Afleveringen
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We welcome our own Naval Academy-bound Trey Burman on the program to discuss the history of the WWII Liberty Ship. Trey has volunteered on the SS John W. Brown for years and will share the history and details he’s learned on board the ship.
During World War II, the United States faced an urgent need to transport troops, equipment, and supplies across oceans under threat from enemy submarines. The solution came in the form of the Liberty ship—an unglamorous but revolutionary cargo vessel that played a vital role in the Allied victory. Conceived as a mass-produced, quickly built ship based on a British design, the Liberty ship program became one of the great industrial feats of the war.
The standard Liberty ship measured 441 feet long and could carry over 10,000 tons of cargo. Powered by a triple-expansion steam engine, the ships cruised at a modest 11 knots. Their real strength, however, lay in their numbers. From 1941 to 1945, American shipyards produced 2,710 Liberty ships, an astonishing pace that helped offset staggering losses at sea. Shipyards across the country adopted assembly-line techniques and prefabricated sections to slash construction time from months to mere weeks. The record was set by the SS Robert E. Peary, launched just 4 days and 15 hours after its keel was laid.
Though initially derided as “ugly ducklings” or “dime a dozen,” Liberty ships proved durable and indispensable. They carried two-thirds of all cargo transported from the U.S. to overseas fronts and were manned by merchant seamen and Navy Armed Guard units, who braved enemy attacks to keep supply lines open. More than 200 Liberty ships were lost to enemy action during the war.
Among the surviving few today is the SS John W. Brown, one of only two operational Liberty ships still afloat. Built in Baltimore in 1942 at the Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard, the John W. Brown served in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters, delivering cargo and supporting troop movements. She also served as a floating high school in New York City for decades after the war, offering vocational training to students until 1982.
In the late 1980s, a group of preservationists rescued the John W. Brown from scrapping and returned her to her birthplace in Baltimore. Today, she operates as a museum ship and living memorial to the Merchant Marine and Navy Armed Guard. Maintained by Project Liberty Ship, a volunteer organization, the vessel offers public tours, educational programs, and occasional “Living History Cruises” where visitors can experience life aboard a World War II-era cargo ship in motion.
The Liberty ships, and the John W. Brown in particular, stand as enduring symbols of American industrial might, civilian sacrifice, and the often-overlooked heroism of the Merchant Marine. Their story is not just one of steel and steam, but of the human effort to move the machinery of democracy across perilous seas.
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Glenn Flickinger and Scott Masters welcome liberators of Nazi concentration camps in the spring of 1945 to share their stories.
Frank Cohn, a Holocaust survivor, fled Nazi Germany with his mother in 1938, just before Kristallnacht. He later served in the US Army during World War II, becoming a member of the 12th Army Group Intelligence Unit, returning to Europe to fight the Nazis. Cohn’s experiences in Nazi Germany and his subsequent service in the US Army provide a powerful testament to his resilience and dedication.
Hilbert Margol served as an artillery gunner in the 42nd “Rainbow” Infantry Division during World War II. He participated in the liberation of Dachau concentration camp on April 29, 1945, and were part of the Army of Occupation in Austria after the war.Denise Fikman-Hans, born in Paris in 1938, endured the upheavals of World War II as a young Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied France. In 1942, her father, aunt, and uncle were arrested and deported to Auschwitz. To protect her children, Denise’s mother sent her six children and two nieces into hiding, initially placing them on a farm. However, the children were soon separated and sent to different families, and eventually to a convent and monastery. Denise remained in the convent until 1948, after which she returned to Paris to live with her mother and stepfather.
As Allied forces advanced deep into Nazi-held territory, they uncovered the horrific realities of the Holocaust. Between April and May of that year, U.S., British, and Canadian troops liberated several concentration camps, exposing to the world the scale of Nazi atrocities and marking a turning point in both the war and human conscience.
The U.S. Army was the first to encounter one of the major camps when, on April 4, 1945, soldiers of the 89th and 4th Armored Divisions entered Ohrdruf, a subcamp of Buchenwald in central Germany. What they found shocked even the most battle-hardened troops: piles of emaciated corpses, torture devices, and starving survivors. General Dwight D. Eisenhower visited Ohrdruf personally and ordered widespread documentation, anticipating that people might one day deny what had happened. This liberation was followed by the discovery of Buchenwald itself on April 11, where thousands of prisoners had staged an uprising just before U.S. forces arrived. American soldiers found around 21,000 prisoners, many at the brink of death.
Meanwhile, U.S. troops also liberated Dachau, the notorious camp near Munich, on April 29, 1945. Dachau, the first Nazi concentration camp established in 1933, had become a model for other camps and a symbol of Nazi terror. American soldiers from the 45th and 42nd Infantry Divisions encountered over 30,000 prisoners, many sick and dying, and dozens of train cars filled with decomposing bodies outside the gates. The sights of Dachau provoked profound revulsion and led to acts of reprisal against SS guards.
British forces made their most significant discovery at Bergen-Belsen in northern Germany, liberated on April 15, 1945. The British 11th Armoured Division found 60,000 prisoners in appalling conditions—most suffering from starvation, typhus, and dysentery. Nearly 10,000 unburied corpses lay scattered across the grounds. British soldiers quickly began relief operations, bringing in food, medical supplies, and bulldozers to bury the dead. Despite their efforts, thousands of survivors continued to die from disease and malnutrition in the days following liberation.
Canadian soldiers, advancing as part of the First Canadian Army in the Netherlands and northern Germany, encountered and liberated smaller satellite camps and forced-labor sites tied to the Nazi system of exploitation. In northern German regions, Canadians helped liberate prisoners in camps near Neuengamme and other subcamps associated with the Nazi war machine.
The liberation of these camps left an indelible mark on the soldiers who witnessed them and the world that soon learned of the atrocities. The Allies’ documentation of the camps would form crucial evidence in postwar trials and historical record, ensuring that the crimes of the Holocaust could never be hidden or forgotten.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Glenn Flickinger and Scott Masters welcome a large group of World War II veterans to share memories of V-E Day, Victory in Europe, on May 8, 1945. The veterans include George Rubin, Joe Peterburs, Brenda Reid, and Mary Owen.
Brenda Reid served from 1943 to 1945 in the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (officially known as the Wrens). She trained in LORAN (long range navigation) in Connecticut. With her new skills, she was sent to Lower Whitehead (Deming Island, Nova Scotia) where she took up her position maintaining the sensitive machinery at the only Wren-run station. Reid spent close to two years in the Navy and at Whitehead. She met her future husband while serving, who was in the RCAF and stationed at a nearby radar base. After the war ended, they returned to Toronto, Ontario where they married.
Mary Owen, a WREN (Royal Canadian Naval Reserve) in World War II, was a vital part of the Battle of the Atlantic. She served at the LORAN (long-range navigation) station in East Baccaro, Nova Scotia, where her work in signals and communications helped ensure the safe transport of soldiers and war materiel across the Atlantic, ultimately contributing to the Allied victory.
