron and Station Training Officer stationed at Thorpe Abbots Air Field in England. Blakely’s combat experiences were diverse and intense, participating in numerous missions with the 100th Bomb Group. Notably, on August 17, 1943, during the historic two-pronged attack on Schweinfurt-Regensburg, he led the 100th Bomb Group as they penetrated deep into Germany. Despite facing over 300 Luftwaffe fighters, Blakely’s leadership ensured success in damaging crucial German installations. His heroism reached its peak during the mission to Bremen on October 8, 1943, marking his 18th mission. Blakely’s plane, “Just A Snappin,” faced severe damage, losing two engines and nearly requiring a ditch in the North Sea. Miraculously, the crew, credited with shooting down nine Nazi fighters, crash-landed in England. Blakely’s bravery on this mission earned him the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest medal for gallantry. Post-war, Blakely continued to serve in various capacities within the Air Force, contributing to education, language training, and international collaborations. His illustrious career spanned 27 years, concluding with his retirement and subsequent move to San Luis Obispo, California. Lt. Col. Everett Ernest Blakely passed away on September 21, 2004. Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health and UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event. #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2 #worldwarii #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast #generation911 #happyhour

Writer John Orloff joins Glenn Flickinger to discuss how he brought “Masters of the Air” to television. Production was a meticulous process marked by deep research, careful storytelling, and an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy. John shares his background, influences, and the challenges he faced in crafting the series. Orloff’s fascination with history, particularly World War II, stemmed from his upbringing immersed in the era’s media, from movies to television shows. Despite lacking direct military ties, Orloff’s passion for the subject matter and depth of research laid a solid foundation for his work. The series, a follow-up to the acclaimed “Band of Brothers,” aimes to portray the aerial combat of World War II with unprecedented realism. Orloff had to choose the right story to tell, highlighting the remarkable tale of the hundredth Bomb Group as the basis for the series. This narrative authenticity was crucial, so minimizing fictionalization and drawing from real-life accounts, including after-mission reports, were to to ensure accuracy. Another challenge was the scale of the production, especially capturing the intensity of aerial combat and the logistical complexities involved in creating a historically accurate portrayal. Each episode features hundreds of special effects shots. It took the dedication of the entire production team to honor the sacrifices of those who served. We will ask Orloff about the broader themes explored in the series, including the horrors of war and the industrialization necessary for wartime efforts. We’ll also ask him about the relevance of these themes in today’s world, advocating for vigilance against authoritarianism and fascism. Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health and UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event. #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2 #worldwarii #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast #generation911 #happyhour

World War II POW and Eighth Air Force expert Marilyn Walton leads an expert conversation about the experiences of prisoners in Germany. The experts also discuss fact and fiction in the depiction of POW camps in the Apple TV mini-series “Masters of the Air.” In addition to Marilyn and the VBC’s own Glenn Flickinger, commenters include: Carolyn Clark Miller – Daughter of Lt. Gen. Albert P. Clark, Jr. depicted in MOTA. Carolyn’s father flew with the British in order to get into the war early. He had 3 children at the time. He was already a Lt. Col. West Point graduate, considered an “old man” in the camp. He flew Spitfires with the RAF, but he was not in the Eagle Squadrons with them. He was shot down on his first mission in 1942, and lived with the British in North Compound as one of the “early birds.” He was Senior American Officer before a full colonel eventually came in and outranked him. He later became Superintendent of the Air Force Academy. Lt. Col. Clark worked on Tunnel Harry at Stalag Luft II in security with 600 men under him, including Lt. Sconiers. Clark’s father was a doctor who told him how to tell the Germans at SL3  how to change the latrines outside to make them sanitary. He was one of the last ones to leave Stalag VIIA in Moosburg after liberation as he wanted to make sure all “his boys” were safely gone. He told me once that he remembered seeing the Russians come in and roll up all the barbed wire to take back to Russia. At SL3, Clark made a secret ledger, now called Behind the Wire, that listed the names and information on all the men in South Compound. Injuries mentioned by downed airmen were listed as well. Clark appointed another POW to interview all the men coming into South Compound. Notation of injuries in that ledger was acceptable evidence to receive Purpose Hearts after the war. Alex Jefferson got his Purple Heart this way after 47 years.  Many others did as well. The men told their stories in their own word in short entries.  This document in now in the Library of Congress. Pam Whitlock – niece of Lt. Sconiers, a SL3 POW and was buried in 1944, the only POW never brought home as no one could find him. This is subject of the documentary Finding Sconiers. There are 78,000 American MIAs from WWII in Europe and about 35,000 are still considered to be recoverable. We finally brought Sconiers home to be buried next to his mother in DeFuniak Springs, FL. Germans attended and permitted that burial in 1944. Pam worked a lot with DPAA which still searches for our MIAs. * * * During World War II, United States Army Air Forces personnel faced the harrowing experience of becoming prisoners of war (POWs) after being captured by German forces. These airmen were detained in various camps known as Stalag Lufts, where they endured challenging conditions and organized themselves for survival amidst enemy captivity. The German system segregated officers from enlisted men upon capture and sent them to different camps, each administered by the German Luftwaffe and Abwehr. Once inside the confines of these camps, the captured airmen, affectionately referred to as “Kriegies,” found themselves among their comrades. Leadership roles varied among the camps, with senior American officers or elected representatives assuming authority in different compounds. Life within the POW camps was marked by the segmentation of living quarters into compounds, each containing barracks that housed dozens of men in cramped conditions. As the number of captives increased, overcrowding became a significant issue, forcing many to sleep on floors. The harsh realities of captivity were exacerbated when, in early February 1944, camps faced evacuation due to the advancing Russian forces, leaving tens of thousands of prisoners “On the Road” for extended periods, enduring immense hardships until liberation. One crucial aspect of the POW experience was the interrogation process at facilities like Dulag Luft. Located in Oberursel, this comp

