Best WW2 Nation Podcasts (2024)

1
Dropping Into Bastogne: Pfc. John Agnew 28:54

15m ago28:54

28:54

Private First Class John Agnew served in World War II as a Paratrooper and Pathfinder. Pathfinders were paratroopers that dropped into enemy territory first, tasked with setting up signals that would direct the rest of the paratrooper fleet into the correct landing zones. Since they were often the first soldiers sent across enemy lines, this was an…

1
The Pressure of Command: RADM Michael Smith 43:27

5d ago43:27

43:27

Rear Admiral Michael Smith first served as a nuclear engineer in the Navy. After his first tour, he attended graduate school in order to qualify for command. He first gained command of the USS Porter (a destroyer) in 2005. Check out the Documentary.tv YouTube Channel to see incredible stories like this combined with rare, authentic battlefield foot…

1
A Pilot in Civilian Clothes: Lt Col Greg Wilson 50:07

6d ago50:07

50:07

Lieutenant Colonel Greg Wilson served in Vietnam & Laos as a Forward Air Controller. As a Forward Air Controller, it was his job to coordinate airstrikes, and ensure that no friendly troops were hit. After less than six months in Vietnam, he joined the classified Steve Canyon Program (Project 404), also known as the Ravens. Laos was technically neu…

1
The Capture of U-505: QMS2 Don Carter 32:16

13d ago32:16

32:16

Signalman 2nd Class Don Carter served on the USS Guadalcanal in World War II. The ship hunted U-Boats, which had terrorized American convoys in the Atlantic. As a signalman, it was his job to use flags and lights to send messages to other vessels. On June 4th, 1944, the Guadalcanal spotted and captured U-Boat 505, the only one obtained by the U.S. …

1
34: Missile Wars & the Risk of WW3 1:03:04

20d ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Dr James Bosbotinis draws on his considerable expertise in naval weaponry and the threats they pose, along with offering insights into geopolitical developments that do not augur well for world peace. The discussion with host Iain Ballantyne includes the part played by the US Navy and Royal Navy defending international shipping in the Red Sea and G…

1
Special Forces & Drone Warfare: LTC Daniel Pace Part II 30:45

27d ago30:45

30:45

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Pace served in the U.S. Army for 22 years. He first deployed to Afghanistan at the beginning of the War on Terror as an infantryman, then redeployed to Afghanistan in ‘03. After attending officer candidate school, Pace then deployed to Iraq as a company executive officer in ‘07. Pace then decided to join the U.S. Army Spec…

1
The War on Terror Begins: LTC Daniel Pace Part I 53:22

27d ago53:22

53:22

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Pace served in the U.S. Army for 22 years. He first deployed to Afghanistan at the beginning of the War on Terror as an infantryman, then redeployed to Afghanistan in ‘03. After attending officer candidate school, Pace then deployed to Iraq as a company executive officer in ‘07. Pace then decided to join the U.S. Army Spec…

1
The Inception of the Pathfinders: LTG John Norton 46:25

1M ago46:25

46:25

Lieutenant General John Norton served in the US Army as a Pathfinder and paratrooper during World War II. He commanded the 505 regimental combat team and completed four jumps during the war, including during the Invasion of Sicily, the Invasion of Italy, the Invasion of Normandy, and Operation Market Garden. He also participated in the Battle of th…

1
18 Year Old Medic in Vietnam: Lawrence Araujo 24:25

1M ago24:25

24:25

Lawrence Araujo served in Vietnam as an Army Medic. He arrived in Vietnam three weeks after the 1968 Tet Offensive, and spent a year with the infantry as a medic. He then decided to extend his tour, and chose to work in the emergency room at the 93rd Evac Hospital in Long Bhin. Editor’s Note: Araujo’s rank at the time of his retirement is unknown. …

1
Pathfinder On D-Day: Pfc. Robert Earl Sechrist 1:01:27

2M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Private First Class Robert Earl Sechrist served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and pathfinder during World War II. As a Pathfinder, Secrist was one of the first men to parachute into France before the invasion of Normandy, tasked with guiding other Paratroopers to their landing zone. As he landed in France, Sechrist’s parachute got stuck in a he…