George Rubin served as a B-17 waist gunner in the U.S. 8th Air Force, 486th Bomb Group, 835th Squadron. After graduating high school in 1943, he was drafted and initially trained as a pilot before being reassigned to a bomber crew in England. Between late 1944 and early 1945, Rubin flew 18 bombing missions over Germany. On February 25, 1945, during a mission over Munich, his aircraft sustained severe flak damage, losing two engines and suffering 270 holes. Despite his leg injury, Rubin jettisoned the bombs safely to avoid civilian casualties, ensuring they wouldn’t detonate upon impact. The crew crash-landed near Sonthofen, Germany, where they were captured by Hitler Youth members and faced potential execution, which was averted by a German officer. Rubin was subsequently imprisoned at Dulag Luft and later transferred to Stalag 13D and then Stalag 7A, enduring forced marches and harsh conditions until liberation by General Patton’s forces on April 30, 1945 .
Colonel Joe Peterburs was a distinguished World War II fighter pilot whose service exemplified courage and resilience. Born in 1924, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 and trained on aircraft like the P-40 Warhawk before transitioning to the P-51 Mustang. Deployed to England in late 1944, Peterburs flew 49 combat missions, primarily escorting B-17 bombers over Europe.
On May 8, 1945—Victory in Europe (V-E) Day—Americans across the United States and overseas greeted the news of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender with a mix of jubilation, relief, and solemn reflection. After nearly four years of war following Pearl Harbor, the end of combat in Europe signaled a long-awaited milestone. Spontaneous celebrations erupted in major cities such as New York, Washington, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Crowds gathered in the streets, waving flags, singing, and cheering. Churches held services of thanksgiving, while factories paused work for impromptu assemblies. In Times Square, thousands poured in shoulder to shoulder, and in Washington, D.C., crowds assembled near the White House, where President Harry S. Truman—who had taken office only weeks earlier after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt—dedicated the victory to his predecessor, calling it “a solemn but glorious hour.”
Yet the national mood was not one of unrestrained elation. For many, the joy was tempered by the cost of victory—more than 400,000 American lives lost in the war—and the knowledge that the fighting in the Pacific continued. Families who had lost loved ones marked the day in private, with quiet remembrance rather than public celebration. Newspapers struck a somber tone alongside celebratory headlines, reminding readers of the ongoing war against Japan.
American service members in the Pacific, by contrast, received the news with little fanfare. Their war was far from over. Preparations were already underway for the invasion of Okinawa, and the prospect of a bloody ground assault on Japan loomed ahead. While they welcomed Germany’s defeat, Pacific troops knew it did not mean homecoming—at least not yet.
Overall, V-E Day marked a moment of deep national significance. It united Americans in pride and gratitude, even as the shadow of continued conflict muted the full joy of peace. For those in uniform, it meant an end to one campaign and, for many, the start of another.
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Glenn Flickinger welcomes David W. Hogan, Jr., former Director of Histories at the U.S. Army Center of Military History, to talk about the end of World War II in Europe.
Russ Freeburg also joins us too share this story and insights. Russ served in the 8th Armored Division, 9th Army and is a retired journalist and author of "Oil & War: How the Deadly Struggle for Fuel in WWII Meant Victory or Defeat."
The book is a detailed historical analysis of how access to oil determined the strategies, movements, and ultimate outcomes of World War II. The book argues that the global conflict was as much about securing fuel as it was about defeating enemy forces, showing how Germany, Japan, and the Allies made crucial decisions—such as Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union and Japan’s push toward Southeast Asia—based on the need for oil. Drawing on military records and firsthand accounts, the authors reveal how fuel shortages crippled the Axis powers and gave the Allies a decisive advantage.
The final stage of World War II in Europe unfolded rapidly between April and May 1945. On April 12, President Franklin D. Roosevelt died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage in Warm Springs, Georgia, after leading the United States through most of the war. His death shocked the Allied world, but leadership transferred smoothly to Vice President Harry S. Truman, who committed to following Roosevelt’s strategy of unconditional German surrender.
In the meantime, Allied forces were closing in on Nazi Germany from both east and west. The Western Allies, including U.S. and British troops, advanced through western Germany, liberating cities and uncovering the horrors of Nazi concentration and extermination camps—among them Buchenwald, Dora-Mittelbau, and Dachau. These discoveries brought the full extent of the Holocaust into public view, revealing mass killings, forced labor, and the systematic extermination of millions.
To the east, Soviet forces under Marshal Georgy Zhukov pushed toward Berlin in a final, brutal assault. Although the Western Allies had the capability to push into Berlin, a decision was made—agreed upon at the Yalta Conference and reaffirmed in April 1945—not to contest the Soviets for the German capital. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, instead focused on southern Germany and Austria to eliminate remaining German resistance and avoid unnecessary casualties in a race to Berlin.
On April 25, 1945, American and Soviet troops met at the Elbe River near Torgau, Germany. The historic link-up symbolized the effective splitting of Nazi Germany and was a powerful moment of Allied unity. Meanwhile, Berlin was encircled and under heavy bombardment.
As the Red Army closed in, Adolf Hitler took refuge in his Führerbunker beneath the Reich Chancellery. On April 30, 1945, with Soviet troops just blocks away, Hitler committed suicide alongside his companion Eva Braun, whom he had married the day before. His death marked the symbolic collapse of the Nazi regime.
Following Hitler’s death, Admiral Karl Dönitz briefly assumed leadership of a crumbling German government. With most of Germany occupied and its military disintegrating, Dönitz authorized General Alfred Jodl to sign an unconditional surrender. On May 7, 1945, in Reims, France, Jodl signed the surrender to the Western Allies, which took effect at 11:01 p.m. on May 8—celebrated as Victory in Europe (V-E) Day. A separate, formal surrender to the Soviets was signed on May 8 in Berlin by Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel.
With the surrender, the war in Europe ended after nearly six years of unprecedented destruction and loss of life. The continent lay in ruins, but the defeat of Nazi Germany opened the path to reconstruction, occupation, and a new geopolitical order defined by the Cold War.
David Hogan is author of A Command Post at War: First Army HQ in Europe, 1943-1945; Centuries of Service: The U.S. Army, 1775-2005; and Raiders or Elite Infantry? The U.S. Army Rangers from Dieppe to Grenada. He is currently working on a biography of General of the Army Omar N. Bradley.
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Glenn Flickinger leads a conversation about the Battle of Okinawa, the last great battle of the Pacific War that began 80 years ago this week. Joining Glenn is Seth Paridon, Deputy Director of the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, former Historian at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, and producer and host of the “Unauthorized History of the Pacific War Podcast.” The discussion will focus on the role of the US Army.
The Battle of Okinawa, fought from April 1 to June 22, 1945, was the last major ground battle of World War II. It was the largest amphibious assault of the Pacific War, with over 180,000 US Army and Marine Corps troops landing on the island. The battle was characterized by brutal ground combat, entrenched Japanese defenses, and high casualties on both sides.
The U.S. Tenth Army, commanded by Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr., landed on Okinawa on April 1. The initial landings were met with little resistance. Instead of contesting the beaches, Japanese forces under General Mitsuru Ushijima had fortified the southern part of the island, creating a network of bunkers, caves, and tunnels along the Shuri Line. This defensive strategy aimed to maximize American casualties and delay an invasion of Japan.