Les Schrenk’s story as a World War II ball turret gunner is one of courage, resilience, and unexpected humanity amidst the chaos of war. He was assigned as a ball turret gunner to the 327th Bombardment Squadron, 92nd Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force, stationed at RAF Podington. As a ball turret gunner, Schrenk inadvertently found himself in his position due to circumstance. His crew, led by 2nd Lt Lavies, formed a tight-knit unit, flying numerous missions together. Loyalty and a sense of duty bound them, despite the inherent dangers they faced. The “BIG WEEK” bombing campaign placed Schrenk and his crew in the thick of combat, facing heavy German fighter opposition. On February 22nd, their tenth and final mission, they targeted the German airfield Aalborg-West in Denmark as a diversion. During the mission, their B-17, “Pot O’ Gold,” was hit, and Schrenk witnessed the loss of fellow aircraft and crew members. Eventually, their plane caught fire, and they were forced to bail out. Schrenk’s exit from the ball turret, normally a daunting task, was complicated by the dire circumstances. His parachute initially failed to deploy properly, but he managed to rectify the issue, landing in enemy territory and being taken prisoner by German troops. Despite the trauma of combat and capture, Schrenk’s resilience and composure stood out. Schrenk’s post-war reconciliation with his past, including a visit to the crash site of “Pot O’ Gold” and the spot where Lavies perished, reflects his enduring respect and remembrance for his fallen comrades. Near war’s end, Lester was forced on a death march west. In 2012, Les finally met the German pilot – Hans-Hermann Muller – who had spared the American bomber knowing that if it went down over water, the entire crew would drown. Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health and UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event! #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2 #worldwarii #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast #generation911 #happyhour

Experts Colin Heaton and Joe McCarthy join Glenn Flickinger to discuss the tactics of aerial combat in World War II, focusing especially on how the Luftwaffe attempted to bring down B-17 formations, and the defenses those formations used to get through to their targets. Glenn will also discuss his thoughts on the finale of the Apple TV mini-series “Masters of the Air” During World War II, the German Luftwaffe executed various strategies to counter the formidable threat posed by B-17 Flying Fortress squadrons, the iconic American heavy bombers. Fast and maneuverable fighter aircraft, such as the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Focke-Wulf Fw 190, surrounded the B-17s on all sides, making it challenging for the American bombers to defend themselves. The German pilots aimed to exploit the vulnerable areas of the B-17, such as the unescorted belly and rear positions, as they were less heavily armed. To counter these attacks, B-17 crews developed defensive formations and tactics. The Flying Fortresses were equipped with multiple .50 caliber machine guns, strategically positioned to provide overlapping fields of fire. The most common defensive formation was the “combat box,” where B-17s flew closely together, forming a defensive wall of firepower. The concentration of defensive armament in these formations made it difficult for German fighters to penetrate without facing intense opposition. Furthermore, B-17s often employed the “fighter weave” maneuver, where adjacent bombers would take turns moving to the front of the formation to engage attacking fighters. This coordinated defensive maneuver allowed the B-17s to present a continuous front, making it harder for the Luftwaffe to exploit weak points. Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health and UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event! #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2 #worldwarii #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast #generation911 #happyhour

