The Warrior Next Door Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ryan Fairfield, Tony Lupo
We explore the oral histories of World War II veterans from interviews conducted by your hosts Tony Lupo and Ryan Fairfield. We play selected clips from these veteran interviews to explore their experiences in their own words with the hosts providing compelling commentary and historical context. Be ready to get some mud on your boots!
In episode 1, we meet Merchant Marine Raleigh Wright in an interview that we conducted in 2008 where we hear about his enlistment and training as well as his first mission.
Support the show
Join us as Robert Balch shares what it was like to be the tip of the spear for the 14th Armored division during WW2.
Beginning with a brutal baptism by fire in Gertwiller in November 1944, his platoon advanced as the spearhead column, crossing the German border at Wissembourg and conducting high-stakes scouting missions directly against the Dragon's Teeth of the Siegfried Line.
The unit faced severe physical and psychological strain, enduring freezing foxholes during a tense "battle of nerves" near Bitche, before being forced into a chaotic, full-scale tactical withdrawal when hit by a massive German counter-offensive during Operation Nordwind, the last German counter offensive of the war.
Robert reflects on their service during the post-war occupation of Germany, members of the platoon fiercely defended the purpose and conduct of the American GI, emphasizing that their resolve was permanently forged by the trauma of combat and the firsthand horrors of liberating concentration camps like Dachau and Buchenwald.
Support the show
Join us as Robert Balch shares what it was like to be the tip of the spear for the 14th Armored division during WW2.
Beginning with a brutal baptism by fire in Gertwiller in November 1944, his platoon advanced as the spearhead column, crossing the German border at Wissembourg and conducting high-stakes scouting missions directly against the Dragon's Teeth of the Siegfried Line.
The unit faced severe physical and psychological strain, enduring freezing foxholes during a tense "battle of nerves" near Bitche, before being forced into a chaotic, full-scale tactical withdrawal when hit by a massive German counter-offensive during Operation Nordwind, the last German counter offensive of the war.
Robert reflects on their service during the post-war occupation of Germany, members of the platoon fiercely defended the purpose and conduct of the American GI, emphasizing that their resolve was permanently forged by the trauma of combat and the firsthand horrors of liberating concentration camps like Dachau and Buchenwald.
Support the show
Join us as Robert Balch shares what it was like to be the tip of the spear for the 14th Armored division during WW2.
Beginning with a brutal baptism by fire in Gertwiller in November 1944, his platoon advanced as the spearhead column, crossing the German border at Wissembourg and conducting high-stakes scouting missions directly against the Dragon's Teeth of the Siegfried Line.
The unit faced severe physical and psychological strain, enduring freezing foxholes during a tense "battle of nerves" near Bitche, before being forced into a chaotic, full-scale tactical withdrawal when hit by a massive German counter-offensive during Operation Nordwind, the last German counter offensive of the war.
Robert reflects on their service during the post-war occupation of Germany, members of the platoon fiercely defended the purpose and conduct of the American GI, emphasizing that their resolve was permanently forged by the trauma of combat and the firsthand horrors of liberating concentration camps like Dachau and Buchenwald.
Support the show
The World War II Story Share live Zoom event, hosted on July 9th by the Ray Harris Jr. of This History of WW2 Podcast and Tony Lupo and Ryan Fairfield of The Warrior Next Door Podcast, with special guest and moderator Shaun Hall of the Veterans Breakfast Club, provided an interactive platform for participants to honor the legacies of the war.
The two-hour recorded program brought together members of their audience to share personal and family accounts of bravery, sacrifice, and wartime experiences, ensuring these historical narratives remain preserved. In addition to fostering community connection and historical remembrance among attendees, select stories shared during the live broadcast were earmarked for potential feature spots on future podcast episodes!
Support the show
Join us as Robert Balch shares what it was like to be the tip of the spear for the 14th Armored division during WW2.
Beginning with a brutal baptism by fire in Gertwiller in November 1944, his platoon advanced as the spearhead column, crossing the German border at Wissembourg and conducting high-stakes scouting missions directly against the Dragon's Teeth of the Siegfried Line.
The unit faced severe physical and psychological strain, enduring freezing foxholes during a tense "battle of nerves" near Bitche, before being forced into a chaotic, full-scale tactical withdrawal when hit by a massive German counter-offensive during Operation Nordwind, the last German counter offensive of the war.
Robert reflects on their service during the post-war occupation of Germany, members of the platoon fiercely defended the purpose and conduct of the American GI, emphasizing that their resolve was permanently forged by the trauma of combat and the firsthand horrors of liberating concentration camps like Dachau and Buchenwald.
Support the show
Part 3 of our discussion of the Hemevez Massacre of six 82nd Airborne paratrooper on DDAY 1944 with subject matter expert and historian Marty Morgan.
Support the show
Part 2 of our discussion of the Hemevez Massacre of six 82nd Airborne paratrooper on DDAY 1944 with subject matter expert and historian Marty Morgan.
Support the show
Part 1 of our discussion of the Hemevez Massacre of six 82nd Airborne paratrooper on DDAY 1944 with subject matter expert and historian Marty Morgan.
Support the show
As one of 11 remaining Pearl Harbor Survivors, Earl "Chuck" Kohler was honored at the PBS Annual Memorial Day event held on May 24th, 2026.
On Dec 7th, 1941, Chuck was working at the PBY Flying Boat base on Pearl Harbor where he was one of the few who were able to fight back against the Japanese raiders. He would continue fighting the Japanese in the Pacific Theatre supporting the deadly "Black Cats" PBY squadrons that decimated Japanese shipping and warships.
Listen in as Chuck tells us about his recollection of events that very few still alive today are able to do!
Support the show
As one of 11 remaining Pearl Harbor Survivors, Earl "Chuck" Kohler was honored at the PBS Annual Memorial Day event held on May 24th, 2026.
On Dec 7th, 1941, Chuck was working at the PBY Flying Boat base on Pearl Harbor where he was one of the few who were able to fight back against the Japanese raiders. He would continue fighting the Japanese in the Pacific Theatre supporting the deadly "Black Cats" PBY squadrons that decimated Japanese shipping and warships.
Listen in as Chuck tells us about his recollection of events that very few still alive today are able to do!
Support the show
As one of 11 remaining Pearl Harbor Survivors, Earl "Chuck" Kohler was honored at the PBS Annual Memorial Day event held on May 24th, 2026.
On Dec 7th, 1941, Chuck was working at the PBY Flying Boat base on Pearl Harbor where he was one of the few who were able to fight back against the Japanese raiders. He would continue fighting the Japanese in the Pacific Theatre supporting the deadly "Black Cats" PBY squadrons that decimated Japanese shipping and warships.
Listen in as Chuck tells us about his recollection of events that very few still alive today are able to do!
Support the show
As one of 11 remaining Pearl Harbor Survivors, Earl "Chuck" Kohler was honored at the PBS Annual Memorial Day event held on May 24th, 2026.
On Dec 7th, 1941, Chuck was working at the PBY Flying Boat base on Pearl Harbor where he was one of the few who were able to fight back against the Japanese raiders. He would continue fighting the Japanese in the Pacific Theatre supporting the deadly "Black Cats" PBY squadrons that decimated Japanese shipping and warships.
Listen in as Chuck tells us about his recollection of events that very few still alive today are able to do!
Support the show
For the lead up to this weekend's National Memorial Day Concert, Sunday May 24 at 8 pm ET on PBS, we are proud to present a sneak peek of our interview with a veteran being honored at the concert - US Navy veteran and Pearl Harbor defender Earl "Chuck" Kohler. His series starts Monday May 25th on Memorial Day. Please watch the concert for a dramatic telling of his story and then listen to our series starting Monday to hear his story told in his own words.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Col. Glenn Crum series. In this episode Col. Crum takes us to England and describes his experiences as a fighter pilot escorting B-17's from Nov 1944 - May 1945.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 1 of the Col. Glenn Crum series. Col. Crum was a P-51 fighter pilot and career Air Force serviceman, retiring as a Colonel in 1968. In this episode we hear about his inspiration for becoming a pilot and learn of his training beginning in 1942.
Support the show
Co-hosts Tony and Ryan dug DEEP into their archives and share the second interview they ever conducted as volunteers for the Library of Congress. It was February of 2003 when they interviewed Frank DeCicco Jr., who served as a waist gunner in B-17s during WW2.
Join us as Frank recalls providing first aid to wounded airmen on his bomber, demonstrates how our P-38s and P-51s protected the bomber stream, and the gruesome story of combat in the 8th Air Force over Europe.
Support the show
Co-hosts Tony and Ryan dug DEEP into their archives and share the second interview they ever conducted as volunteers for the Library of Congress. It was February of 2003 when they interviewed Frank DeCicco Jr., who served as a waist gunner in B-17s during WW2.
Join us as Frank recalls providing first aid to wounded airmen on his bomber, demonstrates how our P-38s and P-51s protected the bomber stream, and the gruesome story of combat in the 8th Air Force over Europe.
Support the show
Co-hosts Tony and Ryan dug DEEP into their archives and share the second interview they ever conducted as volunteers for the Library of Congress. It was February of 2003 when they interviewed Frank DeCicco Jr., who served as a waist gunner in B-17s during WW2.
Join us as Frank recalls providing first aid to wounded airmen on his bomber, demonstrates how our P-38s and P-51s protected the bomber stream, and the gruesome story of combat in the 8th Air Force over Europe.
Support the show
Our special guest, Cory Graff, is a curator at the largest museum for WW2 history in the United States - The National Museum of WW2 in New Orleans.
The museum was started by the late Stephen Ambrose, author of Band of Brothers and many other best selling books. Since it's inception, it has drawn over 10 million visitors and is considered THE museum to enjoy exhibits that cover the entirety of the second world war in the United States.
Listen in as Cory shares a behind the scenes look at what it's like curating exhibits at this amazing museum and talks about a BRAND NEW exhibit featuring The history of the heavy cruiser, USS New Orleans - A homecoming!
Don't miss it!
Support the show
Fans of our show know that we occasionally combine forces with Ray Harris Jr., the host of The History of WW2 Podcast, to share our views on various topics associated with WW2. This two part series focuses on our picks for the Top Five Nazi Blunders of WW2. Please share your top fives on our facebook page or website!
https://www.facebook.com/WarriorNextDoor/
https://www.thewarriornextdoor.com/
Support the show
Fans of our show know that we occasionally combine forces with Ray Harris Jr., the host of The History of WW2 Podcast, to share our views on various topics associated with WW2. This two part series focuses on our picks for the Top Five Nazi Blunders of WW2. Please share your top fives on our facebook page or website!
https://www.facebook.com/WarriorNextDoor/
https://www.thewarriornextdoor.com/
Support the show
Final episode of the John Solis series. In this episode John details the role of his ship during the invasion of Okinawa and what it was like at wars end .
Support the show
John “Benny” Solis: A US Navy seaman who served aboard a Fletcher class destroyer during WWII. In this episode John describes working inside the 5” gun turret during the heat of battle in the Pacific.
Support the show
Episode 1 of the John Solis series: A US Navy seaman who served aboard a Fletcher class destroyer during WWII. In this episode John describes joining the Navy and training aboard the USS Laws DD-558.
Support the show
EP 3/3 - Patrick discusses what's next for the WWII Battlefield Research and Preservation Group.
Support the show
EP 2 - Patrick discusses his recovery of the B-17 "Bull Session" from a field with layers of history.
Support the show
Episode 1 of our interview with WWII Battlefield Research and Preservation group President Patrick Murphy. In this episode he discusses how he got involved in crash recovery and his issues dealing with regulations and personalities within Luxembourg.
Support the show
Lt. Pete Konduros served as a bombardier in the 5th Bomb Group (Heavy), in the 394th Bomb Squadron in the Pacific Theatre.
Listen in as Pete tells us about his missions in the pacific theatre which would culminate in his harrowing near death experience during his 9th mission over Zamboanga City in the Philippines on March 9th, 1945!
Support the show
Lt. Pete Konduros served as a bombardier in the 5th Bomb Group (Heavy), in the 394th Bomb Squadron in the Pacific Theatre.
Listen in as Pete tells us about his missions in the pacific theatre which would culminate in his harrowing near death experience during his 9th mission over Zamboanga City in the Philippines on March 9th, 1945!
Support the show
Lt. Pete Konduros served as a bombardier in the 5th Bomb Group (Heavy), in the 394th Bomb Squadron in the Pacific Theatre.
Listen in as Pete tells us about his missions in the pacific theatre which would culminate in his harrowing near death experience during his 9th mission over Zamboanga City in the Philippines on March 9th, 1945!
Support the show
Lt. Pete Konduros served as a bombardier in the 5th Bomb Group (Heavy), in the 394th Bomb Squadron in the Pacific Theatre.
Listen in as Pete tells us about his missions in the pacific theatre which would culminate in his harrowing near death experience during his 9th mission over Zamboanga City in the Philippines on March 9th, 1945!
Support the show
Welcome to episode 2 of the 2 part Dr. Myra Miller series. Dr. Miller discusses her research and the information that can be gleaned from the military Morning Reports to add detail to a veterans service record.
Support the show
Welcome to episode 1 of the 2 part Dr. Myra Miller series. Dr. Miller discusses her company Footsteps Researchers and their focus of researching the veteran archives in St. Louis to help families learn details of their loved one's military service.
Support the show
Join us as Julius Jakob shares his account of what it was like to be a Czechoslovakian citizen who was forced to fight for the Wehrmacht after his country was annexed by Nazi Germany prior to WW2.