After securing the northern part of Okinawa with relative ease, U.S. forces turned south to engage the main Japanese defensive positions. The battle for the Shuri Line, which lasted from April to late May, was the most intense phase of the campaign. The Japanese employed heavy artillery, machine-gun nests, and suicide attacks to slow the American advance. The U.S. Army’s 96th and 7th Infantry Divisions, along with the 1st and 6th Marine Divisions, engaged in grueling combat, using flamethrowers, grenades, and explosives to clear Japanese bunkers and caves.
Key battles included the fight for Kakazu Ridge, where Japanese troops launched counterattacks and inflicted heavy casualties. The Americans responded with artillery and air support, gradually wearing down the defenders. Sugar Loaf Hill, another stronghold, saw intense fighting, with Marines taking the position after repeated assaults. The battle for Shuri Castle, the heart of the Japanese defense, was equally fierce. By late May, after weeks of continuous bombardment and ground assaults, U.S. forces finally breached the Shuri Line, forcing the Japanese to retreat south.
Despite their losses, Japanese defenders continued to resist in the southern part of the island. Suicide attacks, ambushes, and last-ditch defenses prolonged the battle. Thousands of Okinawan civilians were caught in the crossfire, with many forced by Japanese propaganda to commit suicide rather than surrender. The final phase of the battle saw General Ushijima and his chief of staff, General Isamu Cho, commit ritual suicide on June 22, effectively ending organized Japanese resistance.
The land battle for Okinawa resulted in over 100,000 Japanese military deaths, with only a few thousand captured. U.S. casualties were high, with over 12,000 killed and 38,000 wounded. The psychological and logistical toll of Okinawa played a role in the decision to use atomic bombs against Japan, as an invasion of the mainland was expected to be even bloodier.
The battle at sea, including the extensive kamikaze attacks on the U.S. Navy, was a significant part of the Okinawa campaign which we will talk about next week!
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During the Vietnam War, American civilians played pivotal roles in supporting both military operations and humanitarian efforts, working through government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Thousands of these civilians were women, and we talk with several of them tonight!
Ann Kelsey was a UCLA graduate when she volunteered for the Army Special Services to serve in Vietnam as a civilian librarian. In Vietnam, Kelsey managed the U.S. Army Headquarters Area Command Library in Saigon before overseeing four libraries across Cam Ranh Bay, the Sixth Convalescent Center, Dong Ba Thin, and Nha Trang. These libraries functioned much like small-town public libraries, providing soldiers with access to books, records, and movies. They served as crucial sanctuaries, offering soldiers a respite from the war and a connection to the familiar comforts of home.
Kelsey’s role extended beyond managing library resources; she assisted soldiers with correspondence courses, helping them pursue educational goals amidst the chaos of war. Her dedication to supporting the troops highlighted the importance of intellectual engagement and morale-boosting activities during the conflict.
After her service in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970, Ann continued her career in library science, working in various libraries and specializing in automation planning and system procurement. She remained actively involved in veterans’ organizations and efforts to document the oral histories of veterans, ensuring that the experiences of those who served are preserved for future generations. wliw.org+2oralhistory.rutgers.edu+2news.ucr.edu+2
Ann’s experiences in Vietnam not only exemplify the critical role of civilian support during wartime but also underscore the profound impact such service can have on both the individuals who serve and those they support.
René Johnson similarly felt a compelling need to understand the U.S. involvement in the war firsthand. In 1969, after graduating from Florida State University, she joined the American Red Cross’s Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO) program, becoming one of the esteemed “Donut Dollies.”
René was initially stationed at Chu Lai with the Americal Division and later at Cu Chi with the 25th Infantry Division. Her primary role involved traveling to remote fire support bases via helicopter, where she and her colleagues organized morale-boosting activities for the troops. A typical day entailed boarding a helicopter around six in the morning, visiting one or two firebases, conducting programs for at least five hours, serving lunch, and then returning to base to prepare for the next day’s activities.
The challenges were significant. René recounted that visiting soldiers in hospitals, especially those with severe injuries, was particularly taxing. She grappled with finding the right words to comfort those who had sustained critical wounds, such as lost limbs or disfigured faces, and endeavored to reassure them about their futures.
Despite the hardships, René found her work deeply fulfilling. After completing her one-year tour as a Donut Dollie, she felt a profound connection to Vietnam and its people. This bond led her to return with the U.S. Army Special Services in the Service Club division, further supporting the troops and local communities.
Betty Burris felt it wasn’t fair that our men were subject to the draft and women weren’t. Betty applied to the Air Force but was told she’d have to wait for induction, probably due to a quota that limited the number of women in the military. As a USO volunteer in Philadelphia, she learned of the American Red Cross (ARC) Service in Military Hospitals program. Betty served in the ARC as a Social Worker from 1970 to 1978 in the Portsmouth Naval Regional Medical Center (Virginia), Valley Forge Army Hospital (Pennsylvania), 95th Evacuation Hospital (Vietnam) , Saigon Army Hospital (Vietnam), Wiesbaden Air Force Hospital (Germany), and the Philadelphia Naval Regional Medical Center (Pennsylvania).
We’ll also talk with other women who served in Vietnam with the US Agency for International Development , Non-governmental organizations, and the American Red Cross.
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Glenn Flickinger leads a conversation with experts and historians on the final push into Germany in World War II, including the crossing of the Rhine at Remagen 80 years ago in March.
By March 1945, World War II in Europe was reaching its final phase. The Allies had advanced deep into Germany, and the last major natural barrier between them and the heart of the Reich was the Rhine River. The unexpected capture of the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen by the U.S. Army on March 7, 1945, was a turning point, allowing American forces to establish a bridgehead on the east side of the Rhine. This surprise victory accelerated the collapse of Nazi Germany.
The Rhine River had long been considered a critical defensive line for Germany. Adolf Hitler and his generals believed that by destroying the bridges spanning the river, they could slow the Allied advance and mount a more effective defense. Most of the Rhine crossings had already been demolished by retreating German forces, but at Remagen, the Ludendorff Bridge remained standing, albeit rigged with explosives.
On March 7, 1945, elements of the U.S. 9th Armored Division approached Remagen, expecting to encounter a destroyed bridge. To their astonishment, the Ludendorff Bridge was still intact, albeit heavily damaged. German engineers had attempted to demolish it, but faulty detonators prevented the charges from fully going off.
Recognizing the opportunity, Brigadier General William M. Hoge ordered an immediate assault. A force of infantrymen and engineers rushed the bridge under intense German fire. Despite casualties from machine guns, artillery, and collapsing sections of the bridge, the Americans managed to seize control. Engineers quickly began defusing remaining explosives and reinforcing the structure to support heavy traffic.
The fall of the Ludendorff Bridge was a severe blow to Hitler, who ordered immediate countermeasures. The Germans launched fierce artillery barrages and airstrikes, including attacks by jet-powered Me 262 fighters and V-2 rockets. They even attempted to destroy the bridge with frogmen and a last-ditch commando raid, but none of these efforts succeeded.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Army worked frantically to expand the bridgehead, pushing more men, tanks, and supplies across the Rhine. Within days, pontoon bridges were constructed alongside the damaged structure, ensuring a steady flow of troops into the German heartland.
