Episódios
-
Join us for an engaging episode of "Front to the Films" as we sit down with renowned author and historian Alex Kershaw. This Sunday, May 26th, at 8:00 pm EST, Colonel Tom Rendall (USA Ret.) hosts an insightful discussion that offers each of us a wider view of World War II and its signficance.
Alex Kershaw is celebrated for his in-depth research and compelling stories. His latest book, Patton's Prayer, dives into General Patton’s deep faith and its impact on his leadership during World War II. Kershaw’s other notable books include The Bedford Boys, The Liberator, Against All Odds, and The First Wave, each of which tells powerful stories of bravery and sacrifice.In this episode, Alex shares his journey into writing about World War II, revealing the inspiration behind his captivating stories. He discusses the profound impact of The Bedford Boys, the remarkable journey of Felix Sparks in The Liberator, and the experiences of those Medal of Honor recipients featured in Against All Odds. He also highlights the personal stories within the broader scope of the war, offering unique insights into the human dimensions of warfare.
With the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaching, Alex discusses the significance of this pivotal moment in WWII. He reflects on the stories of the key warriors who landed on D-Day, as recounted in his book, The First Wave, and The Bedford Boys, and emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring this day.
Continue listening to the end, where Alex offers a cogent argument about the need to understand history in order to understand out own identities as Americans.His extraordinary insights offer each of us a deeper understanding of the events that shaped our world and the legacy of those who fought for freedom.
Tune in to this episode of "Front to the Films" for a discussion that's both enlightening and inspiring. Subscribe to our podcast and join us as we continue to explore the personal histories behind these pivotal moments in history.
Alex Kershaw's Books:
Jack London (1997) The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge and the Epic Story of World War II's Most Decorated Platoon (2004) The Bedford Boys: One American Town's Ultimate D-day Sacrifice (2004) Blood and Champagne: The Life And Times Of Robert Capa (2004) The Few (2006) Escape from the Deep (2008) The Envoy / To Save a People (2009) The Liberator: One World War II Soldier's 500-Day Odyssey from the Beaches of Sicily to the Gates of Dachau (2012) Avenue of Spies: A True Story of Terror, Espionage, and One American Family's Heroic Resistance in Nazi-Occupied Paris (2015) The General: William Levine, Citizen Soldier and Liberator (2017) The First Wave: The D-Day Warriors Who Led the Way to Victory in World War II (2019) Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II (2022) Patton's Prayer: A True Story of Courage, Faith, and Victory in World War II (2024) -
As we approach the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, join us for a special episode of "Front to the Films" as we welcome George Luz, Jr., to share memories of his father, George Luz Sr., the lively paratrooper from Easy Company immortalized in the book "Band of Brothers" and the HBO mini-series. Hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA Ret.), this episode discusses into the legacy of George Luz Sr. and the famous camaraderie of Easy Company.
Host Tom Rendall introduces George Luz, Jr., and sets the stage for a heartfelt discussion about George Luz Sr.'s legacy and his impact on Easy Company. George Luz, Jr., reflects on his father's journey, recounting visits with Major Richard D. Winters and other legendary Easy Company members like Wild Bill Guarnere, Babe Heffron, and Don Malarkey. Audio clips from Easy Company comrades are included in this compelling conversation with George Luz.
Our discussion includes the portrayal of George Luz Sr. in "Band of Brothers" by Rick Gomez, the series' accuracy, and memories from Buck Compton's 90th birthday party. They explore the bonds formed in battle and their lasting impact, insights from the veterans' personal experiences, and how George Luz, Jr., keeps the memory of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy alive.
Tune in to this "Front to the Films" episode for an intimate look into the lives and legacies of the men of Easy Company. Subscribe and join us on this journey through history.
-
Estão a faltar episódios?
-
In this episode of "Front to the Films," hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall, we count down to the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy. With the expertise of guests Keith Nightingale and Joey Ivanov, both veterans with extensive backgrounds in military operations and history, we delve into the strategic planning and heroic actions of Operation Overlord. As we journey back to June 6, 1944, we aim to uncover the strategic brilliance and raw courage that defined one of the most critical military operations in World War II.This fascinating discussion focuses on the strategic decisions that led to Normandy being selected as the site for the Allied invasion. We discuss the strategic imperatives and the associated challenges of this choice. Joey and Keith then examine Operation Fortitude, the extensive deception strategy used to mislead the German forces, which was crucial for the Allies' success. This discussion extends to explore how the selection of Normandy influenced the broader Allied campaign in Europe, including the subsequent Operation Dragoon in Southern France. This segment provides listeners with an in-depth understanding of the meticulous planning and execution that set the stage for this historic day.
We'll continue the discussion with Joey Ivanov and Keith Nightingale in the next episode, where we continue to explore the complexities and impacts of Operation Overlord. Stay tuned for more insights into the tactical maneuvers, personal stories, and the broader implications of the Normandy invasion on subsequent military strategies and operations.
Join us for this educational and reflective journey into one of the most significant events of the 20th century, brought to you by "Front to the Films."