Julius was a Sudaten German in Czechoslovakia who served, as a Czech citizen, in the Czech army prior to WW2. After Czechoslovakia was annexed by Germany in 1938/1939, he was conscripted into the German army and was later taken prisoner and served time as a POW for the Americans, Canadians and British.
Julius shares experiences that are not as widely studied or discuss but were shared by millions of citizens occupied by the Nazis during WW2. Listen in!
Support the show
Join us as Julius Jakob shares his account of what it was like to be a Czechoslovakian citizen who was forced to fight for the Wehrmacht after his country was annexed by Nazi Germany prior to WW2.
Julius was a Sudaten German in Czechoslovakia who served, as a Czech citizen, in the Czech army prior to WW2. After Czechoslovakia was annexed by Germany in 1938/1939, he was conscripted into the German army and was later taken prisoner and served time as a POW for the Americans, Canadians and British.
Julius shares experiences that are not as widely studied or discuss but were shared by millions of citizens occupied by the Nazis during WW2. Listen in!
Support the show
Join us as Julius Jakob shares his account of what it was like to be a Czechoslovakian citizen who was forced to fight for the Wehrmacht after his country was annexed by Nazi Germany prior to WW2.
Julius was a Sudaten German in Czechoslovakia who served, as a Czech citizen, in the Czech army prior to WW2. After Czechoslovakia was annexed by Germany in 1938/1939, he was conscripted into the German army and was later taken prisoner and served time as a POW for the Americans, Canadians and British.
Julius shares experiences that are not as widely studied or discuss but were shared by millions of citizens occupied by the Nazis during WW2. Listen in!
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 2 of our two part series featuring Ms. Betty Hayes, who worked in the North American B-25 factory in Kansas City, KS during WWII. In this episode we hear more about her experiences working on the home front and learn of some accolades that she earned for her work in WWII.
Support the show
Welcome listeners to Episode 1 of our 2 part series featuring an actual "Rosie the Riveter" during WWII - Ms. Betty Hayes. In this episode we meet Betty and hear about how she got involved in war effort on the home front building B-25 bombers.
Support the show
The Warrior Next Door and pleased to have collaborated with Ray Harris Jr. of The History of WW2 Podcast to discuss our Top Five Nazi Blunders of WW2! Please leave your top five on our website warriornextdoor.com or our facebook page!
Support the show
The Warrior Next Door and pleased to have collaborated with Ray Harris Jr. of The History of WW2 Podcast to discuss our Top Five Nazi Blunders of WW2! Please leave your top five on our website warriornextdoor.com or our facebook page!
Support the show
Nothing makes us more determined to continue sharing these amazing stories than receiving feedback, good and bad, from our listeners. We wanted to share some of the feedback we've received in the first half of 2025 so that our listeners know we read every comment and that these are often a source of inspiration and change. Listen in!
Support the show
Welcome to the final episode of the Bill Sims series. In this episode Bill talks about liberating a concentration camp at Ohrdruf Germany, a pathetic experience he had witnessing a German citizen trying to fire a bazooka at them and a bad experience with a Russian soldier at wars end.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 3 of the Bill Sims series. In this episode Bill talks about action he saw pertaining to Gen. Patton, St. Lo, Aachen and the bridge at Remagen.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 2 of the 4 part Bill Sims series. In this episode Bill tells a never before known story about Pattons "polite" way of interrogating captured german officers and we learned about Bill’s fighting across France all the way to Aachen Germany in Sept 1944.
Support the show
Welcome to the Cpl. Bill Sims series, a Lineman in the Signal Corps in the US Army. In episode one we meet Bill and hear about his entrance into the Army and being in England on DDay watching the planes fly over.
Support the show
Nothing makes us more determined to continue sharing these amazing stories than receiving feedback, good and bad, from our listeners. We wanted to share some of the feedback we've received in the first half of 2025 so that our listeners know we read every comment and that these are often a source of inspiration and change. Listen in!
Support the show
Can trauma experienced by a WWII veteran change his DNA? Can it be passed down to their children? Join us for our eye opening discussion with Eveline Konings, a TRE-Counselor and therapist from Belgium.
Support the show
Join us as Charles Berglund, a medic and sailor, describes his experiences on the heavy cruiser USS New Orleans (CA-32) as it fought its way across the pacific in some of the most pivotal battles of the War in the Pacific!
After World War 2, Charles was part of the newly-established nuclear submarine fleet under Admiral Rickover that fought in the Cold War. He served on both attack and ballistic missile submarines and shares experiences that have only just recently been declassified!
Support the show
Join us as Charles Berglund, a medic and sailor, describes his experiences on the heavy cruiser USS New Orleans (CA-32) as it fought its way across the pacific in some of the most pivotal battles of the War in the Pacific!
After World War 2, Charles was part of the newly-established nuclear submarine fleet under Admiral Rickover that fought in the Cold War. He served on both attack and ballistic missile submarines and shares experiences that have only just recently been declassified!
Support the show
Join us as Charles Berglund, a medic and sailor, describes his experiences on the heavy cruiser USS New Orleans (CA-32) as it fought its way across the pacific in some of the most pivotal battles of the War in the Pacific!
After World War 2, Charles was part of the newly-established nuclear submarine fleet under Admiral Rickover that fought in the Cold War. He served on both attack and ballistic missile submarines and shares experiences that have only just recently been declassified!
Support the show
Join us as Charles Berglund, a medic and sailor, describes his experiences on the heavy cruiser USS New Orleans (CA-32) as it fought its way across the pacific in some of the most pivotal battles of the War in the Pacific!
After World War 2, Charles was part of the newly-established nuclear submarine fleet under Admiral Rickover that fought in the Cold War. He served on both attack and ballistic missile submarines and shares experiences that have only just recently been declassified!
Support the show
Here we join Maj. Gen. Livingston as he talks about his recovery from his wounds from the Battle of Dai Do and his final assignment back to Vietnam for the evacuation of Saigon.
Support the show
In this episode we join Maj. Gen. Livingston as he talks about the pivotal battle of his military career, the battle of Dai Do for which he would be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Support the show
In Episode 2 Gen Livingston takes us back to March 1968 as he fought an action in which he received the Silver Star.
Support the show
Welcome to the 4 part Major General James E. Livingston series. In this episode we meet General Livingston of the USMC and learn of his background, education and training.
Support the show
This is a companion episode to the original series (Season 3 Episodes 105-106) which was the story of the Maison de la Liberation or the Liberation House; a house in Saint Laurent sur mer on Omaha beach which claims to have been the first house liberated on D-Day. In this episode we revisit the story of the Liberation House from the perspective of a person whose family was deeply connected to the house. But you will soon find out that she does NOT agree with the story as it was related to us in the original series. Hear her issues with the story of the Liberation House as Tony and Ryan put on their forensic hats and try to peer thru history to discern the truth.
Support the show
Welcome to the final episode of Lee Smith series. In our last episode Lee took us through the details of various missions and how he and his unit gained recognition for their work. Lets jump back in to the final episode and hear of Lee’s tour as it winds down and he rotates back the the States in late 1944.
Support the show
Welcome to episode 3 of the 4 part Lee Smith series, a P-47 fighter pilot who flew 96 missions over Europe during WWII. In episode 2 Lee led us through his early tour action and how he started to gain more responsibility for such a young pilot. Join us now as we hear about Lee’s actions and fighter tactics.
Support the show
Welcome to episode 2 of the 4 part Lee Smith series, a P-47 fighter pilot during WWII. Now we jump back in as he transfers to England and begins his tour of duty in early 1944 and flies in support of D-Day and the battle of Normandy.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 1 of the 4 part Charles Lee Smith series. Lee flew in the 366th Fighter Group, 391st Fighter Squadron of the 9th Air Force. In this episode we meet Lee and hear what got him interested in becoming a pilot and we learn of his training experiences.
Support the show
This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two.
Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that took so many lives during the war and were underreported as the landings at Normandy pulled attention away from these brave soldiers who fought in conditions more akin to the Pacific theatre.
Support the show
This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two.
Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that took so many lives during the war and were underreported as the landings at Normandy pulled attention away from these brave soldiers who fought in conditions more akin to the Pacific theatre.
Support the show
This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two.
Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that took so many lives during the war and were underreported as the landings at Normandy pulled attention away from these brave soldiers who fought in conditions more akin to the Pacific theatre.
Support the show
This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two.
Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that took so many lives during the war and were underreported as the landings at Normandy pulled attention away from these brave soldiers who fought in conditions more akin to the Pacific theatre.
Support the show
This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two.
Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that took so many lives during the war and were underreported as the landings at Normandy pulled attention away from these brave soldiers who fought in conditions more akin to the Pacific theatre.
Support the show
Ted Kuykendall was an electrictrician during WWII and was serving on the USS Nevada when the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th, 1941. He shares his remembrances from one of the most historic events in modern history onboard the only battleship to make steam as it tried to leave the harbor during the attack.Later, he would find himself in Tokyo immediately after the Japanese surrender and shares his observations of a post-war Japan. Support the show
Ted Kuykendall was an electrictrician during WWII and was serving on the USS Nevada when the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th, 1941. He shares his remembrances from one of the most historic events in modern history onboard the only battleship to make steam as it tried to leave the harbor during the attack.
Later, he would find himself in Tokyo immediately after the Japanese surrender and shares his observations of a post-war Japan.
Support the show
Ted Kuykendall was an electrictrician during WWII and was serving on the USS Nevada when the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th, 1941. He shares his remembrances from one of the most historic events in modern history onboard the only battleship to make steam as it tried to leave the harbor during the attack.
Later, he would find himself in Tokyo immediately after the Japanese surrender and shares his observations of a post-war Japan.
Support the show
Ted Kuykendall was an electrictrician during WWII and was serving on the USS Nevada when the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th, 1941. He shares his remembrances from one of the most historic events in modern history onboard the only battleship to make steam as it tried to leave the harbor during the attack.
Later, he would find himself in Tokyo immediately after the Japanese surrender and shares his observations of a post-war Japan.
Support the show
Welcome to the final episode of the 6 part Bill Mauch series. In this Episode Bill describes his trip across the US after leaving the Marines and the heartfelt moment he saw his family again.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 5 of the 6 part Bill Mauch series. In this episode Bill discusses the number of ways you can die on Okinawa.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 4 of the Bill Mauch series. Bill talks about the reason for invading Peleliu and provides some intense moments from the battle. He also talks about the landing on Okinawa.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 3 of the Bill Mauch series. In this episode Bill discusses the training on Pavuvu and Guadalcanal before the invading Peleliu in the fall of 1944.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Bill Mauch series. In this episode Bill talks about being assigned to the 8th Amphibious Tactor Battalion and he ships out for the Pacific Theater.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 1 of the 6 part Bill Mauch series. In this episode we meet Sapulpa, OK native Bill Mauch as he tells us how he got involved in WWII and we learn about his training.
Support the show
Many of the vets we've interviewed have had SOMETHING to say about the USO. So, in this Air Raid Edition, we share some of the remembrances and unpack why this was so important to the veterans we've interviewed.
Support the show
Ray has been kind enough to allow TWND to crash his podcast, The History of WWII, for the past three years where we share select clips from veterans we've featured that year on The Warrior Next Door Podcast. These two episodes are what aired on his podcast in November of 2024.
In this episode we share clips from an interview with Jack Hamlin, who was a rescue diver for the US Coast Guard during the invasion of Normandy on Omaha beach where he saved countless lives.
Support the show
Ray has been kind enough to allow TWND to crash his podcast, The History of WWII, for the past three years where we share select clips from veterans we've featured that year on The Warrior Next Door Podcast. These two episodes are what aired on his podcast in November of 2024.
In this episode we share how we were able to meet and interview Donald Miller, the author of Masters of the Air, which was the source material for the mini-series of the same name that aired on Apple TV. We followed-up with clips from an interview with John "Lucky" Luckadoo, who was a member of the Bloody 100th bomb group who survived the early days of the 8th Air Force bombing raids over Germany.
Support the show
We announced in late 2024 that TWND were invited by author Peter Lion to Wiltz Luxembourg for the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the American St. Nick! We decided to add a number of stops to our itinerary to help develop additional content for TWND that our listeners may enjoy. These include historically rich locations around Wiltz, a field trip with Berten and Shane to various WWII battlefields, at tour of the Manhay Museum, a hike through the Hurtgen forest and much more!
Support the show
We announced in late 2024 that TWND were invited by author Peter Lion to Wiltz Luxembourg for the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the American St. Nick! We decided to add a number of stops to our itinerary to help develop additional content for TWND that our listeners may enjoy. These include historically rich locations around Wiltz, a field trip with Berten and Shane to various WWII battlefields, at tour of the Manhay Museum, a hike through the Hurtgen forest and much more!
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 3 of the Hamlin-Morrell series. In our last episode, we learned the details of the sinkings of the SS Leopoldville, HMS Cappell and HMS Affleck around Christmas 1944 off Cherbourg. In this episode, follow up questions are asked in the original Zoom call and we piece together details that might never have been known if not for this amazing meeting of these two heroes.
Support the show
Welcome to episode 2 of the Jack Hamlin-Morell Murphy series. In Episode 1 we discussed how this event came to be and we met our 2 veterans: Morell Murphy, an Irish sailor whose ship was sunk by a sub off Cherbourg and Jack Hamlin, a Coast Guardsman who came to his rescue. In this episode we discuss the events surrounding the sinking of the SS Leopoldville, HMS Cappell and HMS Affleck and give our reactions on each gentleman’s observations of the traumatic events.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 1 of this unique new series where we witness a online meeting between an Irish sailor from WWII whose ship the HMS Capel was sunk off Cherbourg, France and the US Coast Guardsman who may have attended his rescue. In this first episode we discuss how this event came about and we meet our two veterans.