1
Operation Ivory Coast: MAJ George Petrie 25:57

2M ago25:57

25:57

Major George Petrie served in the U.S. Army Special Forces in Vietnam. He was a member of MACV-SOG, and was the first soldier to hit the ground during the Son Tay Raid. MACV or “Military Assistance Command, Vietnam”, was a highly classified, multi-service special operations unit consisting in part of US Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, and CIA pers…

1
Stories From the Aid Tent: SGM Ben Hasley 33:19

2M ago33:19

33:19

Sergeant Major Ben Hasley served in Korea and Vietnam as a medic. In this interview he tells the stories of his service in combat and in the aid tent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Evergreen Podcasts | The Honor Project

1
Hostage Rescue in the Philippines: CPT Gene Yu 48:41

2M ago48:41

48:41

Captain Gene Yu is a West Point graduate and served in the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets). He was initially kicked out of SERE school for breaking protocol and ordering pizza during a training exercise- a story that garnered a lot of attention within the special forces community. Yu was eventually permitted to finish his training, and he d…

1
The Battle of Makin: LtCol Howard Stidham 1:00:14

3M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

Lieutenant Colonel Howard Stidam served in World War II with the Marine Raiders, a special ops force that specialized in amphibious guerilla warfare. In this interview, he recounts The Battle of Makin, the Long Patrol in Guadalcanal, and the Bougainville Campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Class Anchorman to Commander: CDR Bobby Reshad Jones 36:30

3M ago36:30

36:30

Commander Bobby Reshad Jones served in the US Navy from 2001 to 2023. He attended the United State Naval Academy, where he played football, and graduated last in his class, making him the “Anchorman” per USNA tradition. After shaking President George W. Bush’s hand at graduation, CDR Jones was so elated about successfully graduating that he hugged …

1
The Fires of Pearl Harbor: MM2c Martin Shew 20:53

3M ago20:53

20:53

Machinist Mate 2nd Class Martin Shew served on the USS Arizona, a battleship that suffered insurmountable damage during the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Shew was on his way back to the Arizona when the attack began. Before he could reach the ship, a Japanese bomb detonated the ship’s magazines, causing a massive explosion on board and dealing significan…

1
Fighting in the Solomon Islands: Capt Frank Guidone 42:10

4M ago42:10

42:10

Captain Frank Guidone served in World War II with the Marine Raiders, a special ops force that specialized in amphibious guerilla warfare. In this interview, he recounts his service in the Solomon islands, including the Battle of Edson’s Ridge, the New Georgia campaign, and the Matanikau Offensive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.…

1
33: Making the Royal Navy More Lethal 47:17

4M ago47:17

47:17

Our guests on this episode of the podcast are Dr Emma Salisbury and Will Freer, who recently wrote a commentary for Warships IFR, headlined ‘How to Achieve a More Lethal Royal Navy’, which was based on their recent report for the Council on Geostrategy. Here they discuss various topics associated with the report with podcast host Iain Ballantyne. T…

1
Escaping the USS Arizona: GM3 Donald Gay Stratton 23:24

3M ago23:24

23:24

Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Petty Officer Donald Gay Stratton was on the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He directed four 5-inch guns before an armor-piercing bomb hit the ship, sending up a 600 ft wall of flame. Stratton suffered burns on nearly 60% of his body. “The skin on our arms just came off like big socks,” he recalls. After an e…

1
SPOTLIGHT: Col. Gregory “Pappy” Boyington 27:34

4M ago27:34

27:34

Gregory “Pappy” Boyington was a legendary WWII fighter pilot. He is credited with destroying 28 Japanese aircraft, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor- but his legacy has been tainted by his abuse of alcohol and a historically inaccurate TV portrayal. Today in a special episode of Warriors In Their Own Words, we’ll be hearing from two men who kne…