-
In this first episode of a new season in our "Front to the Films" Podcast, we sit down with Christian Blauvelt, author of the new book, "Hollywood Victory: The Movies, Stars, and Stories of World War II," to explore an era when Hollywood played a crucial role in the war, not only on the screen, but on the battlefield as well.
Christian Blauvelt shares behind-the-scenes stories of how the film industry joined forces with the government, offering a unique blend of entertainment, patriotism, and activism. This fascinating discussion uncovers the impact of Hollywood's golden age on the war effort and how these actions still resonate within the industry today--a truly fascinating chapter of film and world history!
-
This Women's History Month, the World War II Foundation highlights the diverse roles women played during the war through "Her War, Her Story." This clip introduces Marjorie Giamo, a "Rosie the Riveter" from Waltham, MA, who took on the critical role of welder, contributing to the war effort on the home front. Alongside her, Rae Curovick shares her experiences growing up in England and serving in the Ordnance Corps, showcasing the global impact of women's contributions during WWII. Their stories reflect the strength, resilience, and versatility of women who stepped into roles traditionally held by men and played a pivotal part in supporting the war efforts.
#WomensHistoryMonth #WWII #RosietheRiveter #HerWarHerStory #WomensContributions
-
Continuing our observance of Women's History Month and honoring the enduring spirit of our Greatest Generation, the World War II Foundation presents a memorable clip from "Her War, Her Story." In this segment, Kathleen McElaney shares her experiences growing up in England during World War II. From the trials of rationing to the united efforts and common purpose that galvanized the country, McElaney's reflections offer a poignant glimpse into the day-to-day realities faced by those on the home front. Her recollections serve as a testament to the resilience and solidarity of a nation under siege. This clip is a tribute to the strength and perseverance of women who lived through these challenging times.
#WomensHistoryMonth #WWII #HomeFront #Rationing #Unity #HerWarHerStory
-
Barbara Kotinek was just a young girl when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. She got an up-close view of the Japanese pilots when they flew over and the devastation along Battleship Row, especially the flaming USS Arizona. When the enemy flew over her Naval housing, they even waved to her and smiled. She climbed a clothesline to get a better view.
Her family was so certain that the Japanese were going to invade Oahu, that her father gave the young girl a gun so she could do the unthinkable: Shoot herself and her mother if Honolulu was invaded.
This short clip is from a searing, personal interview full of emotion, even decades after that “Day of Infamy.” Watch the full film here:
#HerWarHerStory #WomensHistoryMonth #WWIIFoundation #GreatestGeneration #PearlHarbor #Resilience #Courage
-
In the powerful finale episode of the "Echoes of Valor" podcast series, host Colonel Tom Rendall brings together historian John McManus and Rebecca Hutchinson, youngest daughter of World War II navigator Harry Crosby, to reflect on the acclaimed Masters of the Air television series.
Their extraordinary discussion sheds light on the intense complexity of the bombing missions over Europe, weaving together the broader historical context with deeply personal narratives of the brave airmen involved. John McManus talks about how the series captured the unimaginable challenges faced by bomber crews, offering a visceral look at the air war's toll.
Rebecca Crosby Hutchinson's first-hand connection further brings that story to life. Her father Harry's memoirs in "A Wing and a Prayer" provided crucial inspiration for Masters of the Air and the portrayal of the legendary 100th Bomb Group, nicknamed "The Bloody Hundredth" for their staggering casualty rate. Hutchinson shares her profound experience watching her father's harrowing experiences reenacted on screen and the impact it had on her family.
This final episode of our special series also reflects on the larger significance of accurately depicting WWII history through renowned works like Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan and Masters of the Air. As John McManus explains, these powerful films and shows play a vital role in educating future generations and ensuring the immense sacrifices are never forgotten.
With the finale, "Echoes of Valor" concludes its gripping companion series that has paid tribute to the Masters of the Air while allowing you--our listeners--to step into the shoes of the "Masters" themselves. The stories demand to be told and the legacies upheld. By giving voices to soldiers, historians and family members, this special series of our "Front to the Films" podcast will keep the "echoes of valor" resonating for countless future listeners to experience.
Thank you for joining us!
The World War II Foundation's "Front to the Films" Podcast will now continue in the lead up to a multitude of 80th Anniversary events of World War II. In the weeks ahead, our podcast episodes will focus on D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
-
This Women's History Month, our latest clip from "Her War, Her Story" focuses on the diverse and poignant experiences of three women growing up in Nazi Germany: Irmgard Schmid, who seeks redemption for her country's past; Anna Arbeiter, a Holocaust survivor; and Helga Schmid, who shares her childhood memories from that era. Their stories offer a window into the emotional toll of World War II on young girls. All three women discuss their unique paths through the same historical landscape. These stories provide deep insight into the emotional scars left by the war and the strength required to navigate its aftermath.
#HerWarHerStory #WomensHistoryMonth #WW2 #Survivors #WWII #WWIIFoundation
-
In our latest episode of "Echoes of Valor," we're treated to an engaging, often compelling, conversation that bridges the historical and the contemporary aspects of military aviation as Masters of the Air winds down. Hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall in partnership with The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force and The World War II Foundation, this episode features two great United States Air Force leaders: Brigadier General Paul W. Tibbets IV (USAF Ret.) and Lieutenant Colonel Fred Swan (USAF Ret.).