We turn our attention to the Eighth Air Force’s little brother, the Ninth Air Force which, among other things, played a crucial role in supporting the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy.  Thomas Hughes, author of "Overlord: General Pete Quesada and the Triumph of Tactical Air Power in World War II" and our own P-47 pilot, Ed Cottrell, who turned 102 years old in January, will be special guests for the conversation. The Ninth Air Force was born in North Africa toward the end of 1942, after the US invasion.  The Ninth provided air support during the decisive Battle of El Alamein. Using B-24 Liberators, it also targeted Axis shipping and installations along the North African coast. By January 1943, the Ninth Air Force had expanded its capabilities with the arrival of additional fighter and troop carrier groups in the Mediterranean. Equipped with P-40s, the fighter groups operated alongside British forces, while the troop carriers supported ground forces and facilitated air evacuation of casualties. With the success in Tunisia, the Ninth Air Force turned its focus to the upcoming invasion of Sicily. B-24 groups joined Twelfth Air Force B-17s in attacks on Italian targets and airfields in Sicily. The stage was set for the Sicily campaign, with additional B-24 groups from the Eighth Air Force reinforcing IX Bomber Command. The joint effort aimed at disrupting Axis transportation centers and reducing defenses in preparation for the invasion. In August 1943, the Ninth Air Force undertook an ambitious low-level attack on the Ploesti oil fields, facing intense enemy fire. Despite navigational errors and casualties, the mission partially succeeded. This marked a turning point as the combined force later struck aircraft factories in Austria, showcasing the Ninth Air Force’s adaptability and expanding role in strategic operations. The Casablanca Conference in early 1943 laid the groundwork for a “combined bomber offensive” against Germany. Ninth Air Force, initially conceived for tactical support, transitioned to England to become the American tactical air force for the Normandy landings. This shift involved the transfer of assets and the establishment of the IX Bomber, Fighter, and Service commands in England. Operational challenges arose as the Ninth Air Force initially operated under the Eighth Air Force’s control. General Spaatz’s influence created tensions, as he sought control over all U.S. air units in England, including the Ninth. Despite initial plans for an independent tactical air force, Spaatz’s authority prevailed, and the Ninth Air Force operated under the Eighth’s command. As D-Day approached, the Ninth Air Force took center stage in supporting ground forces. Fighter and bomber groups covered the beaches, providing essential air support during the Normandy landings. General Patton relied heavily on the fighter-bombers for flank protection, solidifying the Ninth Air Force’s crucial role in ground operations. After securing the Normandy beachhead, the Ninth Air Force, under General Vandenberg, continued supporting ground forces during breakouts. Fighter-bombers played a pivotal role in countering German counterattacks, notably during the Battle of the Bulge. The IX Troop Carrier Command also assumed an unprecedented role, providing aerial supply and reinforcement support. The Ninth Air Force’s contributions in World War II were instrumental in shaping modern warfare. While the Eighth Air Force became obsolete, the fighter-bomber concept introduced by the Ninth endured, influencing military strategies into the Jet Age. The Ninth Air Force’s evolution from the Mediterranean to Normandy showcased its adaptability, resilience, and pivotal role in Allied victory in Europe. Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health and UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event! #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #

Historian and technical advisor on the TV series Masters of the Air, Colin Heaton returns to the program to talk about the WWII POW experience in Europe. Joining him is fellow technical advisor, Marilyn Walton, an expert on the treatment and lives of American prisoners in Germany. We also welcome Anita Sybesma, historian and President of the 96th Bomb Group Association. Anita’s father was navigator Danny Martin Crist, who began flying missions in 1942.  He flew 25 missions with at least six different crews, was wounded, shot down, and held as a POW at Luft Stalag III. Colin Heaton served in the US Army and US Marines and was a professor of history at American Military University. He is currently developing historical documentaries, feature film and series projects. His last major project was working with Dale Dye and Marilyn Walton as a technical consultant on the WWII limited series Masters of the Air for Kirk Saduksi, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. Heaton has co-authored several books with prominent military figures, including historians and veterans.  One of his notable works is The German Aces Speak: World War II Through the Eyes of Four of the Luftwaffe’s Most Important Commanders, co-written with Anne-Marie Lewis. This book provides insights into the experiences of German fighter pilots during World War II, offering a perspective from those who were directly involved in aerial combat. Marilyn Walton has become one of the greatest experts on  the POW experience in World War II. One of her books is Rhapsody in Junk: A Daughter’s Return to Germany to Finish Her Father’s Story which delves into archives across England, Germany, Poland, and the United States to reconstruct the final mission of her father and his crew during World War II.  The narrative unfolds through her journey to locate the German cemetery where one crewmate was buried and to reunite the remaining crew members after a span of sixty years. Through interviews with the crew and fellow prisoners of war, Walton gathers essential pieces of the puzzle, gradually uncovering details about their capture and interrogation. She explores old records, letters, diaries, and mission documents, eventually leading her to return to Germany.  Astonishingly, she discovers the crash site of her father’s B-24, where remnants of the plane still linger. During this return, she connects emotionally with the people of Wagersrott, the peaceful farm community where her father was taken prisoner decades ago. Walton goes beyond her father’s individual story, presenting the experiences of both British and German civilians who suffered during the war. The narrative reveals a first-hand account of the bombing of Dresden from a surviving German couple.  Throughout her European odyssey, Walton weaves together the rich tapestry of people who endured and survived World War II. The book becomes a multi-faceted mosaic, reflecting the personal stories of those caught up in the dictates of a madman. Another of Marilyn’s books is From Interrogation to Liberation: A Photographic Journey Stalag Luft III: The Road to Freedom, a compelling exploration of the experiences of airmen who found themselves prisoners at Stalag Luft III, the infamous camp known for the Great Escape. The book details the airmen’s experiences, including deprivation, loneliness, and the perils of being held captive. It recounts a 52-mile force march in the dead of winter from Stalag Luft III to Spremberg, Germany, and their subsequent transportation to overcrowded, filthy boxcars destined for other POW camps.  The Americans were either taken to Stalag VIIA in Moosburg, Germany, or Stalag XIII-D in Nürnberg. The authors vividly describe the harsh conditions and the witness of the death throes of the Third Reich. The narrative not only serves as a personal account but also provides crucial information and insight into the broader World War II POW experience in Europe. It highlights the co-existence and tenuous relation

Steve Snyder is author of "Shot Down: The True Story of Pilot Howard Snyder and the Crew of the B-17 Susan Ruth," a poignant and meticulously researched account that delves into the untold stories of the B-17 Flying Fortress Susan Ruth and its crew during World War II.  At the heart of the narrative is Lieutenant Howard Snyder, the author’s father, whose experiences as a pilot provide a unique and personal perspective on the challenges faced by those who flew in the war. Also, we’ll check in with John “Lucky” Luckadoo to hear his thoughts on the latest episodes of “Masters of the Air.” Steve's book begins by exploring the broader context of World War II, touching on the emotional toll of separation as young families were torn apart when men like Lt. Snyder went off to war. Snyder skillfully navigates through various aspects of the conflict, including the intense training before deployment to foreign soil, military combat operations, and the harrowing ordeals faced by those shot down behind enemy lines. One of the notable aspects of “Shot Down” is its focus on the underground resistance and the author’s account of Lt. Snyder’s involvement in it. The book sheds light on the bravery and sacrifices of both aircrews and civilians who risked their lives to save downed American flyers, illustrating the interconnectedness of their fates during this tumultuous time. Snyder draws on a wealth of primary sources, including letters, journals, and diaries from his father and other key figures involved in the events. The narrative skillfully weaves these personal accounts with historical records and declassified files, creating a comprehensive and vivid portrayal of the Susan Ruth crew’s experiences. The author’s modern-day detective work is evident as he tracks down the relatives of crewmembers, interacts with former Luftwaffe fighter pilots, and connects with the families of Belgian and French resistance fighters. This not only adds depth to the narrative but also underscores Snyder’s dedication to presenting a well-rounded and authentic account. “Shot Down” extends beyond the aerial battles, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of Belgian civilians who risked everything to aid American flyers. The book highlights instances of German atrocities toward captured crew and civilians, offering a sobering glimpse into the harsh realities faced by those entangled in the war. The creation and dedication of the monument to the Susan Ruth and its crew in Macquenoise, Belgium, in 1989 serve as a fitting tribute to the enduring impact of the events chronicled in the book. Snyder successfully moves history from the footnotes into reality, ensuring that the stories of real people and their experiences during World War II remain alive and relevant. “Shot Down” is more than a historical account; it is a testament to the author’s care, respect for his subjects, and his meticulous research. The engaging narrative, coupled with over 200 photographs and graphics, brings to life the everyday experiences of the men who flew these perilous missions. With its well-deserved recognition, including 15 national book awards, “Shot Down” stands as a captivating and highly recommended contribution to the understanding of World War II history and the unsung heroes who played crucial roles in it. Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health and UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