Support the show
Welcome to the final episode of the 4 part “The American St Nick” series: a reading of the true WWII story brought to us by Emmy award winning producer and writer Peter Lion.
In this episode Chapters 13 and 14 will be read by Marie Anne Schweig, the daughter of the man who initiated the search for Richard Brookins: Jeanly Schweig; Chapter 15 and "Of Note" will be read by author Peter Lion and the addendum “The Colmar Incident” will be read by Ryan Fairfield.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 3 of the 4 part “The American St Nick” series: a reading of the true WWII story brought to us by Emmy award winning producer and writer Peter Lion.
In this episode Chapters 9 and 10 will be read by Don Brookins (son of Richard Brookins), Chapter 11 is read by granddaughter of Frank McClelland, Priscilla Forney and Chapter 12 will be read by Warrior Next Door co-host Ryan Fairfield.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 2 of the exclusive 4 part reading of Peter Lion's "The American St Nick". In this episode Chapters 5 and 6 will be read by the daughter of Richard Brookins: Carol Brookins-Northrup and Chapters 7and 8 will be read by Richard Brookins eldest son, David Brookins.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 1 of an exclusive Warrior Next Door Podcast presentation. A full reading of the true WWII story “The American St Nick”. It is the remarkable story of a few GI’s of the 28th Infantry Division who brought Christmas to the children of the small war torn town of Wiltz, Luxembourg on the eve of the Battle of the Bulge. In this episode, Chapters 1 and 2 are read by the author Peter Lion; chapter 3 is read by grand daughter of Frank McClelland, Priscilla Forney and chapter 4 is read by Warrior Next Door co-host Tony Lupo.
Support the show
We feature Al Johnson, who served with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII. Al was a member of Operations Group (OG) Patrick and Blueberry who fought behind enemy lines in France and China, respectively, during WWII.
Of the 14 million+ servicemen who fought in WWII, only ~7,500 served as an OG with the OSS. This is a truly special and remarkable story!
In this final episode, we'll learn more about the aftermath of the assault on the Japanese outpost and his journey home.
Thanks for your service, Al...
Support the show
We feature Al Johnson, who served with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII. Al was a member of Operations Group (OG) Patrick and Blueberry who fought behind enemy lines in France and China, respectively, during WWII.
Of the 14 million+ servicemen who fought in WWII, only ~7,500 served as an OG with the OSS. This is a truly special and remarkable story!
Episode 4 will focus on the transition away from his operation in France and into his new assignment with OG Blueberry training chinese commandos to fight the Japanese occupiers!
Support the show
We feature Al Johnson, who served with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII. Al was a member of Operations Group (OG) Patrick and Blueberry who fought behind enemy lines in France and China, respectively, during WWII.
Of the 14 million+ servicemen who fought in WWII, only ~7,500 served as an OG with the OSS. This is a truly special and remarkable story!
In this episode, Al learns that he'll be part of OG Patrick and will land 400 miles behind enemy lines to join up with the French Resistance and capture a hydro-electric plant held by German forces!
Support the show
We feature Al Johnson, who served with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII. Al was a member of Operations Group (OG) Patrick and Blueberry who fought behind enemy lines in France and China, respectively, during WWII.
Of the 14 million+ servicemen who fought in WWII, only ~7,500 served as an OG with the OSS. This is a truly special and remarkable story!
The second episode speaks to the rigorous training and secrecy demanded from those who volunteered for this OSS.
Support the show
We feature Al Johnson, who served with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII. Al was a member of Operations Group (OG) Patrick and Blueberry who fought behind enemy lines in France and China, respectively, during WWII.
Of the 14 million+ servicemen who fought in WWII, only ~7,500 served as an OG with the OSS. This is a truly special and remarkable story!
The first episode unpacks what the OSS is, how it was formed and Al's journey into this new secret commando unit.
Support the show
Welcome to the final episode of the Cpl Ryan Downing series. In the previous episodes, Cpl Downing described his training, arrival in Iraq and his heavy fighting that he and his unit endured in Ramadi in 2004. In this final episode, Ryan talks about his struggles with post traumatic stress and having to go back to Ramadi in 2006.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 2 of the 3 part Ryan Downing series. In this episode Cpl. Downing details the heavy fighting that his unit endured in Ramadi in 2004.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 1 of the 3 part Cpl Ryan Downing series. In this episode we meet Ryan and learn about his enlistment, training and deployment to Iraq in 2003.
Support the show
Welcome to the final episode of Ray Harris’s Top 5 WWII movies discussion with Tony and I. Sit back and enjoy as we cover our final picks and try to see if we have any common ground!
Support the show
Send us a text
Welcome to Episode 2 of 3 of our series with Ray Harris of the History of WWII Podcast discussing our picks for the top 5 WWII movies. In this episode we get into the first picks of our top 5.
Support the show
Subscriber-only episode
Send us a text
Welcome to the UNCUT series for our premium subscribers. As you may know Ray Harris of the History of WWII podcast has graciously hosted Tony and I on his podcast over the last few years. Well he invited us to do a series with him for his podcast that was also posted on his YouTube channel on the topic of The Top 5 WWII movies according to Ray, Tony and I. As you might guess, it’s not a particularly scientific list but we do our best to explain our reasoning and insult Ray along the way. It has a bit of strong language here and there (mostly of Ray cursing at the insults we landed) so cover those young ears.
Send us a text
Episode 1 of 3. As you may know Ray Harris of the History of WWII podcast has graciously hosted Tony and I on his podcast over the last few years. Well, he invited us to do a series with him for his podcast that was also posted on his YouTube channel on the topic of The Top 5 WWII movies according to Ray, Tony and I. As you might guess, it’s not a particularly scientific list but we do our best to explain our reasoning and insult Ray along the way. It has a bit of strong language here and there (mostly of Ray cursing at the insults we landed) so cover those young ears.
Support the show
Send us a text
Welcome to the final episode of the Marta Warner Tribute series. In this episode Marta discusses what happened to her family after the war as well as her impressions of the USA as she moved to America after the war.
Support the show
Send us a text
Welcome to Episode 3 of the 4 part Marta Warner Tribute series. In this episode we talk about how school was conducted at the end of the war in the ruins of cities, how history books were changed by the nazi’s and she brings out a memento from her time as a Jungmadel during the Hitler Youth education system.
Support the show
Send us a text
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Marta Warner Tribute. In this episode, we learn of her family’s realization that citizens were being deported to camps and how the black market aided in survival after the war.
Support the Show.
Subscriber-only episode
Send us a text
Welcome to the Marta Warner Tribute series. In this uncut series we revisit Marta in September 2023 to conduct a follow up interview. We learn more about her experience under the oppressive Nazi government, what it was like to go hungry and she discusses when she realized the concentration camps existed.
Send us a text
Welcome to Episode 1 of the Marta Warner Tribute series. In this episode we discuss how her family endured the changes in German society, her opinion on Adolf Hitler and what it was like to be hungry and searching for potable water.
Support the Show.
Subscriber-only episode
Send us a Text Message.
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Jan Davis series. In episode 1 we met Jan Davis, retired astronaut who flew on 3 space shuttle missions and the daughter of Ben Smotherman who flew B-17’s in 1943 out of England. We learned about his experiences as a pilot early in the air war and also as a POW till wars end. Join us now as Jan talks about her story as an astronaut and how her fathers story impacted her life.
Send us a Text Message.
Author/Retired Astronaut Jan Davis discusses her book: “Air Born – Two generations in flight” about her WWII B-17 pilot father and the parallels with her career at NASA and her 3 space shuttle missions. In this episode, we met Jan Davis, retired astronaut who flew on 3 space shuttle missions and daughter of Ben Smotherman who flew B-17’s in 1943 out of England. We learned about her fathers experiences as a pilot early in the air war and also as a POW till wars end.
Support the Show.
Subscriber-only episode
Send us a Text Message.
Welcome to the premium-subscriber, uncut Jan Davis series. In this series we meet Jan Davis, retired astronaut who flew on 3 space shuttle missions and daughter of Ben Smotherman who flew B-17’s in 1943 out of England. We will learn about his experiences as a pilot early in the air war and also as a POW till wars end. In the second half of the series, Jan talks about her story as an astronaut and how her fathers story impacted her life.
Send us a Text Message.
In this series we explore the extensive research conducted by Jan Douma, son of Filips Douma who was a police officer during WW2 in NAZI-occupied Netherlands Jan provides a vivid account of what his father endured after he was apprehended helping the Dutch resistance in the summer of 1944 and sent to a series of concentration camps where he would be days from death when the war ended.
Join us for a compelling look at a lesser known historical account of what life was like in the NAZI-occupied regions of Europe.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
In this series we explore the extensive research conducted by Jan Douma, son of Filips Douma who was a police officer during WW2 in NAZI-occupied Netherlands Jan provides a vivid account of what his father endured after he was apprehended helping the Dutch resistance in the summer of 1944 and sent to a series of concentration camps where he would be days from death when the war ended.
Join us for a compelling look at a lesser known historical account of what life was like in the NAZI-occupied regions of Europe.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
In this series we explore the extensive research conducted by Jan Douma, son of Filips Douma who was a police officer during WW2 in NAZI-occupied Netherlands Jan provides a vivid account of what his father endured after he was apprehended helping the Dutch resistance in the summer of 1944 and sent to a series of concentration camps where he would be days from death when the war ended.
Join us for a compelling look at a lesser known historical account of what life was like in the NAZI-occupied regions of Europe.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
In this series we explore the extensive research conducted by Jan Douma, son of Philips Douma who was a police officer during WW2 in NAZI-occupied Netherlands Jan provides a vivid account of what his father endured after he was apprehended helping the Dutch resistance in the summer of 1944 and sent to a series of concentration camps where he would be days from death when the war ended.
Join us for a compelling look at a lesser known historical account of what life was like in the NAZI-occupied regions of Europe.
Support the Show.
Subscriber-only episode
Send us a Text Message.
In this series we explore the extensive research conducted by Jan Douma, son of Philips Douma who was a police officer during WW2 in NAZI-occupied Netherlands Jan provides a vivid account of what his father endured after he was apprehended helping the Dutch resistance in the summer of 1944 and sent to a series of concentration camps where he would be days from death when the war ended.
Join us for a compelling look at a lesser known historical account of what life was like in the NAZI-occupied regions of Europe.
Send us a Text Message.
Welcome to another Air Raid Edition of the Warrior Next Door Podcast. This episode we feature Nick Devaux and Lars McKie of The Logbook Project Podcast as they discuss their unique effort to gain signatories of WWII veterans from around the world to Nick's fathers WWII RCAF Logbook. They have launched their accompanying podcast we discuss the origins of the project as well as hear of a few signatories in the logbook.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
Join us as Sammy L. Davis shares his experiences as a soldier in Vietnam who would earn the Medal of Honor for his actions as a cannoneer during Operation Cudgel on November 18th, 1967.
His accounts are captured vividly in his book "You Don't Lose 'Til You Quit Trying: Lessons on Adversity and Victory from a Vietnam Veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient"
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
Join us as Sammy L. Davis shares his experiences as a soldier in Vietnam who would earn the Medal of Honor for his actions as a cannoneer during Operation Cudgel on November 18th, 1967.
His accounts are captured vividly in his book "You Don't Lose 'Til You Quit Trying: Lessons on Adversity and Victory from a Vietnam Veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient"
Support the Show.
Subscriber-only episode
Send us a Text Message.
Join us as Sammy L. Davis shares his experiences as a soldier in Vietnam who would earn the Medal of Honor for his actions as a cannoneer during Operation Cudgel on November 18th, 1967.
His accounts are captured vividly in his book "You Don't Lose 'Til You Quit Trying: Lessons on Adversity and Victory from a Vietnam Veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient"
Send us a Text Message.
Welcome to the final episode of the Jack Hamlin series. In this episode Jack describes his participation in the rescue of survivors from the sinking of the SS Leopoldville on Dec 24, 1944 which was stricken by a German sub. Then 2 nights later the same sub sank the HMS Capel where he also mustered for that rescue.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
Welcome to Episode 3 of the Jack Hamlin series. In this episode Jack describes the aftermath of the DDAY invasion as well as some post DDAY action he participated in from his Cutter #23.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
Welcome to Episode 2. In this episode Jack describes his training in England and the action he saw on DDAY off Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
Welcome to Episode 1 of the Jack Hamlin series: the story of a young man from Springfield, Missouri who would serve as a rescue swimmer aboard USCG Cutter #23 just off Omaha Beach on DDAY. In this episode, we meet Jack as he tells us the circumstances that led to his enlistment in the US Coast Guard during WWII.
Support the Show.
Subscriber-only episode
Send us a Text Message.
Welcome to the full uncut premier of the Jack Hamlin series: the story of a WWII veteran who served in Rescue Flotilla One of the US Coast Guard. On DDAY, he was on Cutter #23 just 500 yards off Omaha Beach rescuing drowning soldiers from the cold waters of the English Channel.
Send us a Text Message.
Hello Everybody! We have been promising an episode about interviewing veterans for a while now. In fact we have had a few listeners request (remind) us that we promised this! Well here it is! In this entertaining episode we cover everything you will need to get started interviewing a veterans or someone interesting in your life. If you do a veteran interview, let us know how it goes. Maybe we will have you on the show?