After ten days of heavy use and constant bombardment, the Ludendorff Bridge finally collapsed on March 17, killing 28 U.S. engineers. However, by this point, its purpose had been fulfilled. The Allies had established a firm foothold on the eastern side of the Rhine, shattering Germany’s last major defensive position. Within weeks, U.S. and British forces surged deep into Germany, encircling the Ruhr industrial region and cutting off the last remnants of the Wehrmacht’s effective resistance.
The capture of the bridge at Remagen hastened the end of the war in Europe. With the Rhine crossed, German defenses crumbled rapidly. By April, American and Soviet forces were racing toward Berlin. On May 7, 1945, Germany surrendered unconditionally.
The events at Remagen remain one of the most dramatic moments of World War II, a testament to battlefield initiative and the importance of seizing opportunities in war. The bravery of the U.S. 9th Armored Division helped bring the conflict to a swifter conclusion, saving countless lives in the process.
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We talk about the “Flying Coffins” of World War II that silently transported troops, weapons, and equipment behind enemy lines . . . getting lots of troops killed and wounded in the process.
Glider warfare experts Monique Taylor, author of Suicide Jockeys: The Making of the World War II Combat Glider Pilot, and Bill Bonnamy, creator of the 319 Gliderman website, devoted to the WWII 319th Glider Field Artillery of the 82nd Airborne Division, tell us about what these contraptions were, how they were used, and what it was like to fly and crash in the,
During World War II, the United States developed and deployed combat gliders as part of its airborne operations, using them to silently transport troops, equipment, and supplies behind enemy lines. These unpowered aircraft, towed by powered planes before being released to glide to their destinations, were used in several major operations in both the European and Pacific Theaters.
These contraptions were notoriously dangerous, and those who flew in them faced harrowing experiences.
The Waco CG-4A, the most widely used American glider, was a high-wing, fabric-covered aircraft with a tubular steel frame. It could carry a pilot, copilot, and up to 13 fully equipped troops or a combination of supplies, including a Jeep or a 75mm howitzer. The CG-4A measured 48 feet in length with an 83-foot wingspan and weighed approximately 3,900 pounds empty. It had no engine, so it relied on a tow from a C-47 Dakota or other tow aircraft using a 300-foot nylon or steel cable.
Another less common glider, the CG-13A, was a scaled-up version of the CG-4A, capable of carrying 30 troops or heavier equipment. Though tested, larger gliders such as the CG-10A and CG-15A were not widely deployed in combat.
The United States first used gliders with the invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky) in July 1943 where they suffered heavy losses due to navigational errors, miscommunications, and enemy fire. Many gliders crashed into the sea or were scattered far from their intended landing zones.
Glider operations were instrumental in the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Hundreds of CG-4As carried elements of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions into enemy territory, reinforcing the initial paratrooper drops. These troops secured critical bridges, road junctions, and other key positions before the main invasion force arrived.
One of the most famous American glider operations took place during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. This ambitious attempt to seize a series of bridges in the Netherlands involved the largest airborne operation of the war, with over 2,000 gliders deployed. CG-4As delivered troops, anti-tank guns, and vehicles behind German lines. Though the operation ultimately failed to achieve its final objective—the capture of the bridge at Arnhem—it demonstrated the effectiveness of glider-borne troops in securing initial positions.
Gliders were again heavily utilized in the Battle of the Bulge (December 1944 – January 1945), delivering reinforcements and supplies to encircled Allied forces in Bastogne. In the Pacific Theater, gliders saw more limited use due to the dense jungle terrain, though they were employed in the Burma campaign to deliver supplies to Merrill’s Marauders and other special forces units operating behind Japanese lines.
Flying in a combat glider was an experience filled with danger. Pilots, trained under the Army Air Forces, were considered among the most courageous aviators of the war. Unlike powered aircraft, gliders had no means of escape once they were released from their tow planes. Pilots had to skillfully navigate to their landing zones, often under intense enemy fire. Glider landings were abrupt and often destructive, as they had no engines to regulate descent and typically crashed into rough terrain, obstacles, or defensive positions. Many troops sustained injuries upon landing, sometimes before even engaging the enemy. The lack of defensive armament made them easy targets, and glider pilots had one of the highest casualty rates among Army Air Forces personnel.
After the war, the military quickly phased out combat gliders with the development of more advanced transport aircraft and helicopter technology.
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We are proud to welcome two amateur historians who have changed our understanding of one of the most iconic images in Americans history. Eric Krelle and Brent Westemeyer, through expert and diligent research, uncovered the true identities of the men who raised the flag on Iwo Jima, an act forever enshrined in American memory as a result of Joe Rosenthal's famous photograph.
The flag-raising photograph taken by Rosenthal on February 23, 1945, atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima became one of the most enduring symbols of American unity and sacrifice during World War II. The image captured six men hoisting a large American flag after a grueling campaign to secure the island, a strategic foothold in the Pacific. Unbeknownst to Rosenthal at the time, his photograph would resonate deeply with the American public, becoming a symbol of hope and perseverance during a critical period of the war.
The photograph had an immediate and profound impact when it was published in newspapers across the country. For a nation weary from years of war, the image embodied the courage, determination, and teamwork of American service members. It quickly became a rallying point for the war effort, inspiring patriotism and boosting morale on the home front. The photo was also instrumental in a nationwide war bond campaign, helping to raise billions of dollars to support the war. Its significance was further cemented when it won the Pulitzer Prize for Photography in 1945. For the Marine Corps, the photograph symbolized the core values of honor, courage, and commitment and became an integral part of their identity, eventually immortalized in the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.
In 1947, the six flag raisers were identified as Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley, Michael Strank, John Bradley, Rene Gagnon, and Harlon Block. However, this identification was later found to be inaccurate, with errors corrected decades after the war through the efforts of amateur historians Eric Krelle and Brent Westemeyer.
Eric Krelle first noticed discrepancies in the iconic image while comparing it with other photographs and records. Krelle observed that John Bradley’s uniform and gear did not match the individual thought to be him in Rosenthal’s photograph. His research suggested that Harold Schultz, a Marine who had never been publicly credited, was one of the six flag raisers. Schultz, who died in 1995, had reportedly mentioned his role to family members casually but never sought recognition.
At the same time, Brent Westemeyer conducted a parallel investigation into the photograph’s details. Using archival materials, personal accounts, and photographs, Westemeyer concluded that Rene Gagnon, another Marine initially identified in the photo, was not present in the iconic scene. Instead, he determined that Harold Keller, another Marine previously unacknowledged, was one of the flag raisers. Both Krelle and Westemeyer also confirmed that John Bradley, despite long-standing claims, was not in the photograph.
The Marine Corps responded to these findings with a formal review in 2016, ultimately validating the conclusions reached by Krelle and Westemeyer. The Corps officially recognized Harold Schultz and Harold Keller as among the six flag raisers and acknowledged that John Bradley and Rene Gagnon had been misidentified. They expressed gratitude for the independent researchers’ meticulous work and reaffirmed their commitment to historical accuracy. The corrections, while significant, did not diminish the photograph’s symbolic power but instead deepened its historical narrative by honoring the overlooked contributions of Schultz and Keller.