1
Brothers in Arms Part III: SSgt Nick Bennett 40:30

4M ago40:30

40:30

Brothers in Arms is a special three-part series that tells the stories of SgtMaj Dan Miller and SSgt Nick Bennett, two Iraq War vets whose lives were forever changed by a deadly rocket attack. Today, in the final part of this series, you’ll hear SSgt Bennett share his side of the story. Bennett also deployed to Iraq with the Marine Corps, initially…

1
Brothers in Arms Part II: SgtMaj Dan Miller 45:01

4M ago45:01

45:01

Brothers in Arms is a special three-part series that tells the stories of SgtMaj Dan Miller and SSgt Nick Bennett, two Iraq War vets whose lives were forever changed by a deadly rocket attack. Today we’re sharing the second episode in this series, where you’ll hear the rest of SgtMaj Dan Miller’s story. Miller served in the Marine Corps as a heavy …

1
Brothers in Arms Part I: SgtMaj Dan Miller 44:16

4M ago44:16

44:16

Brothers in Arms is a special three-part series that tells the stories of SgtMaj Dan Miller and SSgt Nick Bennett, two Iraq War vets whose lives were forever changed by a deadly rocket attack. In this first part, you’ll hear Sergeant Major Dan Miller talk about his first two deployments to Iraq. Miller served in the Marine Corps as a heavy artiller…

1
Glider Infantry in The Battle of the Bulge: 2Lt. Daniel Clark Part II 24:52

5M ago24:52

24:52

2Lt. Daniel Clark served in the Army during World War II as a Glider Infantryman. In this second part of his interview, Clark recounts Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and freeing the prisoners of Wöbbelin Concentration Camp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Glider Infantry on D-Day: 2Lt. Daniel Clark Part I 30:27

5M ago30:27

30:27

Today, in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy, we’re sharing this interview with 2Lt. Daniel Clark. Clark served in the Army during World War II as a Glider Infantryman. In this first part of his interview, Clark explains how he ended up in the invasion, and provides his recollection of D-Day. Next time on Warriors In Their Ow…

1
32: Dormant NATO & Russia: Confront or Contain? 25:06

5M ago25:06

25:06

Back for a second discussion of hot topics are guests Dr Gary Blackburn and Dr David Blagden. With host Iain Ballantyne, they weigh up the prospect of European NATO nations being forced to cope with a bigger burden of defence, if a re-elected President Trump decides to to pull American land forces out of the Continent. It is a policy that is being …

1
31: National Service Electioneering & Drones Seduction 35:56

5M ago35:56

35:56

Our guests for this episode are Dr Gary Blackburn and Dr David Blagden who, with host Iain Ballantyne, discuss a recent proposal by the UK Government to introduce a new National Service scheme for 18-year-olds. Iain asks if it is just a case of blatant electioneering by the incumbent Sunak administration, which looks set to lose a summer General El…

1
Inside the Black Sheep Squadron: LTC Henry Mayo “Hank” Bourgeois 32:39

5M ago32:39

32:39

Lieutenant Colonel Henry Mayo “Hank” Bourgeois served in World War II as a Marine Corps fighter pilot. He was a member of the Black Sheep Squadron (VMFA-214), which became famous for their numerous successes over the Solomon Islands, and their leader, Lt. Col. Gregory “Pappy” Boyington. Boyington had previously earned a name for himself as a member…

1
An Insurgent’s Nightmare: MSG Earl Plumlee 54:00

5M ago54:00

54:00

“That’s bold talk for a guy that’s only got one bullet…” Master Sergeant Earl Plumlee served in the Marine Corps before switching to the Army. He became a Green Beret and deployed to Afghanistan in 2013. Plumlee was awarded the Medal of Honor for his part in helping defend Forward Operating Base Ghazni. His story is straight out of a movie. Under h…

1
Afghanistan, Ukraine, and the Pentagon: Col. Sam Hartwell 31:23

6M ago31:23

31:23

Colonel Sam Hartwell served in Korea, Germany, and Afghanistan with the U.S. Army. In Afghanistan he was a part of Special Operations Command, and he later worked at the Pentagon with the USD I&S. In March 2022, Hartwell left retirement to volunteer in Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
30: Naval Intelligence in WW2 - Eavesdroppers & the Secret War 52:36