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
Steve Bichler served with a military transition team (MiTTs) during the last year of US occupation as a communications officer in the US Air Force. During this time, Steve worked closely with Iraqi government officials and, by extension, interpreters from Iraq who signed up to help with the transition. One of these interpreters was Azeez "Simon" Alrifaie, who was featured in an earlier podcast series.
Please join us as Steve shares his experiences with the MiTTs team in 2011 as the US forces pulled out of Iraq and how it affected him to learn of the fate of many of of Iraqis he served with and advised, including Azeez who was featured in Series 35 of The Warrior Next Door podcast.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
Steve Bichler served with a military transition team (MiTTs) during the last year of US occupation as a communications officer in the US Air Force. During this time, Steve worked closely with Iraqi government officials and, by extension, interpreters from Iraq who signed up to help with the transition. One of these interpreters was Azeez "Simon" Alrifaie, who was featured in an earlier podcast series.
Please join us as Steve shares his experiences with the MiTTs team in 2011 as the US forces pulled out of Iraq and how it affected him to learn of the fate of many of of Iraqis he served with and advised, including Azeez who was featured in Series 35 of The Warrior Next Door podcast.
Support the Show.
Steve Bichler served with a military transition team (MiTTs) during the last year of US occupation as a communications officer in the US Air Force. During this time, Steve worked closely with Iraqi government officials and, by extension, interpreters from Iraq who signed up to help with the transition. One of these interpreters was Azeez "Simon" Alrifaie, who was featured in an earlier podcast series.
Please join us as Steve shares his experiences with the MiTTs team in 2011 as the US forces pulled out of Iraq and how it affected him to learn of the fate of many of of Iraqis he served with and advised, including Azeez who was featured in Series 35 of The Warrior Next Door podcast.
Support the Show.
Steve Bichler served with a military transition team (MiTTs) during the last year of US occupation as a communications officer in the US Air Force. During this time, Steve worked closely with Iraqi government officials and, by extension, interpreters from Iraq who signed up to help with the transition. One of these interpreters was Azeez "Simon" Alrifaie, who was featured in an earlier podcast series.
Please join us as Steve shares his experiences with the MiTTs team in 2011 as the US forces pulled out of Iraq and how it affected him to learn of the fate of many of of Iraqis he served with and advised, including Azeez who was featured in Series 35 of The Warrior Next Door podcast.
Support the Show.
Subscriber-only episode
Steve Bichler served with a military transition team (MiTTs) during the last year of US occupation as a communications officer in the US Air Force. During this time, Steve worked closely with Iraqi government officials and, by extension, interpreters from Iraq who signed up to help with the transition. One of these interpreters was Azeez "Simon" Alrifaie, who was featured in an earlier podcast series.
Please join us as Steve shares his experiences with the MiTTs team in 2011 as the US forces pulled out of Iraq and how it affected him to learn of the fate of many of of Iraqis he served with and advised, including Azeez who was featured in Series 35 of The Warrior Next Door podcast.
This series features an interview TWND conducted with Lucky Luckadoo, a B-17 co-pilot in the 100th BG, along with the author of his biography, Kevin Maurer, titled "Damn Lucky". This interview took place while Masters of the Air was being broadcast on Apple TV where Lucky was featured in the coda to Masters of the Air: The Bloody Hundredth, narrated by Tom Hanks.
Listen in as Lucky, who was 102 at the time of recording, describes in vivid detail what it was like to be a part of the 100 BG of the 8th Air Force when the USAAF was still learning how to fight the vaunted Luftwaffe that would result in 77% of the men he trained with to fly in the 100th BG being killed, captured or wounded.
Support the show
This series features an interview TWND conducted with Lucky Luckadoo, a B-17 co-pilot in the 100th BG, along with the author of his biography, Kevin Maurer, titled "Damn Lucky". This interview took place while Masters of the Air was being broadcast on Apple TV where Lucky was featured in the coda to Masters of the Air: The Bloody Hundredth, narrated by Tom Hanks.
Listen in as Lucky, who was 102 at the time of recording, describes in vivid detail what it was like to be a part of the 100 BG of the 8th Air Force when the USAAF was still learning how to fight the vaunted Luftwaffe that would result in 77% of the men he trained with to fly in the 100th BG being killed, captured or wounded
Support the show
Subscriber-only episode
This series features an interview TWND conducted with Lucky Luckadoo, a B-17 co-pilot in the 100th BG, along with the author of his biography, Kevin Maurer, titled "Damn Lucky". This interview took place while Masters of the Air was being broadcast on Apple TV where Lucky was featured in the coda to Masters of the Air: The Bloody Hundredth, narrated by Tom Hanks.
Listen in as Lucky, who was 102 at the time of recording, describes in vivid detail what it was like to be a part of the 100 BG of the 8th Air Force when the USAAF was still learning how to fight the vaunted Luftwaffe that would result in 77% of the men he trained with to fly in the 100th BG being killed, captured or wounded.
This series features an interview TWND conducted with Lucky Luckadoo, a B-17 co-pilot in the 100th BG, along with the author of his biography, Kevin Maurer, titled "Damn Lucky". This interview took place while Masters of the Air was being broadcast on Apple TV where Lucky was featured in the coda to Masters of the Air: The Bloody Hundredth, narrated by Tom Hanks.
Listen in as Lucky, who was 102 at the time of recording, describes in vivid detail what it was like to be a part of the 100 BG of the 8th Air Force when the USAAF was still learning how to fight the vaunted Luftwaffe that would result in 77% of the men he trained with to fly in the 100th BG being killed, captured or wounded.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 3, the final episode of the George Menkoff series: the story of a B-17 bomb ordnance officer stationed in Great Ashfield England as part of the 385th BG during WWII. We rejoin him in this episode as he tells us about the danger of arming the bombs mid-flight as well as the ever present danger of mid air collisions.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 2 of the 3 part George Menkoff series: the story of a B-17 bomb ordnance officer stationed in Great Ashfield England as part of the 385th BG during WWII. In this episode we follow him to Great Ashfield England where he describes the daily routine of loading the bombs and ammunition on his B-17’s sometimes several times per day.
Support the show
Welcome to the George Menkoff series: the story of a B-17 Bomb Ordinance officer of the 385th BG stationed in Great Ashfield England during WWII. In episode 1 we meet George Menkoff as he enters military service and trains as an ordnance officer literally all over the US. We also meet his son David Menkoff who is our guest co-host for the series.
Support the show
Subscriber-only episode
Welcome to the uncut George Menkoff series; the story of a B-17 Bomb Ordnance officer of the 385th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force stationed in Great Ashfield, England during WWII. We follow Mr. Menkoff as he trains to work in arms and ordinance and would eventually be an Ordnance Officer loading B-17's of the 385th in England throughout the entire war. Mr. Menkoff provides detailed information on the types of bombs he had to load, the number of flights per day he had to load and the danger of being a B-17 crew member over Germany.
TWND is honored to have the granddaughter of Leo Westerholm, Sarah Westerholm, as a guest on our podcast!
For those new to our show, Leo was featured on TWND podcast in 2023. He was an 101st Airborne trooper who was captured on D-Day and suffered terribly in the POW camps.
Sarah's google search to learn more about her grandfather brought her to our website, thewarriornextdoor.com where she was able to access the interview we conducted with him and much more.
Join us for a reunion of sorts as Sarah shares her memories of her grandparents and how important it is to have found the interview we conducted with Leo.
Support the show
This series features clips from an interview we conducted with author Donald L. Miller. His book, Masters of the Air, has been made into a mini-series produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and is being aired on Apple TV.
This interview was conducted on Jan 17th, 2024, just a week before the series premiered! It covers a host of topics including his use of oral histories in his books, why he became interested in writing about WWII, what prompted him to write Masters of the Air and how it got selected by Spielberg to be the lastest epic produced on the story of WWII and much more!
Support the show
This series features clips from an interview we conducted with author Donald L. Miller. His book, Masters of the Air, has been made into a mini-series produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and is being aired on Apple TV.
This interview was conducted on Jan 17th, 2024, just a week before the series premiered! It covers a host of topics including his use of oral histories in his books, why he became interested in writing about WWII, what prompted him to write Masters of the Air and how it got selected by Spielberg to be the lastest epic produced on the story of WWII and much more!
Support the show
This series features clips from an interview we conducted with author Donald L. Miller. His book, Masters of the Air, has been made into a mini-series produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and is being aired on Apple TV.
This interview was conducted on Jan 17th, 2024, just a week before the series premiered! It covers a host of topics including his use of oral histories in his books, why he became interested in writing about WWII, what prompted him to write Masters of the Air and how it got selected by Spielberg to be the lastest epic produced on the story of WWII and much more!
Support the show
This series features clips from an interview we conducted with author Donald L. Miller. His book, Masters of the Air, has been made into a mini-series produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and is being aired on Apple TV.
This interview was conducted on Jan 17th, 2024, just a week before the series premiered! It covers a host of topics including his use of oral histories in his books, why he became interested in writing about WWII, what prompted him to write Masters of the Air and how it got selected by Spielberg to be the lastest epic produced on the story of WWII and much more!
Support the show
Subscriber-only episode
This series features clips from an interview we conducted with author Donald L. Miller. His book, Masters of the Air, has been made into a mini-series produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and is being aired on Apple TV.
This interview was conducted on Jan 17th, 2024, just a week before the series premiered! It covers a host of topics including his use of oral histories in his books, why he became interested in writing about WWII, what prompted him to write Masters of the Air and how it got selected by Spielberg to be the lastest epic produced on the story of WWII and much more!
In this fourth and final installment, Azeez reflects on the chaos he and the Iraqi people faced when the US Forces pulled out of Iraq and whether is was worth it. He also details the two years of purgatory (and danger!) he endured in Iraq as he waited to get his green card, to becoming a US citizen.
Support the show
Azeez served as an Iraqi interpreter during Operation Iraqi Freedom during the "Surge" as sectarian strife erupted during the US occupation of Iraq after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein and the Baath party.
In Episode 3, you'll hear what it was like for Azeez to be imbedded as an interpreter with a MiTT (e.g., Military Transition Team) whose role was to help transition Iraq from an occupied country to one led by a newly minted Iraqi government...and it did not go smoothly.
Support the show
Azeez served as an Iraqi interpreter during Operation Iraqi Freedom during the "Surge" as sectarian strife erupted during the US occupation of Iraq after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein and the Baath party.
In this episode, you'll hear Azeez talk about the tragedy his family endured due to sectarian violence and this path to becoming an interpreter for the US Armed forces.
Support the show
Subscriber-only episode
Azeez volunteered to assist the US Armed forces in Iraq as an interpreter during Operation Iraqi Freedom and the "Surge", when sectarian strife left Iraq in chaos. In this series, Azeez shares his account of having his father murdered by members of a local militia which led to Azeez becoming an interpreter where he was seen as a traitor...all while being exposed to the dangers affiliated with working on the front lines with the US Armed forces in what amounted to a civil war.
This is a timely conversation as recently released movies (i.e. "The Covenant" and "Interpreters Wanted") illustrate the bond interpreters had with their US-led teams and the fate of many of them after the US Armed forces left.
Azeez served as an Iraqi interpreter during Operation Iraqi Freedom during the "Surge" as sectarian strife erupted during the US occupation of Iraq after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein and the Baath party.
In this episode, Azeez shares what it was like growing up in southern Iraq as the war with Iran ended and a new war with the US -led coalition began, and the impact it had on him and his family.
Support the show
Here is bonus coverage from an interview we did with Ray Harris Jr. of The History of WWII Podcast, the most listened to WWII history podcast IN THE WORLD.
Ray has had the co-hosts (Tony and Ryan) on his show for the past three years and we felt it was worth sharing with our audience.
We also want to thank Ray for supporting our mission of collecting and sharing first hand person accounts from historical events that is The Warrior Next Door Podcast...
Enjoy!
Support the show
Welcome to the final episode of the Frank McClelland series cohosted by Peter Lion, David Brookins and Priscilla Forney. In Episode 2 we heard Frank describe the advance thru Paris, the fighting in the Hurtgen forest as well as his capture in the battle of the bulge. In this episode Frank discusses his time as a POW and describes his poor treatment as a returning POW after the war.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Frank McClelland series. In Episode 1, we were introduced to Frank by our guest cohosts Peter Lion, David Brookins and Priscilla Forney. In a self recorded interview, Frank describes entering the Army as a military policeman before Pearl Harbor and he covers his training, travel to England and move to France in the 28th Infantry Division were he see’s combat. Now Frank describes the advance thru Paris, and fighting in the Hurtgen forest as well as his capture in the battle of the bulge.
Support the show
Subscriber-only episode
Please join us for the Frank McClelland series, who was featured in the book The American Saint Nick. This however is his story in his own words, dissected through an audio recording that he made in the early 1990's. To help lend some personal anecdotes about Frank, we are honored to have co-hosts Peter Lion (author of "The American Saint Nick" and "Merge"), son of Richard Brookins (the original American Saint Nick) David Brookins and Frank's grand daughter Mrs. Priscilla Forney. Frank covers his training stateside, in England and his duties in France as the 28th Infantry fought across thru Paris, the Hurtgen Forest and ultimately Wiltz, Luxembourg where he fought in the outset of the battle of the bulge and became a POW. He then details his struggles after the war as a former POW and PTSD that stayed with him the rest of his life.
Welcome to Episode 1 of the three part Frank McClelland series. In this episode, we are introduced to Frank by our guest cohosts Peter Lion, David Brookins and Priscilla Forney. In a self recorded interview, Frank describes entering the Army as a military policeman before Pearl Harbor and he covers his training, travel to England and move to France in the 28th Infantry Division were he see’s combat.