Rosenthal’s photograph continues to be a powerful emblem of the collective sacrifice of all those who fought in the Pacific. Its impact on the American public in 1945, as both a source of inspiration and a tool for unifying the nation, remains a testament to the resilience of the human spirit during times of adversity. The efforts of Krelle and Westemeyer ensured that the story of the flag raising on Mount Suribachi reflects not only its symbolic importance but also the truth of the moment and the individuals who made it possible.
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We welcome 99-year-old WWII veteran George Rubin, a veteran of the 8th Air Force, 486th Bomb Group, 835th Squadron.
George graduated high school in 1943 and was drafted soon after, initially training as a pilot before being reassigned as a B-17 armorer and waist gunner. At just 19 years old, he joined his crew at Sudbury in the fall of 1944 and flew 18 missions before being shot down over Munich on February 25, 1945. His aircraft, losing multiple engines due to flak damage, attempted to reach Switzerland but was forced to crash-land near Sonthofen, Germany.
The entire crew survived, though Rubin suffered serious leg wounds. They landed near a Hitler Youth training camp, where they were quickly captured and threatened with execution. A German officer intervened, saving their lives, and they were subsequently imprisoned. Rubin was sent to Dulag Luft for interrogation before being transferred to Stalag 13D in early March 1945. Later that month, he and others were forced to march to Stalag 7A in Moosburg, where they were liberated by Patton’s forces on April 30 after a fierce three-hour battle.
Returning to the U.S. by July 1945, Rubin was stationed at Fort Dix, serving as an air steward assisting in the repatriation of POWs. He suffered from PTSD throughout his life, finally seeking treatment in his 90s. A visit to Sonthofen, recommended by his doctors, helped him find closure.
He continues to meet weekly with a PTSD support group, where he is the oldest member among Vietnam and Afghanistan veterans.
Later in life, Rubin embraced Quakerism and pacifism.
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Iwo Jima Marine Bob Brutinel joined us near his 100th birthday to share his story of service. "I don't believe in medals," was his response when we asked him about the Silver Star he received for valor on Iwo.
Private First Class Robert C. Brutinel, born in El Paso, Texas, and later residing in Clifton, Arizona, served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was assigned to Company H, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division. His service included participation in several significant battles in the South Pacific, notably Guadalcanal, Choiseul, and Iwo Jima. ABC15.COM
On March 12, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima, PFC Brutinel's company encountered a fortified Japanese pillbox that impeded their advance. Serving as a demolition man and flamethrower operator, Brutinel executed a direct frontal assault on the enemy position, utilizing his flamethrower until its fuel was depleted. He then returned to the company supply point to refuel his weapon and proceeded to launch a second attack, ultimately neutralizing the pillbox. This act of valor significantly contributed to his unit's progress during the battle.
In recognition of his gallantry and intrepidity in action, PFC Brutinel was awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest military combat decoration for valor awarded by the United States. His official citation commends his courage and dedication to duty, reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Following his military service, Robert Brutinel became a longstanding member of the Casa Grande, Arizona, community, where he has been actively involved for over 60 years. In August 2024, the Casa Grande Detachment 901 of the Marine Corps League, along with other local organizations, honored him on his 100th birthday, celebrating his service and contributions to the community.
Throughout his life, Brutinel has been recognized as a mentor and respected figure within his community, embodying the values of service and dedication both in his military and civilian endeavors.
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Glenn Flickinger marks the 80th anniversary of the Yalta Conference with a conversation with experts and historians. Yalta was held from February 4 to 11, 1945, and it was a pivotal meeting during World War II between the Allied leaders: Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States, Winston Churchill of the United Kingdom, and Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union. Taking place in the Livadia Palace near Yalta in Crimea, the conference aimed to address the post-war reorganization of Europe and establish a framework for lasting peace.
By early 1945, the defeat of Nazi Germany was imminent. Allied forces were advancing on multiple fronts, with the Red Army pushing through Eastern Europe and the Western Allies moving toward Germany from the west. The conference’s primary objectives were to ensure coordinated military strategy in the final stages of the war, decide on the political future of liberated countries, and establish mechanisms to prevent future conflicts.
The leaders agreed to divide Germany into four occupation zones controlled by the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and, later, France. Berlin, situated in the Soviet zone, would also be split into four sectors. Stalin sought to secure Soviet influence in Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, which was a contentious issue. The Allies agreed that Poland’s borders would be shifted westward, with the Soviet Union annexing eastern Polish territories. In return, Stalin promised free elections in Poland and other Eastern European countries, though this commitment was later undermined. Plans for the establishment of the United Nations (UN) were finalized, with agreements on the structure of the UN Security Council, including veto power for its five permanent members: the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France, and China. Stalin also pledged that the Soviet Union would enter the war against Japan within three months of Germany’s surrender. In exchange, the Soviet Union was promised territorial gains, including southern Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands, and influence in Manchuria. Additionally, the conference produced a declaration committing the Allies to support democratic institutions and free elections in liberated nations, though the interpretation and implementation of this agreement varied, particularly in Eastern Europe.
The Yalta Conference laid the groundwork for the post-war geopolitical order, but it also sowed the seeds of the Cold War. The division of Germany and Berlin set the stage for the eventual establishment of East and West Germany. The Allied Control Council was created to administer Germany jointly, but growing tensions between the Soviet Union and Western Allies led to increasing division. Stalin’s influence over Eastern Europe grew rapidly after the conference. Despite promises of free elections, communist governments were installed in Poland, Hungary, Romania, and other countries, creating a Soviet-dominated Eastern Bloc. The resolution of the Polish question was a source of lasting tension. The Western Allies’ acceptance of Soviet demands alienated the Polish government-in-exile in London and led to widespread dissatisfaction among Poles.
The creation of the United Nations was a significant achievement, providing a forum for international diplomacy and conflict resolution. However, the Security Council’s veto system reflected the power dynamics of the major Allied nations and limited the organization’s ability to act decisively during the Cold War. The differing visions of the United States and the Soviet Union for post-war Europe became evident at Yalta. While the United States and the United Kingdom emphasized self-determination and democratic governance, the Soviet Union prioritized security through territorial expansion and the establishment of friendly regimes in its sphere of influence. These conflicting priorities contributed to the ideological divide that defined the Cold War.
The Yalta Conference has been criticized for its perceived concessions to Stalin, particularly regarding Poland and Eastern Europe. Critics argue that Roosevelt and Churchill underestimated Stalin’s ambitions or were in a weak negotiating position due to the Red Army’s dominance in Eastern Europe. Others contend that the agreements reflected the realities of power on the ground and that the Allies had limited leverage to influence Soviet actions. Despite its controversies, the conference was a landmark in shaping the modern world. It demonstrated the complexities of coalition diplomacy and the challenges of balancing competing interests in a time of global upheaval. The agreements reached at Yalta influenced the political landscape of Europe for decades and highlighted the difficulties of securing lasting peace in the aftermath of war.