6M ago52:36

52:36

Our guest on this episode is Dr Helen Fry, the author of more than 25 books on the social history of WW2, not least British intelligence activities, spies and the like. She is a leading authority on many related topics, including on the ‘secret listeners’ who eavesdropped on what enemy Prisoners of War were discussing. This was in order to gain ins…

1
The Battle of Ia Drang: SP5 Jon Wallenius 40:48

6M ago40:48

40:48

Specialist 5 Jon Wallenius served in Vietnam with the Army, and fought in the famous Battle of Ia Drang. As a member of the First Cavalry Division, it was his job to scout for enemies in advanced positions and clear LZs for the infantry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Evergreen Podcasts | The Honor Project

1
The Man Who Broke the Sound Barrier: Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager 57:14

6M ago57:14

57:14

Brigadier General Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager is an Air Force legend. He served in World War II as a fighter pilot, where he shot down a total of 13 aircraft, and escaped capture after being shot down over German-occupied France. After WWII, Yeager became a test pilot for new, faster aircraft. On October 14th, 1947, he became the first person to brea…

1
Bomb Disposal in Bosnia: MCPO Ken Falke 51:03

6M ago51:03

51:03

Master Chief Petty Officer Ken Falke served in the Navy as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialist during the 80s and 90s. He was tasked with disarming all sorts of explosives, and deployed all over the world, including to Iraq during the Gulf War, and Bosnia during the Bosnian War. Now, Falke and his wife run a non-profit called Boulder Cr…

1
The Marine Scout Sniper Program: Maj Edward James Land Jr. 43:35

7M ago43:35

43:35

Major Edward James Land Jr. served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. In the 1960s, Land and Richard O. Culver Jr. worked together to create the first permanent Marine Corps Scout Sniper School. In this special episode, Maj Land explains how the school came to be, and tells a few stories from his time in Vietnam. Thank you to Regal for spo…

1
Web-Exclusive: Surviving a Helicopter Crash w/SSG Mark Lalli 1:55

7M ago1:55

1:55

"The aircraft started to spin. Not really thinking it was anything unusual, I remember calling the pilot saying, 'Hey sir, are we going to stop this?' When he responded with, 'I can't,' I knew this wasn't going to end well." Click here to check out our web-exclusive interview with Staff Sergeant Mark Lalli. Lalli served in Iraq as a Blackhawk Helic…

1
Youngest Flying Ace in Korea: Lt Col Hank Buttelmann 32:39

7M ago32:39

32:39

Lieutenant Colonel Henry “Hank” Buttelmann served in Korea and Vietnam as a fighter pilot. In Korea, he flew the F-86, and became the youngest ace of the war at the age of 24. He left Korea with 6 confirmed kills. Buttelmann retired with four DIstinguished Flying Crosses and a Silver Star. In this interview, Buttelmann talks about his time in Korea…

1
My Story: Lt. Ken Harbaugh 54:41

7M ago54:41

54:41

In this special episode, Lt. Ken Harbaugh, the host of Warriors In Their Own Words, is interviewed by MOH recipient SSG David Bellavia about his service in the Navy. Harbaugh served from 1996 - 2005 as an EP-3 pilot, tasked with collecting signals intelligence from adversaries such as Russia, North Korea, and China. You can find more information ab…

1
Bullet Through the Jaw: COL Walter Joseph Marm Jr. 40:06

7M ago40:06

40:06

COL Walter Joseph Marm Jr. served as a rifle platoon leader in Vietnam. When a friendly platoon was trapped behind enemy lines, Marm and his platoon were sent to rescue them. Attempting to take a hill held by the enemy, Marm single-handedly killed 14 enemies with his rifle and a grenade before being shot in the face, shattering his jawbone. He then…

1
Overcoming Trauma: CSM Tonya Oxendine 36:07

8M ago36:07

36:07

Warning, this episode contains harsh language, graphic violence, gore, and description of rape. Listener discretion is advised. CSM Tonya Oxendine served in the US Army for nearly 30 years, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. She did two tours in Iraq & Afghanistan as a paratrooper. In this interview, Oxendine describes the abuse she endured both…