Support the show
Is this final installment of the General Matz interview, he takes us through what it was like serving at a high level, with distinction, on the Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Obama and Trump administrations. And a whole lot more...
Support the show
In this second of three episodes, General Matz recalls being a part of the Riverine Forces in the Saigon Delta in 1967 and 1968, where he would disguising himself by earning the Silver Star for gallantry and our nation's second highest award for valor: The Distinguished Service Cross. He talks about his role in the Tet Offensive and it' aftermath.
Support the show
In this first episode, you'll hear General Matz as he describes his journey into the the armed forces by overcoming the effects of childhood polio as he starts his storied career as an airborne trooper during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Ole Miss riot of 1962 and the the early days of what would become the Vietnam War.
Support the show
Subscriber-only episode
This is the entire three-part series from our interview with Major General William Matz who served WITH DISTINCTION in the Vietnam war and on four presidential administrations. He would earn the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart, four Legion of Merit awards and the Army Distinguished Service Medal. He would also serve during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Ole Miss riot of 1962, Operation Just Cause and the terrorist attack in Riyadh.
Welcome to Episode 4, the final episode of the William Bratton series. In this episode William describes being in Tokyo Bay immediately after the surrender ceremony and then getting liberty in newly conquered Yokohama, Japan. He also describes enduring a typhoon aboard ship as well as his life after WWII.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 3 of the William Bratton series. In this episode he goes into combat in the pacific theater in a TBM Avenger and adjusts to life flying off of the escort carrier USS Kitkun Bay in VC-63.
Support the show
Welcome to episode 2 of the four part William Bratton series. In this episode we hear about his training experiences in the SBD Dauntless and Avenger.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 1 of the four part William Bratton series. In episode one we learn about William’s upbringing in Oklahoma and how his interest and natural aptitude in radio develops. We also hear how he chose the navy as his preferred branch of service.
Support the show
Subscriber-only episode
Welcome to the PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER William Bratton series – a person of native American heritage who became a Petty Officer and Radio Operator in TBM Avenger squadron VC-63 stationed aboard the escort carrier USS Kitkun Bay. During Mr. Bratton’s service he witnessed kamikaze attacks, endured a flying accident, participated in the bombing of Japan, and was in Tokyo Bay during the surrender as well as ferried allied POW’s out of Japan after the war in 1945. Tighten your chin strap and affix your headphones radioman! You are deep inside the belly of a TBM Avenger in charge of communications for your crew and without you, your crew and squadron are flying blind in a war zone.
Please join us for our next series featuring William Bratton – a person of native American heritage who became a Petty Officer and Radio Operator in TBM Avenger squadron VC-63 stationed aboard the escort carrier USS Kitkun Bay. During MR. Bratton’s service he witnessed kamikaze attacks, endured a flying accident, participated in the bombing of Japan, and was in Tokyo Bay during the surrender as well as ferried allied POW’s out of Japan after the war in 1945. Tighten your chin strap and affix your headphones radioman! You are deep inside the belly of a TBM Avenger in charge of communications for your crew and without you, your crew and squadron are flying blind in a war zone. Check this series out to hear more.
Support the show
Welcome to the final episode of the Ralph Hettick series. Join us now as we wrap up the battle of Okinawa and detail Ralph's journey back to the US due to his wound.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 3 of the 4 part Ralph Hettick series. In this episode Ralph moves to the invasion of Okinawa, the largest and costliest battle in the Pacific and would also be the last major land battle of WWII.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 2 of the 4 part Ralph Hettick series. . In this episode, we discuss the set up for the invasion of the Philippines and Ralph discusses the invasion of Leyte Island in the Philippines in October 20, 1944.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 1 of the 4 part Ralph Hettick series. In Episode 1 we learn about how Ralph entered the US Army and was immediately sent to the west coast for training before shipping out to the Pacific war. On his way he goes through the traditional US Navy “Shellback” hazing ceremony for crossing the equator.
Support the show
Subscriber-only episode
Welcome to our premium subscribers and to the full uncut Ralph Hettick series. Mr. Hettick was from central IL and served in the US Army's 96th Infantry Division - the "Deadeye's" - in the Pacific during WWII. There he fought in the lengthy battle for Leyte in the Philippines starting in October 1944 and immediately after went to fight in the battle for Okinawa on April 1, 1945 where he was severely wounded and sent back to the USA at wars end. Stay tuned for additional content at the end .
Our next series features WWII veteran and US Army Supply Sgt Ralph Hettick of the 96th Infantry Division. Imagine fighting in the jungles of the Philippines and then being shipped directly to the invasion of Okinawa. Be sure to listen in as Sgt Hettick details his odyssey with the Deadeye Division across the pacific. Heads up infantryman! You are carrying 48 lbs of C2 explosives thru the jungles of Okinawa and a Japanese soldier has you in his sights. What happens to you? Join us and find out.
Support the show
We have a first here on the podcast. We have never had a follow up interview with a next of kin of one of our featured veterans and we have that for you today. You may recall Keith Muntz: the 100 year old veteran who fought outside of Metz France and was taken prisoner in his first battle in November 1944, spending the rest of the war as a POW. His grandson Tony Vestel reached out to us and we have a follow up conversation with him for you to hear.
Support the show
In this final episode, James' travails from his 2 and half years in the Pacific continue. James will share where he was and how he felt when the war ended as a result of the US dropping two atomic bombs on Japan. You'll also hear about the celebration and ensuing court martial he and his battle buddy had to contend with! Listen in!
Support the show
In episode 3, James Jennings talks about the invasion of Okinawa, the most costly battle of the entire war in the Pacific. You'll hear him talk about the training and landing of the troops from the USS Talladega on Okinawa and more about the US Navy casualties from a Japanese military fanatically resisting an attack on their homeland.
Support the show
In episode 2 of the James Jennings, he'll share his experiences preparing for the invasion of Iwo Jima and what he saw when landed on beach to direct supplies and reinforcements from his ship the USS Talladega.
Support the show
Join us as signalman James Jennings discusses how he entered the US Navy during WWII and was trained to land on the invasion beaches of Iwo Jima and Okinawa to ensure our troops were supplies and reinforced as they fought against the fanatical Japanese Imperial Army and Marines.
Support the show
Subscriber-only episode
This is all 4 of the podcast episodes from James, Jennings, a signalman who served in the US Navy aboard the USS Talladega during WWII. James would land with the invasion force to help direct men and materiel during the battles for Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the occupation of Japan. This is only available for our subscribers.
Enjoy!
Hello Warrior Next Door fans. Next week we launch a series featuring a signalman who served in the US Navy aboard the USS Talladega; a Haskell class amphibious attack transport during WWII. James Jennings would land with the invasion force to help direct men and material during the battles for Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the occupation of Japan where she would be the first ship to dock at Yokohama.
Signalman! Every mothers son is counting on you. See the job thru to victory.
Join us next week!
Support the show
Join us as we share Alfred Cramer's experiences as a B-17 navigator aboard their bomber, "The Diplomat", that endured an incredible amount of punishment during his time in combat from August - December of 1944.
In this last installment we hear STILL MORE of his experiences during the war and how it affected his life when he returned home from combat.
Support the show
Join us as we share Alfred Cramer's experiences as a B-17 navigator aboard their bomber, "The Diplomat", that endured an incredible amount of punishment during his time in combat from August - December of 1944.
This third of a four part series continues to explore his time in combat and the immense losses he observed from the bomber streams as they slowly bring the Nazi war machine to its knees.
Support the show
Join us as we share Alfred Cramer's experiences as a B-17 navigator aboard their bomber, "The Diplomat", that endured an incredible amount of punishment during his time in combat from August - December of 1944.
This second of a four part series dives into his time in combat and some of the raids he participated in as well as the conditions flying at 30,000' in a cold, unpressurized bomber.
Support the show
Subscriber-only episode
Join us as we share Alfred Cramer's experiences as a B-17 navigator aboard their bomber, "The Diplomat", that endured an incredible amount of punishment during his time in combat from August - December of 1944.
As a subscriber, you'll hear the ENTIRE series. Strap in!
Join us as we share Alfred Cramer's experiences as a B-17 navigator aboard their bomber, "The Diplomat", that endured an incredible amount of punishment during his time in combat from August - December of 1944. This first episode speaks to his time as a newly minted navigator in the 8th Air Force!
Support the show
Hey Warrior Next Door Podcast Listeners! You will want to tune in for our next series featuring 1st Lt Alfred Cramer; a B-17G Navigator with the 8th Air Force as he participates in the heavy bombing campaigns to take out German war industry in the fall of 1944. You will hear about several very near misses, how he was wounded by flak on a bombing run and tangled with the famous Luftwaffe ME-262, the world’s first operational jet fighter.
Attention First Lt! You are in the dark industrial skies of Germany fighting man and machine. There are bogeys on your tail and your bomber is getting shredded by flak. Stay on course and fulfill your duty as you lead your plane and crew thru hell and back.
Support the show
Welcome to episode 3 of the Keith Muntz series. In Episode 2, we heard Keith tell us about the disastrous mission to take Fereau Mill outside of La Meziers Le Metz, France and his subsequent capture. Listen now as Keith continues his narrative on survival in Stalag 12A, his liberation and journey home.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 2 of the 3 part Keith Muntz series. In the last episode we heard of Keith's training and travel to France. Join us now as Keith heads into battle near Metz, FR.
Support the show
Welcome to Episode 1 of the 3 part Keith Muntz series. Keith trained in the newly formed 95th Infantry Division and was brought to Europe in August of 1944. In this first episode, Keith describes his upbringing, his training and trip across the Atlantic to Fortress Europe
Support the show
Subscriber-only episode
Welcome to the premium subscriber Keith Muntz series, uncut in its entirety. Keith was a staff sgt and squad leader in the newly formed 377th Infantry Regiment of the 95th Infantry Division. He would enter action near Metz, France in November 1944 and after some wild fighting became a prisoner of war shortly after. This is Keith's story and he was 100 years old when we conducted this interview in December 2021.
Imagine – you are a squad leader in November 1944 just outside of German held Metz, France and you are part of a newly formed, untested infantry division. This is the divisions first ever combat action. You have just gotten your orders to launch a frontal night assault on a german held mill, across an open valley with german artillery holding the high ground just beyond it. This is the story we will explore with 100 year old S/Sgt Keith Muntz of the 377th IR of the 95th ID. Prepare to dodge artillery and mines Soldier, you are part of the division that will become known as “The Iron Men of Metz” and your fate is uncertain.
Support the show
Welcome to the final episode of the 5 part Leo Westerholm series. In this episode Leo gets liberated by the Russians and witnesses the brutality of war. He makes his way back home where he was treated with disdain for being a POW. And finally we fast forward to June 2022 where Tony and I go to his capture location in France to pay homage to Leo where we experience a very powerful and unexpected moment - and you are there with us.
Support the show
Hello Warrior Next Door friends - we have two big announcements to tell you about.
FIRST
We just launched our merchandise store on Etsy.com. If you find our mission at the warrior next door podcast worthwhile, please consider visiting our Etsy store and check out our merchandise. The proceeds will help us cover our costs such as website fee’s, podcast distribution fee’s, online recording fee’s and travel expenses. As you know, our mission is to honor veterans who have fought to preserve our freedom as well as educate future generations. As our veterans fade into history, we believe it is up to all of us to pick up the torch and continue to hold dear the values, experiences, lessons and gifts our veterans have imparted - so that new generations can stand on their shoulders.
To check out our stuff, go to etsy.com and search for the Warrior Next Door podcast store. You can also visit our Facebook page or https://www.thewarriornextdoor.com/ to find a link to the store.
SECOND
Are you tired of waiting each week for a new episode in the series to be published? Well, sign up now for our premium subscription program where you will get each new series available to you uncut in its entirety on the release day of the first episode. No more waiting from week to week as the previous episode just ended on a cliffhanger - now you can binge listen to the entire series when the first episode comes out. Don’t worry, you can still listen for free as you always have. Go to the warrior next door podcast Facebook page or https://www.thewarriornextdoor.com/ and look for the premium subscriber link and sign up. You can sign up anytime and cancel anytime.
We also want to note that ten percent of all net proceeds for the Etsy store and the subscriber service will go to a veteran supporting charity. Thanks for listening guys and thanks for your support!
Support the show
Welcome to the Leo Westerholm series. In this episode, Leo details his transport across France and into Germany by train to his first POW camp and horrible conditions and experiences that he endured. He also recalls running the sick ward in Stalag IVB and his responsibility to bury 135 POWs who died in the camp.
Welcome to Episode 3 of the 5 part Leo Westerholm series. In episode three we hear all about Leo’s capture and early hours as a newly captured prisoner of war.
Welcome to Episode 2 of the 5 part Leo Westerholm series, a combat medic who jumped on D-Day near Carentan France. In this episode, we hear about Leo's time in England, his jump into Normandy and his capture at 1:30 am June 6, 1944.
Welcome to Episode 1 of the 5 part Leo Westerholm series. In this episode we introduce you to Leo: a combat medic with the 501st PIR of the 101st Airborne training to jump into Normandy at 1 am on D-Day.
Imagine being a paratrooper in the 101st airborne in your C 47 flying across the English Channel at 1 AM on June 6, 1944. What must be going through your mind as you hear artillery and flack, growing louder and louder as you approach the Normandy coast? Well, join us for this very compelling D-Day series about Combat Medic Leo Westerholm who parachuted into Normandy on D-Day at 1:30 in the morning, was captured by the German Army and became a POW for the rest of the war. Stand up and hook up paratrooper! Those flashes of light outside aren't lightning: it's flack and YOU are about to jump out of the door unarmed into the black of night with the enemy waiting for you below.