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Nick Cressy and Josh Muri join us to share two amazing WWII B-26 Marauder stories from WWII.
On June 4, 1942, during the pivotal Battle of Midway, Josh’s grandfather Lt. James P. Muri piloted “Susie-Q,” into history with an audacious attack on the Japanese aircraft carrier Akagi. Muri and his crew were part of a daring mission to halt the Japanese fleet’s advance toward Midway Atoll. Their objective: deliver a torpedo strike against the heart of the enemy force.
Muri’s bomber, one of four launched from Midway Island, faced relentless fire from Japanese fighter planes and naval guns. Hit multiple times, the aircraft sustained significant damage, and three crew members were wounded. Undeterred, Muri pressed on, releasing a torpedo aimed at the Akagi. To evade the intense enemy fire, Muri took the extraordinary step of flying his damaged bomber directly down the Akagi’s flight deck, barely skimming the surface of the ship. This low-level maneuver minimized the exposure of his plane to anti-aircraft fire and swarming Zero fighters.
The Susie-Q returned to Midway Island, riddled with over 500 bullet holes, yet miraculously intact. Muri’s actions not only saved his crew but also disrupted Japanese Admiral Nagumo’s battle strategy. This moment proved critical in setting the stage for the American victory at Midway, a turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II.
Muri and his crew received the Distinguished Service Cross for their bravery. His feat was immortalized in Lonnie Bell’s song “Midway” and honored decades later with the Jimmy Doolittle Award. After his military service, Muri lived a quiet life in Montana, passing away in 2013 at age 93.
Nick Cressy’s uncle, Staff Sergent Nick Bentas, was an engineer/top turret gunner served first in the Mediterranean flying from Sardinia then Corsica and then Dijon France on missions to Italy, France and Germany. They supported the invasion of Southern France and transferred to support the 7th Army. On a mission on 19 January 1945, his plane lost the right engine and crashed outside Fontain France, killing the crew. Nick captures the story in his book, Back from 44: The Sacrifice and Courage of a Few – A Story of Heroism in the Skies Over Western Europe.
The B-26 Marauder, the aircraft flown by Muri, became renowned for its versatility and durability. Known for its low loss rates, the B-26 flew more than 110,000 sorties during the war, dropping 150,000 tons of bombs. Despite its early deployment challenges, the Marauder earned a distinguished record in Allied operations.
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World War II historians Colin Heaton and Marilyn Walton join us to share remarkable stories of courage, mercy, and humanity on the part of those who fought on the other side, the Axis powers of Germany and Japan.
Stories include:
Captain Werner Hartenstein: On September 12, 1942, the German submarine U-156, commanded by Hartenstein, torpedoed the British RMS Laconia in the Atlantic. The Laconia, a military target, carried British troops, Italian POWs, and civilians, including women and children. Upon discovering Italian POWs and civilians among the survivors, Hartenstein defied the “No Rescue Order,” prohibiting aid to shipwreck victims. He ordered his crew to rescue many survivors, taking over 200 aboard U-156 and using towlines to connect to lifeboats. A Red Cross flag was raised, and he broadcast a message to Allied forces asking for help, promising not to attack rescue vessels. However, an American B-24 bomber attacked U-156, forcing Hartenstein to stop the rescue. Survivors were transferred to other German U-boats, and eventually some were collected by a Vichy French cruiser. U-156 resumed patrols, leaving many survivors in lifeboats, leading to the “Laconia Order,” which prohibited future rescue attempts.
Hartenstein is remembered for his humanity in a brutal conflict. He prioritized rescuing women, children, and Italians, showing concern for all survivors. His actions stood out in a war marked by atrocities, offering a rare glimpse of empathy from a German officer. Hartenstein’s rescue effort symbolized the potential for humanity, even amid harsh realities of war.
Hans-Joachim Marseille: The story of Marseille, known as the “Star of Africa,” is one of remarkable skill and complex morality. Born in 1919 in Berlin, Marseille was a talented pilot but had a rebellious nature. He gained fame during the Battle of Britain for his aerial combat skills and later matured under Captain Eduard Neumann in North Africa. Marseille developed tactics that earned respect and was known for his compassion, often risking his life to notify Allied forces about downed pilots. His defiance of Nazi commands and sympathy for Jews caused tension within the military. Despite his fierce skill that made him a propoganda figure, he subtly showed disdain for Nazi principles. Marseille died tragically at 22 in an accident, leaving a legacy as a complex, legendary figure.
Irv Baum
Saburo Sakai: Sakai was a renowned Japanese ace known for his honorable conduct. He refrained from unnecessary killings and spared enemies when possible. After the war, he disapproved of Japan’s wartime propaganda and sought accountability for war crimes, ultimately becoming a pariah in Japan but gaining respect from former enemies. His contributions to reconciliation were not fully acknowledged in his own country.
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Navy veteran and photographer Richard Sherman joins us with former US Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, Maj. Gen. Bill Matz, to talk about his new book, Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned.
The book presents a deeply moving tribute to the American soldiers who rest in the 23 overseas military cemeteries from World War I and World War II. This work, the culmination of eight trips across five years and three continents, is both a historical document and a poignant meditation on sacrifice.
Sherman’s book is structured into three interconnected sections. The first showcases sweeping architectural photographs that capture the solemn grandeur and meticulous design of these memorial grounds. His lens balances the monumental—the vast seas of white crosses—with intimate and unexpected moments, like a craftsman engraving a headstone. These images provide a visual narrative of loss and commemoration, resonating with both technical precision and emotional depth.
The second section delves into over 59 biographical portraits, meticulously researched and vividly presented. Sherman highlights a diverse array of individuals, including Medal of Honor recipients, siblings who served together, nurses, chaplains, and civilian specialists. Drawing from personal letters, family photos, and historical accounts, he transforms these names and dates into poignant human stories. The biographical sketches offer readers a glimpse into the lives and sacrifices of these individuals, bridging the gap between history and humanity.
The final section, titled “Taps,” serves as a photographic meditation, reflecting on the enduring significance of these sacred spaces. Sherman allows his photographs to speak volumes, with text appearing sparingly to enhance rather than overshadow the imagery. His approach underscores the power of visual storytelling, allowing readers to engage with the material on an emotional level.
Though the repetition of certain images, such as rows of crosses, may feel redundant at times, it serves as a reminder of the scale of sacrifice. This minor flaw is overshadowed by the book’s heartfelt presentation and the depth of its content.
Never Home is a profound exploration of the human cost of war and a testament to the enduring legacy of those who gave their lives in service. It will resonate deeply with military families, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the personal and collective impact of war.
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Our friend from St Lucia and creator of the WWII Log Book Project, Nick Devaux, joins us to talk about a truly forgotten front of World War II, the Caribbean Basin.
During World War II, the Caribbean played a significant but often overlooked role in the broader conflict. Its strategic position made it a critical area for military operations.
The Caribbean bordered vital sea lanes connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Panama Canal, as well as shipping routes between the Americas and Europe. These routes were essential for transporting troops, raw materials, and supplies. The Axis powers, particularly Germany, targeted the Caribbean to disrupt Allied supply chains. German U-boats operated extensively in the region, attacking merchant ships and tankers carrying oil from Venezuelan and Trinidadian refineries to Allied forces. The Battle of the Caribbean, as this campaign became known, resulted in significant losses for Allied shipping.