This episode is especially compelling because it carries the legacy of the Mighty Eighth Army Air Forces during World War II, through to the evolution of airpower, and the impact of these experiences on future generations of airmen.
Brigadier General Tibbets, with a lineage deeply rooted in our nation's military history, shared insights from his illustrious career, which includes over 4,000 flying hours in B-1 and B-2 bombers. As the grandson of Paul W. Tibbets Jr., the pilot of the Enola Gay during the Hiroshima bombing, General Tibbets carries forward a legacy of critical importance in the realm of nuclear deterrence and strike readiness. Beyond his military career, Tibbets also serves as the President of the 8th Air Force Historical Society.
Lieutenant Colonel Fred Swan discusses his experiences drawn from his 20-year service in the Air Force, including a critical mission during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a weapons systems officer aboard a B-1B Lancer, Swan played a key role in a precision strike aimed at decapitating the Iraqi leadership. Now, as a Senior Systems Engineer for Military Flight Simulation at Rockwell Collins, Colonel Swan contributes to the advancement of today's Air Force pilots, ensuring they are equipped to meet modern warfare's demands.
In an October, 1998 file photo, retired Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets Jr., left, and his grandson, then-Capt. Paul Tibbets IV, fly the last flyable B-29 Superfortress, ‘Fifi,’ in Midland, Texas. (Photo courtesy DoD)
General Tibbets shared how his grandfather's legacy shaped his approach to leadership within the Air Force, while Swan reflected on how his leadership roles prepared him for high-stakes missions around the world.
The preservation of our nation's military history and legacy was another focal point. Both guests discussed their roles in ensuring that the history of the Eighth Air Force and military aviation's technological advancements are shared with new generations. This episode of "Echoes of Valor" serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of military aviation and its vital role in shaping our past, present, and future.
-
In this short clip from our film, "Her War, Her Story," we hear from two women as they discuss their emotional journeys through and after World War II. The documentary, narrated by Jane Lynch, includes stories like Irmgard Schmid's, who seeks redemption for her country's past while living in England and France, and Anna Arbeiter, a Holocaust survivor, who shares the pain of being a 14-year-old girl in Auschwitz, forever marked by the experience. These narratives reveal the strength and resilience of women who endured the war's darkest hours.
This impactful film conveys the experiences of women who faced the turmoil of history's most violent conflict, through the voices of those who both served and lived through it, illuminating the profound effect World War II had on their lives and highlighting their remarkable resilience amidst adversity.
#HerWarHerStory #WomensHistoryMonth #WW2Survivors #WWII
-
Tune in to a captivating episode of 'Echoes of Valor' featuring LTC Harry T. Stewart Jr., one of our nation's most distinguished veterans, and one of last two surviving Tuskegee Airman--brought to you in collaboration with The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force and The World War II Foundation. Your host, Colonel Tom Rendall, unpacks the gallantry, trials, and historical impact of the Tuskegee Airmen through the personal experiences of Colonel Stewart, a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Colonel Harry T. Stewart Jr. stands as one of the most honored members of the Tuskegee Airmen. Born on July 24, 1924, in Newport News, Virginia, his family relocated to Queens, New York, when he was two, near North Beach Airport. This proximity sparked his lifelong passion for aviation as he gazed at the planes flying above. At 17, sensing his forthcoming draft into World War II, he excelled in a military examination that singled out prospective pilots, which led to his enlistment in the US Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet.
Stewart earned his pilot wings at Tuskegee Air Field, Alabama, and, still in his teens, received his commission as a second lieutenant. He underwent combat fighter training in the P-40 Warhawk and P-47 Thunderbolt, and in 1944 he was deployed to Italy with the all-black 332nd Fighter Group. Stewart completed 43 combat missions in the P-51 Mustang. His most notable combat success occurred on April 1, 1945, as then First Lieutenant Stewart and other P-51 pilots protected B-24 Liberators during a bombing mission. The engagement that followed saw Stewart down three FW-190s, securing him the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The episode recorded on March 3rd explores Stewart's rigorous training, pivotal combat encounters, and his triumph in the inaugural Air Force "Top Gun" competition of 1949. Stewart, as one of the last Tuskegee Airmen, provides invaluable insight into their contribution to military aviation history.
Midway, the episode features spotlights on the Mighty Eighth Air Force and The World War II Foundation, then resumes with a discussion on the timeless relevance of the Tuskegee Airmen’s heritage in today’s military and aviation realms. In the final segment, Colonel Stewart offers advice to young military and aviation hopefuls, contemplating the strides made and the distance yet to be covered.
Seize the opportunity to engage with Colonel Stewart's profound legacy and the collective story of the Tuskegee Airmen. Immerse yourself in a significant slice of World War II history and gain a deeper perspective by reading “Soaring to Glory.”
'Echoes of Valor' continues to narrate tales of airborne bravery. Stay tuned for more stories that are bound to captivate and motivate.