In this final installment of the series, Henry hits rock bottom. A place most of us have never had to dwell in. More importantly, it's the story of reclaiming his life and searching for redemption. This is a story all too common for our servicemen and women...
In Episode 2 Henry shares his experiences during his second deployment as part of a MEU, a Marine Expeditionary Unit. His stories on his exploits at various ports of call are NSFW and hilarious!
The episode ends with Henry suffering setbacks as his personal life starts to unravel from PTS associated with the suicide of two of his close friends.
In Episode 1, Henry describes the pride he felt joining the USMC after the World Trade Center bombing and how he felt a sense of purpose when he was deployed to Afghanistan to support the MARSOC troops stationed there.
Hello warrior next door listeners - please join us for our next series featuring Sergeant Henry Friedenberger III; a Marine Corps veteran of the Gulf War. We follow Henry as he joins the Marine Corps shortly after 9/11, gets deployed in a Marine Expeditionary Unit and finds his calling in life. However, it all comes unraveled as PTSD begins taking a toll on his friends, his marriage and his life. Its a fresh story of redemption that is still underway as Henry put his life back together after writing a book called "10 rules to succeed like a Marine". Please join us for this incredible story!
The Battle of Midway played a pivotal role in the change in momentum in the war in the Pacific but are you aware of the role that Nimitz's submarines played in the battle? Please join us as we talk to author and military historian Mark W. Allen as we discuss his book "Midway Submerged: American and Japanese Operations at the Battle of Midway - May-June 1942". We also discuss his book "Leader of the Pack: The Fleet Submarine USS Batfish in WWII" in addition to his upcoming book about the 2nd Sharpshooters Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg.
The Battle of Midway played a pivotal role - if not THE pivotal role in the change in momentum in the war in the Pacific but are you aware of the role that Admiral Nimitz's submarines played in the battle? Please join us as we talk to author and military historian Mark W. Allen as we discuss his book "Midway Submerged: American and Japanese Operations at the Battle of Midway - May-June 1942" in addition to his other books.
As we hit the 100,000 milestone in downloads for the podcast (likely with this very episode) a few listeners of the show asked to interview US. So join us for this fun hour long conversation as we reflect on the show up to this point and what goes into the making of the show.
HELLO WARRIOR NEXT DOOR LISTENERS! Hey - Please join us for our next episode as we celebrate the 100,000 download milestone in our podcasts life. In the upcoming episode, the tables will be turned on Tony and I. Some fans of the show will come to the Green Barn to interview US. Not sure what to make of that but there will likely be some awkward pauses, This episode will be recorded in the next few days between this preview and the airing on Monday. So if you have a question that you would like asked to Tony or I or a comment or idea about the show and its future, please go to either the Warrior Next Door Podcast Facebook page or the website and post your questions by noon April 22 2023. This should be fun so please join us!
Welcome to the final episode in the Gerard Daley series. In this episode Gerard discusses his path of combat thru Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines as we well as the impact the war had on him.
In a Warrior Next Door first, we offer an addendum to the second episode of the Gerard Daley Series to provide additional information on how Archie Mitchell overcame the loss of his wife, Elsie, and their five friends from a Japanese balloon bomb explosion on May 5, 1945. These deaths were the "Only place on the American Continent Where Death Resulted from Enemy Action During WWII".
In this episode, we discuss other Japanese submarine attacks along the west coast of the United States during WWII as well as his additional training he undertook before he would ship out for Australia.
Welcome to Episode 1 of the 3 part Gerard Daley series. Mr. Daley served in the Western Defense Command and the First Cavalry 49th Field Artillery. In this episode Gerard discusses his entry into the military prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, and witnessing the Japanese sub I-17 shell an oil refinery near Santa Barbara California and the ensuing panic.
Welcome back Warrior Next Door listeners. Imagine manning a coastal gun north of Santa Barbara, CA in early 1942 and seeing a huge Japanese submarine steam past your gun sights. You are ordered not to fire on it and then witness it shell an oil refinery: the first bombardment of US shores since the War of 1812. This was the experience of Sgt Gerard Daley who served in the Western Defense Command in 1942 and then the First Cavalry in the Pacific Theater. Warning Citizen! Our homes are in danger now! Come along on this next series as we explore the west coast panic that ensued after the bombardment of our coast by the Japanese submarine I-17.
Join us for an exclusive, behind the scenes tour of the storied Liberation House in St Laurent sur mer, the first house liberated by the allies on Omaha Beach and a focal point for the French Resistance prior to the invasion!
Episode 2 will focus on the people who lived in the area of St Laurent sur mer under NAZI occupation, many of whom joined the resistance movement and helped provide critical information to the allies prior to the invasion on June 6th, 1944.
This episode also shares the conflict the Olard family endured in the community after the war and how it was brought to a righteous conclusion by his great nephew and current owner of the Liberation House, Sebastian Olard.
Join us for an exclusive, behind the scenes tour of the storied Liberation House in St Laurent sur mer, the first house liberated by the allies on Omaha Beach and a focal point for the French Resistance prior to the invasion!
Episode 1 describes the history of the Liberation House as shared by the owner, Sebastian Olard, whose great uncles served in the local resistance movement during the war. Sebastian provided Bill Parker and our families access to this historic building during our trip to Normandy on June 6, 2022 where we learned a little bit about a small part of a big war!
Please join us for a short 2 part series as we set foot inside La Maison de la Liberation or the Liberation House. This is a richly fascinating story of intrigue that we learned of on our trip to Normandy in June 2022 and entails the story of the first home liberated on D-Day just up from Omaha Beach, its French occupants who were involved in the French resistance against the German occupation, accusations of collaboration, and the eventual recent clearing of the family name. Watch your back Mon Amie and be careful to whom you speak. The filthy bosch are everywhere and the citizens of st Laurent sur mer will stop at nothing to push them out. VIVA LE FRANCE!!
In this episode we hear of the kamikaze attacks against the ship and divert to a short discussion on a topic Mr Edwards brings up, the destroyer USS Abner Reed, as well as the gory role Mr Edwards had to endure in body recovery after a kamikaze attack.
Welcome to Episode 3 of the four part Allan Edwards series where we follow a Bugler aboard the battleship USS California during the second half of WWII. In this episode, the action starts heating up for Allan as he endures the Battle of Leyte Gulf and kamikazes aboard the battleship USS California.
Welcome to Episode 2 of the four part Allan Edwards series. In this episode Mr Edwards discusses his role as a bugler as he served aboard during the USS California’s actions in late summer 1944.
Welcome to the four part Allan Edwards series – an Oklahoman who served during WWII aboard the USS California as Bugler . In Episode 1 Mr Edwards discusses his entry into the Navy and eventually being shipped to the south pacific to Epiritu Santo to serve aboard the storied battleship the USS California. We also cover the damage the California sustained at Pearl Harbor where she was sunk, its raising, repair and triumphant return to service against Japan.
Hello Warrior Next Door Podcast listeners and fans! Please listen in to our next series featuring Mr Allan Edwards, a bugler aboard the battleship USS California during WWII. You will hear about the damage and sinking of the USS California in Pearl Harbor, its raising, repair and triumphant return to service in 1944 as well as Mr Edwards role as a bugler aboard the ship and her role in the battle of Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa. Step aboard sailor! Uncle Sam is calling on YOU to avenge Pearl Harbor. Let’s hit em - with EVERYTHING we’ve got!
The final installment, Episode 4, of the Obie O'Brien Series features commentary and first hand accounts of his impression of allied and German aircraft, the German fighter pilots he faced, his injury during the war and how the Lend-Lease P-39s airplanes he delivered to the Russians may have contributed to the Cold War!
The fight for air superiority prior to the June 6, 1944 D-Day landings are on full display in this third installment of the Obie O'Brien Series! Please join us as we hear first hand accounts from Obie about specific missions that involved legends of WWII aviation that include Chuck Yeager, Bud Anderson and Michal Gladych!
In Episode 2 you'll hear Obie talk about being assigned to the 357th Fighter group as part of the Eight Air Force during the air war over Europe in WW2. He'll describe his introduction to the P-51 Mustang, the missions he flew and the tactics a fighter pilot needed to learn if he wanted to survive a dogfight with a skilled and determined enemy, the German Luftwaffe.
You're going to enjoy this first of a four part series featuring the fighter ace William R. "Obie" O'Brien! Listen in as he describes his journey to become a fighter pilot flying the legendary P-51 Mustang with the storied 357th Fighter Group!
You'll also hear commentary from our guest host John "OSCER" Nowakowski, an active duty F-16 Viper fighter pilot who masterfully connects the experiences of warfighters from the past with those from the present day.
Hello Warrior Next Door listeners! Please join us for our next series featuring a P-51 ace from the European Theater of Operations. We will feature none another than William “Obie” OBrien who flew with the Yoxford Boys: the famed 357th Fighter Group of the Mighty 8th air force. This squadron would generate 42 aces including Bud Anderson and Chuck Yeager. Tighten your oxygen mask and strengthen your grip flyer. “Some boys are just born with the sky in their soul” and your soul is taking on the mighty Luftwaffe over Europe in the spring of 1944.
Welcome to the final episode of the Wish Lemons series. In this episode we hear about Wish's experience after transitioning off of the USS San Francisco as well as his unique skills he put to use after the war as a counselor to oilfield workers.
Welcome to Episode 2 of the 3 part Wish Lemons series. In this episode, you hear about Wish's experience at sea as the Captain's Talker aboard the USS San Francisco during the early days of WWII just after Pear Harbor.
Welcome to Episode 1 of the 3 part Wish Lemons series. This is a remarkable story of a young man who joins the Navy and thru a SNAFU, gets transferred to the heavy cruiser USS San Francisco just a few days after the Pearl Harbor attack with NO BOOT CAMP OR TRAINING. His experience is as amazing as it is terrifying. In this episode we meet Wish Lemons and hear how he got into the Navy.
What would you do if you joined the Navy during WWII, were told to report to your ship, and went aboard all before you have had any basic training? In fact, you go aboard still in your civilian clothes and suitcase! That is precisely what happened to Wish Lemons. Thru a SNAFU he was sent from the west coast directly to Pearl Harbor which was attacked while he was on route. Arriving on Dec 10, 1941, the still smoldering Pearl Harbor would be where he would transfer to the heavy cruiser USS San Francisco.
But what do you do with a guy aboard ship in wartime with NO TRAINING? Well you will find out.
MAN THE GUNS Sailor. You are heading to sea, with no training aboard a ship known for heavy fighting in the dark days after Pearl Harbor in 1942.
Welcome to the final episode of the 4 part “The American St Nick” series: a reading of the true WWII story brought to us by Emmy award winning producer and writer Peter Lion.
In this episode Chapters 13 and 14 will be read by Marie Anne Schweig, the daughter of the man who initiated the search for Richard Brookins: Jeanly Schweig; Chapter 15 and "Of Note" will be read by author Peter Lion and the addendum “The Colmar Incident” will be read by Ryan Fairfield.
Welcome to Episode 3 of the 4 part “The American St Nick” series: a reading of the true WWII story brought to us by Emmy award winning producer and writer Peter Lion.
In this episode Chapters 9 and 10 will be read by Don Brookins (son of Richard Brookins) and Chapters 11 and 12 will be read by your co-host Ryan Fairfield.
Welcome to Episode 2 of the exclusive 4 part reading of Peter Lion's "The American St Nick". In this episode Chapters 5 and 6 will be read by the daughter of Richard Brookins: Carol Brookins-Northrup and Chapters 7and 8 will be read by Richard Brookins eldest son , David Brookins.
Welcome to Episode 1 of an exclusive Warrior Next Door Podcast presentation. A full reading of the true WWII story “The American St Nick”. It is the remarkable story of a few GI’s of the 28th Infantry Division who brought Christmas to the children of the small war torn town of Wiltz, Luxembourg on the eve of the Battle of the Bulge. In this episode, Chapters 1 and 2 are read by the author Peter Lion; chapters 3 and 4 are read by your podcast co-host Tony Lupo. Notably, this episode will air on Monday Dec 5, 2022: 78 years to the day that the actual event happened during WWII.
During the month of December, we have an exclusive Christmas gift for the listeners of The Warrior Next Door Podcast. Join us as we do a full reading of the true WWII story “The American St Nick”. It is the remarkable story of a few GI’s of the 28th Infantry Division who brought Christmas to the children of the small war torn town of Wiltz, Luxembourg on the eve of the Battle of the Bulge. This story will make you proud and is a fine example set by our WWII men in uniform showing the best of what humanity has to offer in a time when we were seeing what the worst of humanity could do. This book does not exist as an audio book and for the first time, will be read by several narrators including the Emmy award winning author Peter Lion, the children of key characters in the story, as well as your podcast hosts Tony and Ryan. Don’t miss this exclusive special presentation unique to this podcast that will warm your heart. Notably the first episode will air on Monday Dec 5, 2022: 78 years to the day that the actual event happened during WWII
Hello Warrior Next Door listeners! This is a unique 1 episode "series" in which we are honored to be hosting the author and former NBS Sports/ESPN Sports Center director Peter Lion. We will get to know Peter and discuss his books written about two very unique true stories from WWII. His first book "The American St. Nick" chronicles the true story of a handful of soldiers from 28th Infantry Division who brought a unique St. Nicholas Day to the war torn children of Wiltz, Luxembourg just 10 days before the Battle of the Bulge broke out. We also discuss his second book "Merg" written about a fallen GI, George Mergenthaler, who was so beloved by the citizens of Eschweiler, Luxembourg, that they dedicated a church to the memory of him. It is the only church in the world that exists in tribute to a single specific WWII GI.