What Does Author Robert Matzen Think of “Masters of the Air”? Robert Matzen is author of "Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe," a full account of the Hollywood star’s experiences and an 8th Air Force pilot and commander. In March 1941, a few months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Stewart enlisted as a private in the United States Army Air Corps. His decision to serve was not merely symbolic; Stewart was genuinely committed to contributing to the war effort. His background as a pilot, even before his acting career took off, made him a natural fit for the Air Corps. Stewart’s commitment to serving his country was clear, as he turned down offers to avoid combat and even attempted to resign his commission to enter the battle sooner. In 1943, he was assigned to the 445th Bombardment Group, part of the Eighth Air Force, and flew numerous combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. Stewart piloted B-24 Liberator bombers, facing the dangers and challenges of aerial warfare with courage. Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health and UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

Robert Ehlers on Air Intelligence in the Air War Over Europe Glenn welcomes Dr. Robert Ehlers, who draws on his own experiences as an Air Force Intelligence officer in writing "Targeting the Third Reich: Air Intelligence and the Allied Bombing Campaigns. " "Targeting the Third Reich"examines the pivotal role of air intelligence in the Allied bombing campaigns during World War II, specifically focusing on the Combined Bomber Offensive from 1943 to 1945. The book explores the symbiotic relationship between air intelligence and operational planning, shedding light on how intelligence contributed to the success of strategic bombing missions against Germany. Ehlers emphasizes the collaboration between the Royal Air Force's (RAF) "precision intelligence" and the U.S. Army Air Force's (AAF) "precision bombardment" forces. The RAF's expertise in photographic reconnaissance and signals intelligence played a crucial role in guiding both British and American bombers to strategically significant targets with precise timing and munitions. This partnership was effective in orchestrating damage assessment within a well-organized structure. Ehlers focuses on three key offensives in 1944 that had a profound impact on the Nazi war effort: attacks on French and Belgian rail supply lines to Normandy, strikes against German oil refineries, and bombings of German railroads and waterways. The book underscores the effectiveness of bombers as part of a combined-arms force, providing crucial advantages to Allied armies on the battlefield. The heart of the narrative lies in the examination of how air intelligence influenced the decision-making process of senior air commanders, such as the RAF's Arthur "Bomber" Harris and the AAF's Carl "Tooey" Spaatz. By 1944, these commanders could assess the accuracy and effects of bombing with precision, analyze its impact on the German war effort, and determine its effectiveness in achieving strategic objectives. Ehlers utilizes a wealth of bomb-damage assessment photographs and archival sources to demonstrate the success of air intelligence in the Allied victory. The book argues that the devastating impact of over 1.4 million bombing missions and nearly 2.7 million tons of bombs on Axis powers was, in large part, due to the strategic use of intelligence operations. The narrative also addresses the misuses of intelligence by political and military leaders during the conflict. Ehlers highlights operational errors resulting from misused intelligence, such as attacks on non-lucrative targets or insufficient persistence in attacking vital objectives. The analysis reveals instances where political and military preferences affected the efficient use of intelligence. Listen to Glenn's conversation with Ehlers for a deeper understanding of the role of air intelligence in the defeat of the Third Reich.  Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health and UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