Photo Credit: Lydia Thompson (21st Century Fox)/(Robert Clark/National Geographic) -
Happy International Women's Day!
To honor this day, we celebrate Julia Parsons, a WWII code-breaker, with recognition for her secret service during the war. Initially silent about her role in deciphering German communications, she served in a U.S. Navy unit, decoding messages from the Enigma machine. Parsons, after over 50 years, shared her story with us once it she learned of its declassification.Our documentary, Her War, Her Story" captures the essence of women's roles in WWII, showcasing stories of service, witness, and survival. Narrated by Jane Lynch, this documentary is a tribute to the courage and steadfastness of women during critical moments of history.
In this short clip from that film, you’ll get a sense of their extraordinary journeys. Their stories prove that women were, without a doubt, the equal of men in every aspect during times of war and peace.
#WomensCourage #WomensHistoryMonth #wwiifoundation #WW2 #WWII
-
This is the latest segment of the Echoes of Valor podcast series, hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall. In Part 2 of this episode, the discussion continues on the strategic evolution from the bold maneuvers of WWII bombers to today's precise, technology-driven airstrikes. Joined by Dr. Mark Clodfelter, General Tim Fay, and General John Fairfield, the discussion pivots on the stark contrasts and lessons learned from the era of the 8th Air Force to the precision-guided reality of modern conflict.
Each guest, through their unique lens of experience and expertise, weighs in on the monumental shifts from carpet bombing to precision strikes, dissecting the technological progress that has redefined the theater of war. The insightful perspectives reveal how the strategies of the past are the bedrock upon which today's airpower is built.
In their closing thoughts, the panelists delve into the enduring significance of airpower's legacy. From Tim Fay's reflection on its strategic influence to John Fairfield's emphasis on its inspirational power and Mark Clodfelter's insights into its educational value, the conversation affirms the importance of these stories for current and future military generations.
As the session draws to a close it’s clear that the stories and strategies discussed are not relics of the past but beacons for the future of aerial warfare. The shared experiences and histories serve not just to honor those who served but to enlighten and inspire the path forward. This is a session that goes beyond storytelling into the full realm of air combat.
#Aviation, #Military, #AirPower, #WWII, #Strategy, #Combat, #History, #Legacy, #Technology, #Precision, #Bombing, #Airstrikes, #Warfare, #Tactics, #podcast #MastersoftheAir
Photos of The Eagle Pub in Cambridge were taken by Paul Clifford in 2016
Widescreen Episode Photo:
Master Sgt. Dewey Christopher, left, poses for a photo with his ground crew and his first B-17 Flying Fortress, "Skipper" at Thorpe Abbotts, Diss, England, in 1942. Christopher was a crew chief with the 100th Bombardment Group and 351st Bomb Squadron during World War II. He visited RAF Mildenhall in June 2019, when the Professional Development Center was renamed in his honor, and while here shared stories from his military days. (Courtesy photo)
-
This Women's History Month, we are celebrating the extraordinary women of World War II. This clip shows Julia Parsons, and her top secret role as a codebreaker during the war. From the American Home Front to the harrowing grounds of Auschwitz, "Her War, Her Story" narrated by Jane Lynch, unveils the untold tales of bravery and resilience.
Over the next month, we will be posting clips from The World War II Foundation's documentary, Her War, Her Story. Watch these short clips and be inspired by the strength of women who stood equal to men in patriotism and service during history's most violent conflict.
#HerWarHerStory #WomensHistoryMonth #wwiifoundation #WW2 #WWII
Photo Credit: Carnegie-Mellon News, 2018 -
"Echoes of Valor: Episode 6 is here! This is Part 1 of a two-part series, and listening to this, you’ll find yourself at a crossroads where history and heroism intersect. Our host, Colonel Tom Rendall convenes a rare gathering of extraordinary minds and guides a fascinating discussion.
In collaboration with The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force and The World War II Foundation, this episode introduces Dr. Mark Clodfelter, Professor Emeritus at The National War College, with his own firsthand Air Force experience. Dr. Clodfelter’s academic contributions have illuminated our understanding of airpower history, strategy and tactics for decades.
We meet Lieutenant General Tim Fay (USAF, Ret.) whose remarkable career has bridged the operational and strategic dimensions of the Air Force, and his influence continues today. Throughout his career, commanding bombers in the skies and shaping policy in the Pentagon, General Fay offers an insider’s view of the legacy of the 8th Air Force, and the evolution of air strategy and policy.
Joining us, too, is Lieutenant General John Fairfield (USAF, Ret.),whose storied career in our Air Force spans combat missions in Vietnam to the development our nation’s B2 Stealth Bomber. His anecdotes and reflections paint a vivid picture of airpower's transformation through the years.
This dialogue offers more than just an account of the past; it's an incisive look into the legacy of the 100th Bomb Group, the advances in air combat technology, and a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who truly “mastered the skies” during World War II. Prepare for a fascinating deep dive into the history and heroism that “Masters of the Air” so vividly brings to the screen.
Stay tuned for Part 2! Coming up!
All of the above photos were contributed by World War II Foundation Chairman, Paul Clifford, from a “Masters of the Air” tour in which he participated in 2016.