1
29: A Fragile Nuclear Deterrent in a Dangerous World 45:43

8M ago45:43

45:43

In part two of their discussion, Warships Pod host Iain Ballantyne and guest Doug Littlejohns touch on numerous things, not least nuclear deterrent matters. As in the previous episode, the situation during the Cold War is compared with today’s, including the problem of Royal Navy submarines that carry the deterrent becoming elderly and badly in nee…

1
Introducing: Everything Everywhere Daily (Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto) 13:17

8M ago13:17

13:17

Today as a bonus episode, we’ll be airing an episode of Everything Everywhere Daily about Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. Everything Everywhere Daily is a podcast that allows listeners to learn something new every day on various subjects, like history, science, geography, mathematics, and technology. Here’s episode #1321, about Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. …

1
The Battle of Anzio: COL Young Oak Kim Part II 54:55

8M ago54:55

54:55

In this final part of his interview, Kim talks about the Battle of Anzio, earning the Distinguished Service Cross, and his feelings about the war. – Young Oak Kim was born in Los Angeles to a Korean family in 1919. He tried enlisting prior to World War II, but was denied due to his race. When war finally broke out in Europe, Congress passed the Sel…

1
28: On the Brink of World War Three? 31:34

8M ago31:34

31:34

In the first part of a discussion with Captain Doug Littlejohns, who commanded a nuclear-powered hunter-killer submarine against the Russians during the old Cold War, the primary topic is whether or not we are on the brink of World War Three. Doug provides insights gained when he played key roles tasking NATO submarines during 1980s spikes in tensi…

1
The Battle of Monte Cassino: COL Young Oak Kim Part I 53:55

8M ago53:55

53:55

In this first part of his interview, COL Kim talks about joining the Army, serving as a Korean American in World War II, and the Battle of Monte Cassino – Young Oak Kim was born in Los Angeles to a Korean family in 1919. He tried enlisting prior to World War II, but was denied due to his race. When war finally broke out in Europe, Congress passed t…

1
Battalion XO in Iraq: Lt. Col. Joseph Kopser 50:16

8M ago50:16

50:16

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Kopser attended West Point before joining a cavalry unit in the U.S. Army. He volunteered to go to Iraq in 2004 working out of one of Saddam Hussein's Palaces and then again in 2006-2007 where he served as a Battalion Executive Officer in the 1st Cavalry Division. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi…

1
The Airmobile Concept: LTG Harry Kinnard 47:48

9M ago47:48

47:48

In this special episode, Lieutenant General Harry Kinnard explains how he helped develop the Airmobile concept- which later became the 1st Air Cavalry Division in the U.S. Army. The Airmobile approach integrated helicopters into the structure of ground forces, allowing troops and supplies to be delivered quickly over difficult terrain, and even ove…

1
Tunnel Rat in Vietnam: CAPT John Cotter 42:37

9M ago42:37

42:37

Captain John Robert Cotter served in the Australian Army in Vietnam. He was a combat engineer, tasked with disarming mines, dismantling booby traps, dealing with gas warfare, establishing roadways for infantry transport, and more. He was among the first to discover the tactical importance and vast scale of enemy tunnels, and it was his job to crawl…

1
Reflecting on Vietnam Part II: Col. John Anthony Cash 38:57

9M ago38:57

38:57

Colonel John Anthony Cash served in the Army as a Rifle Company Commander in Vietnam. In this second part of his interview, Cash tells more incredible stories, reflects on the war as a whole, and talks about coming home. Before serving in Vietnam, Cash helped train Cuban nationals in the lead up to the Bay of Pigs Invasion. He later contributed to …

1
Reflecting on Vietnam Part I: Col. John Anthony Cash 43:29

9M ago43:29

43:29

Colonel John Anthony Cash served in the Army as a Rifle Company Commander in Vietnam. In this interview, Cash recalls hearing updates about the devastating Battle of Ia Drang around a radio, serving in Operation White Wing, and several tragic stories from his tour. Before serving in Vietnam, Cash helped train Cuban nationals in the lead up to the B…

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