Welcome to the final episode of the Jim Thomas series. In this episode Jim discusses his decisions that he made during missions late in his tour to help everyone get home safely and his eventual rotation out as well as his post war career.
Welcome to Episode 4 of the Jim Thomas series. In this episode, Jim discusses his transition from the scout helicopter to the Cobra, he discusses its capabilities and also the use of B-52's in the war.
Welcome to Episode 3 of the 5 part Jim Thomas series. In this episode Jim discusses his experiences getting shot down twice in three days only two weeks after arriving in Vietnam.
Welcome to episode 2 of the 5 part Jim Thomas series, a Cobra helicopter pilot in Vietnam. In this episode Jim discusses his military training in the US as well his "on the job" training in action in Vietnam.
Welcome to Episode 1 of the 5 part Jim Thomas series. Jim was a Warrant Officer and Cobra helicopter pilot who served in the 1st Cavalry from February 1970 - February 1971 in Vietnam. In this first episode we discuss the background history on how the Vietnam war started and also discuss Jim's decision to join directly from college.
Welcome to our next series featuring Vietnam Helicopter pilot Jim Thomas. Mr. Thomas flew Cobra gunships with the First Calvary starting in February 1970 in Vietnam. The Cobra gunship was a new attack helicopter to be used in tandem with smaller scout helicopters to flush out enemy and work with scouts on the ground. His story is fascinating and he even survived a few crashes.
Welcome to Episode 2 of the two part Dale Kooyenga series. In this episode we will hear more about Kooyenga's experiences navigating the wartime action in Iraq, his perception of Iraq today and his arrival back home from Iraq where he would enjoy a political career as a State Representative and Senator for Wisconsin. Lt Col. Kooyenga also discusses his company "Hero Cards" which is meant to celebrate greatness by drawing attention to those who have died defending our nation in all wars.
Welcome to the Dale Kooyenga series. Join us as we speak with Lt Col. Dale Kooyenga who in this first episode of two, discusses how 9/11 impacted him, his decision to join the US Army, his experiences in boot camp and his arrival in Iraq at the beginning of the "surge".
Please join us for our new series starting next week featuring Lt Col Dale Kooyenga. Lt Col Kooyenga joined the Army after 9/11 and served in civil affairs early in the Iraq surge dealing with debaathification of Iraqi’s while working in a hot combat zone. His perspective on everything from working with Iraqi’s to fear of being killed in a portapotty is covered here. So please tune in and check out a great story from one of our more recent veterans and hear about his endeavor called Hero Cards which intends to immortalize soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Welcome to the final episode of the Marta Warner story. In this episode Marta discusses seeing the first American troops marching into her town, how she was able to get C rations and how her mother had to be denazified. Marta also tells us how she ended up in the USA, how the war affected her perception of government and her observations on charismatic leaders.
Welcome to Episode 4 of the 5 part Marta Warner series. In this episode Marta continues with the odyssey of survival for her family as they flee on a open air train in the winter of 44-45, one of the coldest winters on record in Europe. Starvation, malnutrition and misery becomes all the more intense as her family is caught in the pressure cooker of a country being squeezed from all sides.
Welcome to Episode 3 of the 5 part Marta Warner series, a Hitler Youth and survivor of WWII. In this episode Marta tells of her experience surviving a bombing that hit her school and being nearly trampled. She describes the sights and sounds and sheer fear of allied bombings. Her family was sent to Silesia in eastern Germany where her father was separated from her family and her mother, brother and Marta had to flee the advancing Russians.
Welcome to Episode 2 of the 5 part Marta Warner series, a Hitler Youth student and survivor of WWII. In this episode Marta describes her experience witnessing the chilling effect of Nazi control and the effect it had on her family and neighbors. She also describes the indoctrination that came with being a member of the Hitler Youth which was automatic for 10 years olds. She also discusses the creeping Nazism and incrementalism that eroded the privacy and freedoms of the German citizen without their realization.
Welcome to the Marta Warner series. In this first episode Marta describes the abrupt changes in education that came with the influence of the Nazi government in society. She also describes pushing back on the revisionist history being taught. In 5th grade she was selected to attend a state sponsored school due to her IQ but unless her family could pay for it, the government would fund it and her family would have no say in her education.
Please join us for a very impactful series featuring Marta Warner, a German girl who grew up during the rise and fall of Hitler and Nazi Germany. Her stories of the abrupt change of education in elementary school as Nazism took hold, her indoctrination as a Hitler Youth and ensuing odyssey of survival as the walls of Hitler's Third Reich came crashing down will provide a never before told perspective of being on the business end of the allied war effort. Her experiences provide a cautionary tale to present day people of the telltale indications of creeping fascism.
Welcome to the final episode of the Ken Thomas series. In this episode we hear about the living conditions for him in the theater as well as the politics behind General Stillwell's forming of a group called Merrill's Marauders.
Welcome to Episode 3 of the four part Ken Thomas series! In this episode, Ken talks about his Odyssey traveling to the China Burma India theater and what typical missions were like for him during the war.
Welcome to Episode 2 of the four part Ken Thomas series. In this episode Mr. Thomas discusses his training and what it was like to fly the P-47 Thunderbolt. We also get some colorful anecdotes from our guest co-hosts TSgt Nick Lasher and Major John Nowakowski of the Oklahoma Air National Guard 138th Tactical Fighter Wing.
Welcome to Episode 1 of the four part Ken Thomas Series. 2nd Lt Thomas was a fighter pilot flying the fabled fighter-bomber P-47 Thunderbolt in the China Burma India Theater against Japanese targets as part of the 88 Fighter Squadron of the 80th Fighter Group. In this episode Ken talks about his efforts to get into the fighter training program and we also introduce our guest co-hosts from the Oklahoma Air National Guard 138th Tactical Fighter Wing.
Have you ever wondered what today's fighter pilot shares with a WWII fighter pilot? Our next series covers this as we feature WWII P47 Thunderbolt pilot 2nd Lt Ken Thomas who flew in the China Burma India Theater with the 88th Fighter Squadron of the 80th Fighter Group. We also have 2 active duty military guest co-hosts from the Oklahoma Air Nat Guard 138th Tactical Fighter Wing to provide a modern military perspective on these roles. Tighten your goggles and check your mae west, 2ndLt. You are flying ground support against the Japanese in the skies over China during WWII in the almighty fighter-bomber- the "Jug".
Welcome to the final episode in the Back to Normandy Series featuring WWII 116th Infantry Regiment veteran TSgt Bill Parker, who landed in the first wave on Omaha Beach on D-Day. In this final episode, we attend a memorial service for an atrocity committed against the 82nd Airborne on D-Day and then we return to Omaha Beach for a second time on the trip with Bill.
Welcome to Episode 4 in the Back to Normandy Series featuring TSgt Bill Parker of the 116th Infantry Regiment, who landed in the first wave on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. In this episode, we follow our group of WWII veterans to the American cemetery at Colleville, stand at the scenic overlook - looking down on Omaha Beach and visit the grave of Bill's commanding officer on D-Day, Captain Laurence Madill.
Welcome to Episode 3 of the Back to Omaha Beach with TSGT Bill Parker of the 116th Infantry Regiment Series. In this episode Mr. Parker attends mass at Angoville au Plain, a small church with extraordinary D-Day history. Later he is welcomed to a small ceremony at La Maison de la Liberation, the first house liberated on Omaha Beach. And finally, Bill sets foot on Omaha Beach for the first time in 78 years.
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Back to Normandy series with TSGT Bill Parker who landed on the first wave of Omaha Beach in Company E of the 116th Infantry Regiment. In this episode, we cover June 2nd and 3rd, 2022 where Bill attends a private meeting with the mayor of Valogne, France and hears of the gratitude the french people have toward their liberators. Later he goes to Saint Mere Eglise and meets students and active duty military from several nations. On June 4 he attends a special meeting with school children in Bricquebec, France.
Welcome to a NEW series featuring TSGT Bill Parker of the 116th Infantry Regiment chronicling his trip back to Normandy for the first time in 78 years. In this episode, you will hear how the trip came to be, how Bill decided to go and learn about his first day back on French soil where he would meet the French family that would host him during his 6 day stay.
Please join us for this very special series as we chronicle the journey of TSGT Bill Parker back to Omaha Beach and Normandy for the 78th anniversary of D-Day. We featured Mr. Parker in an earlier series where he described his experience landing in the first wave with the 116th and his fight across 600 miles of war torn Europe. Now he has gone back to Normandy for the first time in 78 years, but this time by his own choice. Listen as he felt the love and gratitude from French citizens, experienced families and children playing on the very beaches he landed upon and witnessed the healing and remembrance of a nation liberated 78 years ago. Please join us for this moving look at history and healing.
Hello Listeners! This is a short mid year update to let you know of several projects we have going on in addition to a preview of what is in store for the remainder of 2022. We are also letting you know that we are taking a short break for a vacation and associated project. We will be back with a new series on Monday July 4, just a few short weeks from now. Thank you to all who listen, we sincerely appreciate your continued support.
In honor of the 78th anniversary of D-Day, we are replaying an encore episode of the Bill Parker series. This episode is Episode 3 of his series and aired 3/21/2022. T/SGT Parker landed as Private Parker at H-Hour, the first man off of his landing craft on Omaha Beach on D-Day June 6, 1944 with the 116th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division . He was a wire cutter who was the first man off his landing craft and made it across the beach; surviving the withering machine gun fire directed at his team. After he blew the wire obstacle, he found that the rest of the men behind him on his landing craft were killed by artillery before they could exit the landing craft. He fought with other nearby soldiers against the German strongholds with only his rifle and grenades. Later that morning as the advance stalled, American warships fired their big guns from just off shore to knock out the bunkers, the shells flying in only 6 feet over Bill's head. He lost most of his hearing on D-Day.
As you listen, please give thanks to the young men who fought and died on that day and never forget what they gave to not only Europe but the world.
Welcome to the final episode in the 5 part Harold Dunn series featuring guest co-host and author Marilyn Walton. In this final episode Mr Dunn will detail the evacuation of Stalag Luft III as the Russian Army approaches from the east, the POW's hardship marching in the bitter cold to Stalag 7A at Moosburg and their eventual liberation.
Welcome to episode 4 in the 5 part Harold Dunn series featuring guest co-host and author Marilyn Walton. In this episode, we will feature some great stories about what it was like in the camp immediately after the great escape took place, some notable characters who were in Stalag Luft III, allied clandestine projects underway within the wire of the camp in addition to insight into how the men physically survived as a POW.
Welcome to episode 3 in the 5 part Harold Dunn series featuring guest co-host and author Marilyn Walton. In this episode Mr. Dunn details his bail out from his flaming B-17 over Germany, his attempt at evasion and eventual capture, his interrogation and internment into Stalag Luft 3 as well as how he helped with the infamous "Great Escape".
Welcome to Episode 2 of the 5 part Harold Dunn series on the Warrior Next Door Podcast. In this episode, we’re going to hear about Mr. Dunn's transition from the Army National Guard to the US Army Air Corps, his pilot training in B-17s as well as his assignment to the 306th Bomb Group stationed at RAF Thurleigh. We also hear about his early missions over Germany.
Welcome to Episode 1 of the 5 part series featuring B-17 Co-Pilot and Prisoner Of War Harold Dunn. In this episode, Mr. Dunn describes his life before entering the Army National Guard BEFORE WWII began as well as his training and upward movement through the ranks. We also introduce our first guest co-host, author Marilyn Walton who is a subject matter expert on the experience of the downed airman over Nazi Germany and also on Stalag Luft III where Harold Dunn was interned. This is an information packed series so please don't miss it!
Please join us of the next series featuring Harold Dunn, a B-17 pilot who was shot down over Germany and interned as a Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft III. This is the same POW camp where the Great Escape took place and Mr. Dunn will detail his role in it. We are also proud to announce our first ever guest co-host for this series, author Marilyn Walton. Ms. Walton is the foremost expert on the downed airman experience, Stalag Luft III and it's liberation. Strap on your parachute, Airman! Your B-17 is aflame and you are bailing out over Nazi Germany. Please join us for the most information packed series yet on the Warrior Next Door Podcast!
Welcome to the final episode in the Gerald Gentis series. In this episode, Mr. Gentis details his first mission, describes the first B-17 his crew was assigned, "Mr. Lucky", his experience surviving 2 crash landings, the harrowing nature of formation flying, witnessing his old B-17 Mr. Lucky breaking in two in a mid air collision and an accompanying very extraordinary story of survival.
Welcome to EPISODE 2 of the 3 part Gerald Gentis series! In this episode we will hear Mr Gentis describe his brief transfer to a B-29 crew, his family's heritage in early aviation, his role as a tail gunner and togglier on a B-17, shooting down an ME-109 fighter and two "quirks" of fate that have deeply impacted him since WWII.
Welcome to Series 10! In this series we follow the experiences of Staff Sgt Gerald Gentis, who flew 30 missions as a Tail Gunner and Togglier in B-17g's of the 548th Bomb Squadron 385th Bomb Group of the Mighty Eight Air Force while stationed in Great Ashfield, England. In this episode Mr Gentis recalls how he enlisted in the military, his whirlwind training and being assigned to a B-17 crew heading to Europe to take the fight to Germany's military industrial complex.