Oil production in the Caribbean was another critical factor. The region’s refineries, especially those in Aruba, Curaçao, and Trinidad, were among the largest in the world. Protecting these installations from Axis attacks became a top priority. The United States established military bases in several Caribbean territories, including Trinidad, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas, to guard refineries and shipping lanes. The British also strengthened defenses in their colonies, recognizing the importance of these assets to the war effort.
To secure the region, the Allies implemented agreements with local governments, many of which were colonial administrations under British, Dutch, or French control. The 1940 Destroyers-for-Bases Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom allowed the U.S. to build military bases in British territories, providing critical infrastructure for anti-submarine warfare and air reconnaissance. These bases included significant facilities in Antigua, St. Lucia, and Jamaica.
The presence of American and British military personnel brought cultural influences and new ideas, fostering aspirations for greater political autonomy among Caribbean populations. Many Caribbean men who served in the armed forces or worked abroad during the war returned with heightened expectations for social and economic progress, contributing to postwar movements for independence and self-governance. In colonies like Trinidad and Jamaica, these changes helped lay the groundwork for decolonization in the following decades.
The Caribbean’s civilian population endured hardships during the war. German submarine activity disrupted trade, leading to shortages of food and essential goods. Rationing became widespread, and fears of invasion or sabotage created an atmosphere of uncertainty. In some areas, blackouts and other security measures were implemented to protect against potential attacks. Despite these challenges, Caribbean civilians contributed to the war effort through fundraising, volunteering, and production of war materials.
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We discuss the experiences of German POWS held during World War II in the United States with Carole Popchock and others who have researched and written about the subject.
During World War II, the United States became home to over 400,000 German prisoners of war (POWs) held in camps across the country. The influx of these POWs began in 1943, as the Allies gained the upper hand in North Africa and Europe, capturing large numbers of German soldiers. By the war’s end in 1945, approximately 511 camps had been established in 45 states, with the largest populations concentrated in Texas, California, and the Midwest. The decision to house these POWs on American soil was driven by logistical necessity and international agreements.
The Geneva Conventions of 1929 established guidelines for the treatment of POWs, including adequate shelter, food, and the opportunity to engage in productive work. The U.S. government sought to adhere to these standards, though the experiences of POWs varied significantly depending on the location and management of individual camps. Many camps were located near military bases or in rural areas where labor shortages provided opportunities for POWs to work.
The prisoners’ daily lives revolved around routines designed to maintain order and provide meaningful activity. Work assignments were a central feature, as the U.S. faced labor shortages due to the war. German POWs were employed in agriculture, forestry, construction, and other industries. In many cases, they replaced American workers who had joined the armed forces. The Geneva Conventions prohibited forced labor directly related to the war effort, so prisoners were not assigned tasks such as manufacturing weapons. Instead, they performed essential civilian work, often for private employers who paid the U.S. government for their labor. The prisoners themselves received a small stipend, which they could use to purchase goods at camp canteens.
Housing conditions in the camps ranged from basic to relatively comfortable. Most camps consisted of barracks surrounded by fences and guard towers. Inside the barracks, prisoners slept in bunk beds and had access to communal facilities such as dining halls and recreation areas. The quality of food provided to the prisoners was often better than what they had experienced in the German military, which led to some complaints from American civilians who were dealing with wartime rationing.
Education and cultural activities were encouraged within the camps. Many prisoners took advantage of classes in English, mathematics, and other subjects, while others participated in theatrical productions, musical performances, and sports. Religious services were also provided, with chaplains assigned to cater to the prisoners’ spiritual needs. These activities helped maintain morale and occupied the prisoners’ time, reducing the likelihood of unrest.
Relations between the POWs and the local American communities were complex. In some cases, prisoners worked alongside civilians, fostering a level of mutual understanding and even friendship. Some German POWs were invited into American homes for meals or holidays, particularly in rural areas where their labor had a significant impact on the local economy. However, there were also instances of hostility and suspicion, especially in areas with strong anti-German sentiment. Security concerns occasionally arose, but escapes were rare and typically nonviolent. Most escapees were recaptured quickly, as they faced significant challenges blending into American society.
The ideological diversity among the prisoners was a source of tension within the camps. Some German soldiers were staunch Nazis, while others were apolitical or opposed to Hitler’s regime. To prevent Nazi indoctrination or coercion within the camps, the U.S. authorities monitored prisoner activities and separated known Nazi loyalists from others when possible. Re-education programs were introduced late in the war, aiming to expose prisoners to democratic values and counteract Nazi propaganda. These programs had varying degrees of success, but they marked an early effort at postwar reconciliation.
As the war ended in 1945, the process of repatriating German POWs began.
The presence of German POWs in the United States during World War II offers a unique lens through which to examine the broader dynamics of war and humanity. Despite the underlying conflict, the treatment of these prisoners demonstrated an effort to uphold international norms and maintain a degree of civility amidst the chaos of war. The legacy of these camps is a testament to the complexities of war, where adversaries could find moments of shared understanding and human connection.
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On its 80th anniversary, we discuss the Battle of the Bulge, fought between December 16, 1944, and January 25, 1945. It was the largest and bloodiest single battle fought by American forces during World War II. It also represented Nazi Germany’s last major offensive on the Western Front, a desperate bid to reverse the Allies’ advance toward Germany.
By late 1944, the tide of World War II had definitively turned against Germany. The Allies had stormed ashore in Normandy in June, pushing through France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, while Soviet forces were steadily advancing from the east. Despite these setbacks, Adolf Hitler refused to concede defeat. Instead, he conceived a bold and highly ambitious plan to strike at the Allies’ weakest point, drive a wedge between their armies, and force them to the negotiating table.
Hitler’s strategy, codenamed Wacht am Rhein (Watch on the Rhine), aimed to exploit what he perceived as vulnerabilities in the Allied lines. The Ardennes region of Belgium and Luxembourg, a densely forested area of rolling hills, was held by a mix of battle-worn and inexperienced American units. Hitler believed that a surprise attack here could achieve a breakthrough, allowing his forces to drive westward to Antwerp. Capturing this crucial port city would sever Allied supply lines, split the British and American armies, and potentially lead to a repeat of Dunkirk, where British forces had been forced to evacuate across the Channel in 1940.
The offensive required immense resources, but by late 1944, Germany’s ability to sustain its war effort was crumbling. Nonetheless, the Nazi regime undertook Herculean efforts to assemble a formidable strike force. Over 250,000 troops were mobilized for the attack, including 12 newly formed Volksgrenadier (People’s Grenadier) divisions. These divisions were cobbled together from conscripts, Luftwaffe ground crews, and naval personnel, with a heavy reliance on older men and teenagers. Although understrength, these units were bolstered by significant firepower, including machine guns, mortars, and Panzerfaust anti-tank weapons.