#EchoesOfValor, #Military #Podcast, #Aviation #Strategy, #AirForce #Legacy, #Military #History, #AirPower, #Combat #Tactics, #Veteran #Insights, #Defense #Policy, #Strategy #Impact, #B2Bomber, #WWIIHistory, #Legends, #AirCombat #Evolution. -
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, also known as the "Six Triple Eight," was a groundbreaking all-African American, all-female unit that played a crucial role in World War II by ensuring that mail delivery to U.S. military personnel was efficient and timely. The battalion was composed of 855 enlisted African American women and officers, led by Major Charity Edna Adams Early, who by the end of the war became the highest-ranking African American woman in the military. This unit was distinctive for being the only all-black, all-female battalion serving overseas during the war, embodying the motto "No mail, no morale".Initially formed to address a significant backlog of undelivered mail in European theaters, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion embarked on their mission in early 1945, facing not just the logistical challenges of sorting and delivering millions of pieces of mail but also the additional hardships of racism and sexism. Despite these obstacles, they executed their duties with exceptional efficiency and dedication, clearing the mail backlog in Birmingham, England, before moving on to France to continue their mission.
Their work conditions were harsh, operating in cold, poorly-lit warehouses, yet they managed to complete their tasks ahead of schedule, demonstrating remarkable resilience and teamwork. The battalion was self-contained, managing its own logistics from mess halls to motor pools, and even had its own military police, chapel, and recreational activities, including sports teams and dances.
The legacy of the 6888th has been increasingly recognized in recent years, with members being awarded the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. The battalion has been honored in various ways, including the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal in 2021, and has been the subject of documentaries, museum exhibits, and educational programs.
Despite their significant contributions, the return of the battalion to the United States in 1946 was met with little public recognition, and they were disbanded at Fort Dix, New Jersey, without the fanfare or acknowledgment their achievements deserved. However, the impact of their service and the barriers they broke down have continued to inspire and gain recognition over time, ensuring their place in history not just as servicewomen, but as pioneers for African American women in the military and beyond.
This March, we honor the “Six Trip Eight” Central Postal Directory Battalion, Deloris Ruddock, Anna Mae Robertson, and other amazing women in uniform.The World War II Foundation documentary, "Her War, Her Story" brings to life the dedication of women who processed and delivered the mail during World War II and who served and sacrificed so valiantly. Their legacy is our inspiration.
Here’s a clip from the documentary. Watch the full film to witness the power of women's contributions on and off the battlefield.#6888Postal #Women #RosieTheRiveter #WomensHistoryMonth #wwiifoundation #WW2 #WWII
-
Clement Leone stands in the war room, that is filled with many memories and mementos, at his home in Lake Heritage. He is wearing the Legion of Honor award which he received at the French Embassy in Washington D.C. (Darryl Wheeler/Gettysburg Times)
This interview of Clem Leone was conducted at his home in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania by John Fenzel and his son Luke, on June 16, 2018. At the time of this interview, Clem was 94 years old. The following narrative is derived from multiple sources, detailed at the end of this post. Many of the photos of awards, models and artifacts were taken at his home.
Major Clement “Clem” Leone
US Army Air Force B24 Liberator Radio Operator
2nd Air Division/445th Bomb Group/700th Squadron
POW - Stalag Luft IV
Poland Nov. ’44 – May ‘45
Clem Leone was born in Baltimore in 1924. He had two brothers and three sisters and one of his brothers served in the Merchant Marines during WW II. I asked Clem what he remembered of growing up during the Great Depression. “It was tough makin’ a living. Not enough food to eat.” Clem had a step father who was a railroad telegrapher. “He made an above average salary for the time, but even so, we had to scrounge everywhere we could to get food.” Clem attended Southern High School, loved his experience, and characterized himself as a nerd. “I went there to learn and I graduated with honors.”
When the war broke out Clem was 17. He wanted to enlist but his mother wouldn’t let him. “When they started drafting 18 year olds she let me go.” Clem enlisted in November of ’42. The Army gave him several tests to identify his skills which would then be used to determine his military occupation. Clem did well on the radio test and had he had the option of radio school or auto and truck mechanic school. Clem had already taken auto shop in high school so he figured he should learn something else and he selected radio school.
Clem headed to Fort Pickett in Virginia and then to Miami Florida for basic training. At the time the Army needed radio operators so badly that they shortened his basic training and sent him to radio school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There he spent 13 weeks having “morse code pounded into you.” Clem wanted to fly and after passing a physical for flying he went to gunnery school to learn every weapon on the aircraft. The training was primitive but creative for the time and the technology available.