Glenn welcomes WWII veteran John “Lucky” Luckadoo, who survived 25 missions as a B-17 co-pilot in the 100th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force in World War II. Joining Lucky is his bestselling author biographer Kevin Maurer to talk about the Air War and the “Bloody Hundredth.”   P-51 pilot Joe Peterburs and P-47 pilot Ed Cottrell join the conversation. A rare gathering of three WWII pilots. Regardless of skills or circumstances, Lucky says, survival was ultimately a matter of luck. His motivation throughout the war remained grounded in the belief that they were serving a cause to defend their values and freedom, considering it their patriotic duty to answer the call to arms. As a B-17 co-pilot, Luckadoo describes the grim realities faced during missions, including witnessing bloodshed and the loss of comrades. Flying in extreme conditions took a psychological toll, with temperatures plummeting to -50 to -60 degrees Celsius at high altitudes in unpressurized cabins. Not to mention the constant threat from enemy fighters and flak. Lucky candidly talks about combat fatigue and how it affected some of his comrades. The sheer terror, horror, and chaos of combat took a toll on individuals, leading to psychological breakdowns. As the operations officer, he evaluated the capability of squadron members to identify signs of combat fatigue. Unlike the British, who punished those refusing to fly, the Eighth Air Force took a more philosophical approach, recognizing the mental strain of combat. Reflecting on his mentality before his first combat mission, Luckadoo emphasized the sense of duty and patriotism that motivated him. The belief that they were serving a cause greater than themselves, defending their country and principles, kept him focused on the job despite the challenges. One remarkable and harrowing mission Luckadoo recounted was the planned raid on Berlin led by General Curtis LeMay. The mission, intended to be the first daylight raid on Berlin, was of utmost importance. However, it got scrubbed due to cloud cover dispersing over the target, losing the element of surprise. Despite the cancellation, Luckadoo revealed the gravity of the situation and how it symbolized the intense nature of their missions. Luckadoo also shared his experiences as a tail gunner, a position he reluctantly took during a lead crew designation. The challenges of communication and the impracticality of the role led him to refuse further assignments in the tail, grounding himself for a period. Another critical moment in Luckadoo’s wartime journey was his toughest mission over Bremen. Flying with a new crew after his original crew completed their tour, he faced intense flak and witnessed a fellow squadron member’s plane being rammed by a German fighter. The mission tested his resolve, and surviving it left a lasting impact on him. “We were young citizen-soldiers, terribly naive and gullible about what we would be confronted with in the air war over Europe and the profound effect it would have upon every fiber of our being for the rest of our lives. We were all afraid, but it was beyond our power to quit. We volunteered for the service and, once trained and overseas, felt we had no choice but to fulfill the mission assigned. My hope is that this book honors the men with whom I served by telling the truth about what it took to climb into the cold blue and fight for our lives over and over again.”–John “Lucky” Luckadoo, Major, USAF (Ret.) 100th Bomb Group (H) Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was a world away from John Luckadoo’s hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. But when the Japanese attacked the American naval base on December 7, 1941, he didn’t hesitate to join the military. Trained as a pilot with the United States Air Force, Second Lieutenant Luckadoo was assigned to the 100th Bomb Group stationed in Thorpe Abbotts, England. Between June and October 1943, he flew B-17 Flying Fortresses over France and Germany on bombing runs devised to destroy the Nazi war machin

In conjunction with the release of the highly-anticipated Apple TV+ series, Masters of the Air, VBC historian host Glenn Flickinger has created a 10-part livestream series that will recap and provide history discussion around each episode. Each week, Glenn will cover the action and background of the series in conversation with show producers and creators, air war historians, and family members of the real-life characters depicted in the series. Masters of the Air is a streaming television miniseries by Stephen Spielberg and Tom Hanks based on the 2007 book Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany by Donald L. Miller about the 100th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force. Glenn welcomes Steve Snyder, author of "Shot Down" and Colin Heaton, author of Above the Reich, Robert Ehlers, author of Targeting the Third Reich, and David and Margaret White, authors of Wings of War. Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health and UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

One of the major characters in Masters of the Air is B-17 navigator Frank Murphy whose granddaughter, Chloe Melas, republished his memoir, The Luck of the Draw. As a navigator on a B-17, Murphy played a crucial role in guiding the aircraft through the treacherous skies over Europe. Navigators were tasked with plotting courses, ensuring precise locations, and navigating through enemy territory. This demanding role required a deep understanding of both the aircraft's instruments and the ever-changing conditions of aerial combat. The turning point in Murphy's wartime experience came when his B-17 was shot down. Murphy found himself in the hands of the enemy and became a prisoner of war. Being a POW during World War II meant enduring the hardships of captivity, including limited rations, harsh living conditions, and the constant uncertainty about the future. The mental and emotional toll of captivity was immense, and the resilience displayed by individuals like Murphy in the face of adversity is a testament to their strength and determination. In conjunction with the release of the highly-anticipated Apple TV+ series, Masters of the Air, VBC historian host Glenn Flickinger has created a 10-part livestream series Thursdays beginning January 18 at 7:00pm that will recap and provide history discussion around each episode. Each week, Glenn will cover the action and background of the series in conversation with show producers and creators, air war historians, and family members of the real-life characters depicted in the series. Masters of the Air is a streaming television miniseries by Stephen Spielberg and Tom Hanks based on the 2007 book Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany by Donald L. Miller about the 100th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force.