Despite assembling such a force, the Germans faced profound logistical challenges. The Wehrmacht was critically short of fuel, ammunition, and bridging equipment, which would prove disastrous during the offensive. Moreover, the plan itself was overly ambitious. It called for German forces to cross eight rivers, reach the Meuse within three days, and secure Antwerp within a week—an objective that even optimistic commanders deemed unattainable.
The German offensive began in the early hours of December 16, 1944, with a massive artillery barrage along an 85-mile front. Under the cover of darkness and poor weather, German infantry advanced rapidly, overwhelming thinly stretched American defenses. The element of surprise was critical; many American units were caught off guard, and chaos ensued as German Panzers pushed deep into Allied territory.
Despite initial gains, the Germans soon encountered significant resistance. American troops, though initially outnumbered and disorganized, regrouped and fought tenaciously. Strategic locations such as St. Vith and Bastogne became focal points of the battle. At St. Vith, American forces delayed the German advance for several days, buying precious time for reinforcements to arrive. Meanwhile, Bastogne, a key road junction, became the site of a heroic defense by the 101st Airborne Division, who held the town against overwhelming odds until relieved by General Patton’s Third Army.
The Battle of the Bulge was a catastrophic defeat for Germany. The Wehrmacht suffered over 100,000 casualties, including many of its best remaining troops and officers. It also lost irreplaceable equipment, including over 600 tanks and 1,000 aircraft. These losses effectively crippled Germany’s ability to mount further large-scale offensives, hastening the collapse of the Third Reich.
For the Allies, the battle underscored their logistical and material superiority. Despite suffering nearly 90,000 casualties, the Allied forces demonstrated remarkable resilience and coordination. The ability to mobilize reinforcements rapidly and utilize airpower effectively were decisive factors in their victory.
#wwiihistory #usmilitary #veterans #history #trivia #ww2 #usarmy #uscoastguard #veteranshistory #usveterans #marines #usairforce #militaryhistory #usnavy
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Glenn Flickinger welcomes three leading experts on the finest medium range bomber in history, the B-26 Marauder that fought in World War II and was adopted by Allied forces the world over. Josh Muri, Nick Cressy, and Ron Bolesta from the B-26 Marauder Historical Society join us to talk about the history of an aircraft renowned for its speed, versatility, and resilience.
Designed and built by the Glenn L. Martin Company, the B-26 made its maiden flight on November 25, 1940, and quickly became an essential tool in the Allied air arsenal. Its development, operational history, and contributions to the war effort offer a fascinating glimpse into the technological and strategic advancements of the time.
The B-26 was developed in response to a 1939 Army Air Corps specification for a high-speed medium bomber capable of delivering a significant payload over a long range. The Martin Company responded with an innovative design featuring a sleek, streamlined fuselage, tricycle landing gear, and powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engines. These engines gave the aircraft a top speed of over 300 mph, which was exceptionally fast for a bomber at the time. The Marauder’s speed, combined with its ability to carry up to 4,000 pounds of bombs, made it an attractive option for the Army Air Corps, which awarded Martin the contract before the prototype had even flown.
The B-26’s innovative design, however, came with challenges. Its short, high-wing configuration and high wing loading—a result of its relatively small wingspan and powerful engines—gave the aircraft demanding flight characteristics. Early models required higher takeoff and landing speeds than many pilots were accustomed to, leading to a spate of accidents during training. This earned the B-26 the nicknames “Widowmaker” and “Flying Prostitute” (the latter a sardonic reference to the fact that it supposedly had no visible means of support). However, modifications to the aircraft, such as lengthening the wings and increasing the size of the tailplane, improved its handling.
By mid-1942, the aircraft was deployed to the European theater, where it became a workhorse for the U.S. Army Air Forces’ Ninth Air Force. In Europe, the B-26 excelled in tactical bombing missions, attacking enemy rail yards, bridges, supply depots, and other infrastructure critical to the German war effort.
One of the Marauder’s most significant contributions to the war came during the lead-up to D-Day. From early 1944 onward, B-26 crews flew countless sorties as part of the Allied campaign to cripple German defenses in France. They targeted bridges, rail networks, and fortifications with remarkable precision, thanks to improved Norden bomb sights and a growing cadre of experienced pilots. On D-Day itself, B-26 squadrons provided close air support for the Allied landings, striking German positions near the beaches to soften resistance for the advancing troops.
Despite its rocky start, the B-26 developed a reputation for durability and survivability. By the end of the war, it had the lowest loss rate of any Allied bomber, a testament to its robust construction and the skill of its crews. The aircraft was heavily armed for its size, typically featuring up to 13 .50 caliber machine guns for defense, making it a tough target for enemy fighters.
By the end of World War II, over 5,200 B-26 Marauders had been produced. Although the aircraft was retired from front-line service soon after the war, its legacy endured. The lessons learned from its design and operation influenced subsequent generations of medium bombers, including the North American B-25 Mitchell and later jet-powered aircraft.
The B-26 Marauder stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of those who designed, built, and flew it. Despite its early difficulties, it became one of the most effective medium bombers of the war, contributing significantly to the Allied victory. Its speed, precision, and survivability set it apart from its contemporaries and earned it a lasting place in aviation history.
#wwiihistory #usmilitary #veterans #history #trivia #ww2 #usarmy #uscoastguard #veteranshistory #usveterans #marines #usairforce #militaryhistory #usnavy
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How the 100th went from perhaps the worst bomber group to the best bomber group. Why did it have a discipline problem in 1943? Who made the changes that improved the BG performance? Join Glenn in his interview with Heather Thies of the National Museum of the Mighty Eight, Nancy Putman, and John "Lucky" Luckadoo.
Stationed at Thorpe Abbotts in England, the group flew the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress as part of the 8th Air Force, conducting strategic bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. Their nickname stemmed from the extraordinarily high casualties they sustained during some of the war’s most dangerous missions. Despite these losses, the 100th Bomb Group played a crucial role in the air campaign to cripple Germany’s war machine.
The group began combat operations in June 1943, targeting key industrial and military sites in France and Germany. Early missions revealed the dangers of daylight precision bombing, and the 100th often faced fierce resistance from German Luftwaffe fighters and anti-aircraft defenses. The group suffered especially heavy losses during missions to Bremen, Münster, and Schweinfurt, where entire formations were sometimes annihilated. These sacrifices cemented their reputation as one of the most daring but ill-fated bomber units, giving rise to their enduring moniker.
Among the group’s notable members was Harry Crosby, a lead navigator whose experiences offer a deeply personal perspective on the air war. In his memoir, A Wing and a Prayer: The “Bloody 100th” Bomb Group of the U.S. Eighth Air Force in Action over Europe in World War II, Crosby recounts the harrowing missions and extraordinary courage of his comrades. His vivid descriptions capture the chaos of combat, the constant threat of death, and the camaraderie that sustained the men during their darkest hours. Crosby’s navigation skills were critical to the group’s success, helping to guide bombers through perilous skies to their targets and safely back to base.
Despite the staggering losses, the 100th Bomb Group’s resilience never wavered. They participated in pivotal operations such as the bombing campaign during D-Day and attacks on German oil refineries, transportation hubs, and other strategic targets. By the end of the war, their contributions had significantly undermined Germany’s industrial capacity and military infrastructure.
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