Next stop for Clem was Boise, Idaho where the gunners were teamed with a pilot, co-pilot, engineer and bombardier. There were a total of 10 in the crew for the B24 Liberator. The crew was sent to Sioux Falls where they practiced formation flying and Clem was assigned primary responsibility for the radio and secondary responsibility for the upper machine gun turret. In November of ’43 they left for Europe. They headed for England via Brazil and then to the Ascension Islands. “The Ascension Islands were a tiny speck in the middle of the ocean. My thought right away was, the Navigator just got out of cadet training. I hope he learned his lessons.” The Navigator got them to the Ascension Islands where they had Thanksgiving dinner while they plane was serviced. They then flew to Africa and then to Tibenham, England. Clem was in the 700th Squadron and Jimmy Stewart was a pilot in the 701st Squadron. One day Jimmy Stewart needed a radio operator to go on a training flight so he could check out a new pilot. Clem volunteered. “He was very strict. You never would have guessed he was a movie star celebrity.”
The crew’s first flight in December ’43 was a training mission to get accustomed to a new pilot. During the flight, the number 4 engine caught fire and they were able to extinguish the flames. The pilot was looking to make an emergency landing when the number 1 engine caught fire. The pilot hit the bail out button and the crew ejected. Clem didn’t get out of the plane until they were at 800 feet, and he hit the ground so hard he broke his leg. All but the pilot made it out alive.
On February 4th of 1944 they had their first mission that took then into Frankfurt, Germany. They loaded onto their plane, the “Wacky Donald” and headed for Germany. Clem recalled the flight was uneventful, with lots of flack but no Nazi fighter planes. They arrived at their target, dropped their bombs, and started to make their turn to head back to England. One of the planes in the formation above the Wacky Donald had one bomb stuck in its bomb bay and when it released it hit the number two engine on the Wacky Donald. Clem looked at the window to find a huge hole in the wing. This forced them to drop out of formation and head back to Tibenham at a much slower speed than the rest of the formation. The pilot ordered the crew to throw all non-essential equipment, including all but 50 rounds per machine gun, out of the bomb bay to lighten the plane to maintain their altitude. They were 5 to 6 hours from home.
Clem (lower left) with his crew. Top center is Lt. Robert Blomberg, an up and comer with the 445th Bomb Group who died at the controls when his ship blew up. Others in the crew were also KIA. Notable in this team photo is the small man next to Blomberg, Lt. Donald Widmark, co-pilot and brother of future actor Richard Widmark. The co-pilot would grab a parachute and leave Blomberg behind 75 years ago today. Clem’s personal rule was to stay with the ship as long as the officers did, but when he saw Widmark bail out, he said, “It was time for this guy to go.”
The plane and crew limped home and didn’t hit any resistance until they received heavy flack over the coast of France just before they headed over the English Channel. The plane dropped to about 4,000 feet and then received a radio transmission, “fighters at 6 o’clock.” Two ME-109 were closing on the Wacky Donald. Clem was in the upper gun turret and swung the guns around and took aim at the ME-109’s. Another transmission blared “fighters at 12 o’clock.” Clem pivoted to 12 o’clock and saw a wonderful sight; two British Spitfires. “Boy, they were beautiful.” The Spitfires took out one of the Nazi planes and one of the Spitfires chased the other ME-109 back to France. The Wacky Donald continued back to their air field and Clem recalled, “The White Cliffs of Dover….man they were beautiful!”. The runway came into sight, but the excitement wasn’t over. The pilot said “I have to put us into a dive to get enough speed to land. Put the landing gear into the down position and just pray they lock.” Their prayers were answered, and the pilot got them home in one piece. “None of us were hurt, but we did a lot of sweating.”
With two near misses under his belt Clem flew 4 more missions into Germany and France without incident. With D-Day looming, Operation Argument was developed. The objective was sustained and heavy bombing of aviation related targets in Germany. This was also known as “Big Week”. The crew of the "Wacky Donald" received orders to bomb a ball bearing plant in Gotha Germany, 145 miles west of Dresden. “That was a long flight.” The 20 plane formation took off on February 24 ’44. While making their way to the target they came under attack by the Luftwaffe using Fokker 190’s.
The enemy aircraft unleashed a barrage of incendiary rockets directly at the aft section of the "Wacky Donald." Clem was on the radio when he heard a tremendous explosion and saw flames begin to consume the plane. Amidst the chaos and the 200-mile-per-hour slipstream, Clem gripped the barrels of the top turret machine gun, a desperate attempt to maintain some semblance of control.
He looked around and found the tail gunner dead and half hanging out of the plane and one of the waist gunners dead in his position. The other waist gunner was wounded but managed to eject. The ball turret gunner came up to escape the fire, but he had to go back and retrieve his parachute leaving Clem and the Engineer to fight the flames with the fire extinguishers. That proved to be pointless as massive amounts of hydraulic fluid fed the flames.
In a moment that seemed to stretch into eternity, Clem's dire circumstances took a dramatic turn.
The co-pilot climbed over Clem and exited the plane through the upper hatch and bailed out. Clem’s theory was, “if the pilot or the co-pilot leaves, it’s time for this boy to go.” Later Clem learned that 13 of the 20 planes in his formation were shot down.
The engulfing fire reached the wing tanks, triggering a catastrophic explosion that instantly transformed the night sky.
The force of the blast was so intense that it rendered Technical Sgt. Leone unconscious and propelled him clear of the disintegrating aircraft, setting him on a terrifying free-fall towards the earth below.