BONUS EPISODE! Join us for our first bonus episode we call our AIR RAID edition featuring combat engineer Patrick Flynn who deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Mr. Flynn worked in route clearance and survived a traumatic brain and spine injury from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Upon returning home after his tour, he started a successful grilling spice company called "Frag Out Flavor". Please join us!
https://fragoutflavor.com/
Join us for our next series featuring B-17 Tail Gunner and Togglier Staff Sgt Gerald Gentis who flew 30 missions in the skies over Germany as part of the 548th Bomb Squadron/385th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force stationed in Great Ashfield Suffolk, England. SSgt Gentis takes us down the path of a B-17 crew member explaining his training and service and detailing some extraordinary stories of survival in the skies over Europe. Please join us!
In this final episode of the Bill Parker series, after linking up with the Russian Army at the River Elbe, T/Sgt Parker makes it to Victory in Europe day but his trip home is delayed after a jeep accident. He also tells us a great story about an orphaned boy who sought help from Bill and his unit, how Bill took care of him and how that young boy was smuggled back to the US on a troop ship. Bill also talks very poignantly about his struggles with PTSD that continue to this day as a 97 year old man.
In this episode 5 of the Bill Parker series, Bill tells us about the fog of war fighting from town to town, not knowing where you were and the horrible waste of life he witnessed as a squad and platoon leader. He also tells us about being on the outskirts of the Battle of the Bulge fighting, being wounded twice which nearly resulted in losing his foot as well as other stories from his 650 mile march across Europe.
IN episode 4 of 6, Sgt Parker talks about becoming a squad leader, facing the fearsome German 88mm artillery in battle, the fight in the hedgerows immediately after the D-Day landings, culminating in the battle at St. Lo France.
In episode 3 of this series, Bill takes us into his traumatic D-Day experience landing with Company E of the 116th Regiment, 29th Division in the first wave at Omaha Beach. Being first off of his landing craft onto Omaha Beach, he and 5 guys raced across the beach under fire with the job of cutting the barbed wire for the men behind them. A group of displaced soldiers began to follow Bill and his leadership earned him a battlefield promotion from private to sergeant on D-Day + 1.
In episode 2 of this 6 part series, Mr. Parker tells more stories of his teen years, riding horseback in weekend rodeo's and courting the girl who would later become his wife. He also discusses how he ultimately was drafted into the US Army in WWII and trained to be an infantryman using the greatest battle weapon ever devised, according to Gen. Patton: the M1 Garand rifle.
Welcome to Episode 1 of the 6 part series featuring Tech Sgt Bill Parker who landed in the first wave on Omaha Beach on D-Day with Co. E of the 116th Reg 29th Div. In this episode Bill talks about his great life growing up in SE Oklahoma during the Great Depression and how he spent his youth as a cowboy breaking horses, roping calves and getting into a little trouble also.
Please join us next week as we begin our fantastic series featuring 97 year old TSgt Bill Parker of the 116th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division as he talks about his life growing up in SE Oklahoma as a true cowboy and then as a wire cutter in Company E in the first wave landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day. He lost much of his hearing on D-Day as the US Navy shelled German fortification WN 62 literally right over his head. Mr. Parker was promoted from Private to Sgt on D-Day + 1 at Viervile Sur Mer and walked over 600 miles across Europe as a squad and platoon leader.
In this final episode in the Edward Patterson series, Col. Patterson discusses the end of the war and rather than going home back over the hump, which he knew to be extremely dangerous, he chose to go home eastward through Shanghai. He also discusses an amusing story in which he and a buddy single handedly evicted a Japanese garrison out of a Shanghai hotel after the war's end.
In Episode 4, Col. Patterson discusses the event that got him awarded the Soldiers Medal, his near death experience getting thrown from a plane door during a crash landing, the first incendiary raids on Japan and rumors of a new bomb that could end the war.
In Episode 3, Mr. Patterson discusses his role in overseeing the movement of supplies over "The Hump", he discusses the 20th Air Force attacking Japan from the west for the first time since the Doolittle Raid, Operation Matterhorn, the logistics of supplying the B-29 raids as well as the seeds of the tense present day geo-political relationship between China and Taiwan.
In Episode 2, Edward Patterson describes the end of the fighting in North Africa and the Mediterranean battleground. Instead of being sent north toward the war in Italy, he is sent east to the China-Burma-India theater where he is assigned to the 10th Air Force to begin the airlift of supplies over the Himalayas to China.
Welcome to the first episode of the Edward Patterson series. In this episode Mr. Patterson describes how he got involved in the military, details his travel to the North Africa theater in 1942 and being strafed by an ME-109. He would go on to serve in logistical troop support in the battle against the German Army and Field Marshall Erwin Rommel.
Adjutant Ed Patterson served in the Statistical Command during the North Africa campaign as well as the China Burma India theater of WWII. His work involved planning and coordinating supplies being flown from India over "The Hump", or the Himalayas to allied bases in China. From a goal of flying 10,000 tons per month early on to eventually achieving 70,000 tons per month, Mr. Patterson's group continually refined their supply chain to deliver over 650,000 tons of supplies over the hump in a just a few years, helping to keep the Japanese army in China tied up while American Naval forces marched across the Pacific.
In this final episode in this series, Ira talks about attacking Chi Chi Jima and the resulting atrocities perpetrated on the captured US airmen as well as transitioning back to the US to train new crews.
Join us now for episode 3 of 4 where we hear about Ira Bewley's squadron attacking Guam, Ira’s impressions of a new weapon called Napalm as well as preparatory bombing of Iwo Jima in June/July/August 1944, the Philippines and New Guinea.”
Welcome to Episode 2 of the 4 part Ira Bewley series. Buckle up as we continue with Ira’s experience in the first battle of the Philippine sea and we hear about the chaotic night landing that accompanied the late-in-the-day US attack on the Japanese fleet.
In this series of episodes we follow the experiences of Ira Bewley, a TBF Avenger turret gunner in VT-31 stationed aboard the USS Cabot in the Pacific Theater. In episode 1 we hear about his first battle experiences in the Marianas Islands attacking Truk Harbor, Guam, Saipan and Tinian.
Aviation Machinist 2nd Class Ira Bewley was a TBF Avenger Turret Gunner in VT-31, a squadron stationed aboard the USS Cabot during the Pacific Theater of WWII. His highly decorated squadron and crew participated in some of the heaviest naval aviation fighting of Pacific Theater during the war participating in attacks on Saipan, Tinian, Truk Lagoon, New Guinea, Iwo Jima, Chi Chi Jima as well as the First Battle of the Philippine Sea where they were credited for heavily damaging a Japanese aircraft carrier.
In this final episode of the three part Captain John Graham series, Captain Graham continues to discuss his WWII duty, being inspected by Admiral Hyman Rickover and serving in the Korean War under Chester W. Nimitz, Jr aboard the USS O'Brien.
Join Tony and Ryan as they discuss the progress of the podcast since its launch in Sept 2021 as well as a preview of what is in store for the upcoming 2022 season.
Welcome to Episode 2 of the 3 part series featuring the WWII Navy service of Captain John Graham. In this episode, Captain Graham discusses a rogue wave that nearly capsized his ship, his typical mission and his thoughts on Winston Churchill.
Welcome to Episode 1 of the 3 part Captain John Graham series. In this episode, Captain Graham discusses how he chose the US Navy for his enlistment in WWII, his training as a sub chaser and assuming command of Patrol Craft 1220.
Captain John Graham commanded a US Navy Patrol Craft (PC-1220) or sub chaser along the Atlantic seaboard during WWII and escorted convoys down to Guantanamo Bay Cuba. Please join us for this upcoming series as Captain Graham regales us with stories of rogue waves, sub contacts and duty free privileges, as well as his service in the US Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS O'Brien under the command of Chester W. Nimitz, Jr and what it was like meeting Nimitz's father, Admiral Chester Nimitz as well as Hyman Rickover.
Welcome to the final episode of the 3 part Dorothy Gibbons series on the Warrior Next Door podcast. In this episode we hear about her experience transferring to Jacksonville, FL and how she ended up living in Oklahoma the rest of her life.
Welcome to episode 2 of 3 of the Cpl Dorothy Gibbons series on the Warrior Next Door podcast. In this series of episodes we follow the experiences of WAVES Dorothy Gibbons as she was stationed at the Clinton Oklahoma Navy base during WWII. In Episode 2 we hear about her training and her impressions of the Clinton area and more importantly her experience at the Clinton Navy base where a top secret program was being developed.
Welcome to episode 1 of 3 of the Cpl Dorothy Gibbons series on the Warrior Next Door podcast. In this episode we learn about Dorothy’s experience seeing her fiancée ship off to Africa in the Army and how rationing and civil defense drills affected her family’s lifestyle.
Could it be possible that the US gave Japan the idea for the kamikaze? This is one possibility that we explore as we feature Cpl Dorothy Gibbons of the WAVES as she served at the Navy air base in Clinton, OK during WWII. While serving here she supported a top secret program that we have all heard of today. Please join us for a fascinating story of city girl meets rural Oklahoma.
In this Series, we follow Cpl Wyvon Griffin, a black cook in the US Army as he details his experiences being stationed in the Texas Panhandle during WWII. Cpl Griffin discusses the racism he encountered while in the service and the solidarity and support he experienced from the US Army.
A short preview of the next series following black Army Cook Cpl Wyvon Griffin as he serves at the Pampa Texas Army Air base and experiences both racism and acceptance from some surprising sources.
In this final episode in the Eldon Ross series, we hear about Eldon being wounded in action in the wars final days, his recovery and his experience post war attending the Nuremberg trials.
In Episode 2 Eldon discusses his experience being quickly retrained to help combat the last ditch German offensive in winter 1944/45 called the Battle of the Bulge. Join us now as we hear about Eldon entering combat for the first time and his experiences fighting and coordinating artillery strikes.
In this series we follow Sgt Eldon Ross of the 275th Field Artillery Battalion as he fights across Europe. In this episode we hear about Eldon’s experience traveling across the Atlantic and arriving in Le Havre, France on Thanksgiving day 1944 then being quickly retrained to drive a half track at the outbreak of the Battle of the Bulge.
A short 90 sec preview of the next series featuring Sgt Eldon Ross of the 275th Field Artillery who was retrained as a half track driver during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII.
In this final episode in the Harvey Hunt series, Cpl Hunt reflects on his time in the Marine Corps, going home and transitioning to life as a civilian.
In episode 7 of the 8 part Harvey Hunt series, Cpl Hunt continues to discuss the heavy fighting on Iwo Jima and his observations of the random nature of battle.
WARNING: Some listeners may find the intense content disturbing.
In this episode of the Harvey Hunt series, Cpl Hunt details the action on Iwo Jima as his Fire Team landed in the first wave on invasion beach Yellow #2, with their objective of capturing the Japanese airstrip Motoyama #1. *WARNING: Some listeners may find the content disturbing.
Here is a link to our first video update for our podcast!*https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hb8Y9xXn_3Uhf_pxCqjXiITb6-b2Tn9S/view?usp=sharing
In this episode of the Harvey Hunt series, Harvey describes his return to combat in the invasion of Iwo Jima. He also describes the haunting premonitions some fellow Marines would have as well as his impressions of the new B-29 Super Fortress as it began being based on the very islands he invaded and secured. *WARNING: Some listeners may find the content disturbing.
Here is a link for our first video update for our podcast!*https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hb8Y9xXn_3Uhf_pxCqjXiITb6-b2Tn9S/view?usp=sharing
In this episode of the Harvey Hunt series, Harvey chronicles his recovery from his wound in Hawaii and getting to spend some time with his father. *WARNING: Some listeners may find the content disturbing.
Here is a link to our first video update for our podcast!*https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hb8Y9xXn_3Uhf_pxCqjXiITb6-b2Tn9S/view?usp=sharing
In this episode, USMC Cpl Harvey Hunt continues to describe the action he encountered on the islands of Saipan and Tinian. He also describes being wounded in action and his odyssey to get to an aid station. WARNING: Some listeners may find the content disturbing.
In this episode, we continue with USMC Cpl Harvey Hunt as he takes us along with him in the WWII invasion of the Pacific islands of Saipan and Tinian, part of the Northern Marianas Islands. *WARNING: Some listeners may find the content disturbing.
Here is a link to our first video update for our podcast!*https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hb8Y9xXn_3Uhf_pxCqjXiITb6-b2Tn9S/view?usp=sharing
In this series, we follow WWII Marine Corporal Harvey Hunt as Fire Team Leader in Company F of the 2nd Battalion 23rd Regiment of the 4th Marine Division as he invades four islands throughout the Pacific Theater. In this episode, Cpl Hunt describes his enlistment, training, adjustment to USMC life and his first battle: the invasion of Roi-Namur on the Kwajalein atoll. *WARNING: Some listeners may find the content disturbing.
Here is a link to our first video update for our podcast!*https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hb8Y9xXn_3Uhf_pxCqjXiITb6-b2Tn9S/view?usp=sharing
Episode 4 of 4 in the Alan Senior series. In this episode we hear about Alan‘s transition back to civilian life after his time in Europe. We also hear how his experiences in the war impacted him in his life.
Episode 3 of 4 in the Alan Senior Series. In this episode we hear more about Alan’s experiences as a B-24 Waist Gunner in the European Theater of Operations.
In Episode 2 of 4, we hear about Mr. Senior’s first missions as a B-24 Waist Gunner for the 446th Bomb Group stationed in England.
In this, the inaugural episode of the Warrior Next Door podcast, we feature Mr. Alan Senior. Mr. Senior was a B-24 Waist Gunner during World War II. In this first episode of the 4 part series, we will hear how Mr. Senior enlisted in the US Army Air Corps, went through training and traveled to England to the base where he would be stationed.