German World War II Wehrmacht veteran and US Army veteran Dr. Wolfram Forster joins VBC Happy Hour to tell us about his harrowing route from Hitler’s Germany to the United States. Wolfram shares his story in his memoir, Farewell, Berlin: My World War II Story of Surviving Hitler’s Germany and Embracing Life in America. Wolfram grew up in Berlin during the reign of Hitler. It was a time when German citizens were so deprived of freedom that a dentist was executed simply for confiding in a patient that he held a shadow of doubt about the fate of Hitler’s war. While Wolfram and his family struggled to live any kind of normal life during the height of World War II, he clung to two dreams for his future: to someday live in America and to become a doctor. To have any hope of realizing those dreams, however, he would need to navigate an endless trail of fear, terror, heartbreak, confusion, injustice and the constant threat of annihilation while living in Europe at a time when life was turned upside down. First, he had to survive the relentless Allied bombing of Berlin. One day he discovered his neighborhood movie theater blown to pieces just hours after sirens blared as a signal for him and his mother to get out, and a factory where he was assigned to work was destroyed on the day he was forced to stay home with an illness. Still, he marveled at the American B-17s and B-24s soaring in formation over his city and vowed that one day he would fly in one. Called to serve as a German soldier in the final months of the war, he was captured by the Allies and held as a POW by three different national militaries: the Americans, the French, and the Russians. Finally, almost two years after the end of the war, he gained his freedom. Over time, and overcoming many new obstacles, he found his way to fulfill those two childhood goals, becoming a noted radiologist treating patients from inside the power circles of Washington, DC and going on to serve as a Colonel in the U.S. Army. Farewell, Berlin tells the almost unimaginable story of Wolfram Forster. With honesty, warmth and vivid detail, it provides a close-up look inside a world rarely glimpsed by anyone who has ever been curious about the long years of bloodshed and turmoil of World War II. Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

We are proud to welcome author Donald L. Miller to VBC Greatest Generation Live with Glenn Flickinger hosting. Donald’s book, Masters of the Air, is the inspiration for the major Apple TV+ series which premiered in January 2024! The riveting history of the American Eighth Air Force in World War II and the young men who flew the bombers that helped beat the Nazis and liberate Europe, brilliantly told by historian and World War II expert Donald L. Miller. The Masters of the Air streaming series stars Austin Butler and Callum Turner, and is produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, the legendary duo behind Band of Brothers and The Pacific. Masters of the Air is the deeply personal story of the American bomber boys in World War II who brought the war to Hitler’s doorstep. With the narrative power of fiction, Donald Miller takes you on a harrowing ride through the fire-filled skies over Berlin, Hanover, and Dresden and describes the terrible cost of bombing for the German people. Fighting at 25,000 feet in thin, freezing air that no warriors had ever encountered before, bomber crews battled new kinds of assaults on body and mind. Air combat was deadly but intermittent: periods of inactivity and anxiety were followed by short bursts of fire and fear. Unlike infantrymen, bomber boys slept on clean sheets, drank beer in local pubs, and danced to the swing music of Glenn Miller’s Air Force band, which toured US air bases in England. But they had a much greater chance of dying than ground soldiers. The bomber crews were an elite group of warriors who were a microcosm of America—white America, anyway. The actor Jimmy Stewart was a bomber boy, and so was the “King of Hollywood,” Clark Gable. And the air war was filmed by Oscar-winning director William Wyler and covered by reporters like Andy Rooney and Walter Cronkite, all of whom flew combat missions with the men. The Anglo-American bombing campaign against Nazi Germany was the longest military campaign of World War II, a war within a war. Until Allied soldiers crossed into Germany in the final months of the war, it was the only battle fought inside the German homeland. Masters of the Air is a story of life in wartime England and in the German prison camps, where tens of thousands of airmen spent part of the war. It ends with a vivid description of the grisly hunger marches captured airmen were forced to make near the end of the war through the country their bombs destroyed. Drawn from recent interviews, oral histories, and American, British, German, and other archives, Masters of the Air is an authoritative, deeply moving account of the world’s first and only bomber war. Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health and UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!