Plummeting from an altitude of perhaps 10,000 feet, Clem was unconscious, his body hurtling down at a speed that should have guaranteed a fatal outcome upon impact. However, fate had other plans for the feisty airman. In a miraculous twist of events, Clem regained consciousness mid-fall, his face covered in blood, yet his mind startlingly clear. With death staring him in the face, he managed to summon his wits, frantically searching for the orange metal ring on his chest that stood between life and certain death.
With a decisive yank, Clem pulled the ring, deploying his parachute and transitioning from a deathly free-fall to a controlled descent. Despite his injuries, including fractured ribs sustained upon impact, Clem survived the ordeal, a testament to his incredible resilience and presence of mind in the face of overwhelming adversity. This harrowing experience not only showcased Clem's indomitable spirit but also marked the beginning of an extraordinary tale of survival against all odds.
Clem put on his parachute and climbed through the upper hatch. At this point the plane was still flying 240 mph and Clem had to hold on to the two upper guns to keep from blowing off. The plane was being consumed by flames and Clem was trying to decide how to exit the plane without getting caught in the spinning props or being thrown into the big double tail in the rear. “While I was contemplating what to do apparently the ship exploded because I found myself at 14,000 feet without an airplane.” Clem knew he was over enemy territory, and his mind was spinning on how to avoid capture. His chute opened without a problem and he could see below that there was a pond and he was headed straight into it. “Well wouldn’t you know it, I got out of the plane safely and here I am going to land in this pond and drown because I can’t swim.” Luckily, he remembered his training on how to use his cords to direct his landing. At about 8,000 feet he saw a crowd of civilians running toward him. Now he remembered being told that German civilians would kill American pilots because they were told they were gangsters. Clem made sure to pull his legs up so he wouldn’t break them and instead broke three ribs and hurt his back.
With the crowd rapidly approaching, Clem pulled out his sidearm to try and defend himself. He could hear them yelling, “Hollander, Hollander!” He then realized he wasn’t in Germany but rather occupied Netherlands. Clem motioned them to come closer and tried to use his language card to speak Dutch but to no avail. They brought Clem to a farmhouse and gave him a slice of bread with some jelly and a drink. Clem didn’t know what to expect so he gave the Dutch his firearm in case he was captured. Better the Dutch to have it than the Nazi’s. Then came a knock at the door and it was a member of the German Home Guard; A Dutch citizen in a Nazi uniform who said, “you are my prisoner. For you the war is over.” Clem was led down a road by the Home Guard followed by the Dutch villagers. Clem was directed to enter a civilian camp, but the Dutch were yelling, “no, other way!” A 17 year old ran up to Clem and said “come” and he began running. Without thinking Clem took off with him. At the same time the Dutch villagers handled the guard. “They beat the daylights out of him!”
They ran into the woods and took Clem to a camouflaged underground bunker just big enough for a cot and a bucket for a latrine. They told him to stay put and they would be back as soon as the Nazi’s stopped looking for him. A few days later they returned with a doctor. The doctor taped his ribs and gave him some pain killers and the Dutch brought him some food. Clem was told he would have to stay put until the villagers were able to hand him off to the Dutch underground. He hid in the shelter for a week. One day he heard a truck pull up and was sure the Nazi’s had finally found him. Instead, it was the Dutch underground and Clem’s luck continued. The underground took him to Amsterdam where a family hid him for a while. They hid him in the attic and sometimes closets. In the evenings they took him out for walks. They were trying to arrange to get Clem into France and then over the Pyrenees Mountains into Spain and from there to England.
The underground thought they had found safe passage and they took Clem and began walking south until they eventually came to a train station, and they handed Clem off to a guide to take him the rest of the way. At the train station a Nazi soldier asked him where the train was headed. Clem was dressed in civilian clothes and had identification papers that identified him as a deaf and dumb accountant from Sumatra. They chose Sumatra because of Clem’s Mediterranean complexion and Sumatra was a Dutch possession. They took the train to a farmhouse in southern Holland and then walked to the border of Belgium. At the border they had to time the patrols of the Belgium border guards so they could slip across the border. Once across the border there was a truck waiting for them that took them into Antwerp.
Clem was taken to a home where he was hidden for a short time until the underground felt they had another contact that could take him into France. After exchanging pleasantries, the contact started asking Clem about the name of his plane, when he was shot down and who had helped him. Clem made up stories about why he couldn’t remember and gave up no information. At that point he was led to a building and was handed over to the Nazi’s. After four and a half months Clem was no longer free. It was July of 1944 and he had no idea when the war would be over. I asked Clem what went through his mind at that point. He said, “I thought it was all over.” Clem was put in a prison cell with another American that had been captured, Odell Hooper from Oklahoma. They remained there for about a week until the Nazis had accumulated more Americans. They were then put on a passenger train to an interrogation center.
“All that time, all my mom had was the telegram she received telling her I was shot down,” Leone said. “She didn’t know whether I was dead or alive.”
At the interrogation center they were put into solitary for a week. When Clem was brought before the Nazi interrogation officer he was asked for his name, rank, and serial number. The Nazi, in a very friendly manner said, “Leone. That’s Italian. Aren’t you fighting for the wrong side?” Clem gave then no information and was sent back to his cell. Next, they were taken by train to Stalag Luft IV located in present day Tychowo, Poland just south of the Baltic Sea. Clem remembered when they stepped off the train they saw a long line of German guards, all very young in age and holding German Shepherds. The Americans were told to run into the POW camp while the guards allowed the dogs to nip at their heels. When Clem’s group made it inside the camp the resident POWs told them, “You were lucky. They usually prod you with bayonets.”
“The Americans already there said we were lucky,” Leone remembered. “The captain who would prick people with bayonets had just gone on leave.”
In eight months, Leone had one shower. Had him and his comrades known about the Jewish concentration camps, he admitted they probably wouldn’t have gotten even the one shower so as to avoid being gassed.
The camp held mainly allied air crews and most of the guards were from the Luftwaffe. There was a connection between the aircrews which made life a tiny bit more bearable. Clem was led to his cell by an elderly Nazi soldier who told him, “this won’t be pleasant but its bearable and you will be able to live through it and you will be able to get to go home.” Clem was offered the opportunity to be placed in the officer’s camp as an orderly, but he refused. He wanted to be with the NCO’s.
The POWs were warned not to cross the warning wire” that extended around the perimeter of the camp. If they stepped across it, they would be shot without warning. Beyond the warning wire there was a series of fences and barbed wire entanglements to make sure no one thought of escape. Food did exist and red Cross parcels were delivered with some regularity and had some nutrition in them. Meals consisted of raw potatoes and bread with sticks in it. Once they were given a block of cheese infested with bugs. To pass the time they walked around the perimeter of the camp, played baseball with make-shift bats and balls, and played football with a make-shift football.
The guards inside the camp were elderly and unarmed. The POWs called them ferrets because they were always trying to get information from the POWs to pass along to the camp commandant. The guards in the towers and in the Commandant’s barracks were armed. “They were nasty, and they all spoke perfect English.” Bartering in the camp with the guards was a big business. Cigarettes and spam carried high currency. One of the men bartered with a guard for parts to a radio which he built into a functional transistor radio which kept the POWs somewhat informed of the progress of the war. They knew the Allies were winning and that helped with morale.
In January of ’45 the Allies were advancing into Nazi Territory. The men at the camp could hear artillery in the distance. They thought Liberation could be not far away. The Nazi’s decided to evacuate the camp to avoid the Russian troops advancing from the east. They decided to march the camp west. The sick and wounded were transported by train. On February 6, 1945, the remaining men began what would become known as the German Death March.
The men were assembled in columns of 4 or 5 across and were forced to march between 5 and 20 miles each day. The men had inadequate clothing to provide them protection from one of Germany’s harshest winters on record. Snow and sub-zero temperatures resulted in frost bite and the complete lack of sanitation, food or drink resulted in extreme weight loss, lice, dysentery and in some cases death. Men who could not keep up were escorted by a Nazi soldier into the woods and executed. Sometimes the men were able to sleep in barns but often they slept in open fields exposed to the elements. The march took the POWs through numerous German towns where they were distained by the German citizens who had endured prolonged and devastating Allied bombing. They threw eggs and tomatoes and tried to assault the POWs.
They stole eggs for food. At one point, they collected all their cigarettes to trade with a farmer for a pig to roast. They dodged friendly fire from U.S. airplanes that had no way of knowing they were American prisoners.
“Survival,” Leone said when asked what was going through his mind during the more than a year he spent in Europe. “How’s this gonna end? What are they finally gonna do? Any time you don’t have your freedom, I think you’d feel that way. The worst part of it as far as not having your freedom was that week in solitary.”
Clem believes the march ended on May 6th, 1945. That day they woke up and found that the guards had disappeared. The POWs wondered what had happened. A short while later they heard engines and soon a British Lorry appeared carrying British soldiers.
The number of men thought to have started the march was 6,000+. The total time estimated for the march was 86 days. It is believed the men covered 600+ miles as the Nazi’s continually changed direction to avoid the advancing Soviet troops. It is thought that 1,300+ men perished in the harsh winter conditions. No official records were kept making it hard to get precise numbers. Despite the lack of records this forced march is often compared to the Bataan Death March.
The British took the POWs clothes and burned them. They deloused the men and gave them plenty of time to take a nice hot shower. Initially they were issued small portions of rations until their digestive systems became accustomed to food again. Clem boarded the ship, The Jonathan Worth for a 13 day voyage home. When they entered New York Harbor they were greeted with pleasure boats “with gals in bikini’s and some of them had records playing don’t fence me in.” I asked Clem if he remembered seeing the Statute of Liberty. “Oh Yes. That was a wonderful site!” Next, they were taken to Fort Dix and were given a big steak dinner. They were permitted one phone call and Clem called his uncle to come pick him up.
Clem arrived back in Baltimore and had a 60 day recuperation furlough. He looked up his high school sweetheart who had waited for him to return and they decided to get married and move to Miami where Clem was scheduled to report back for duty. They were married and before they left on their honeymoon Clem received a letter to be ready to deploy to the Pacific. Fortunately, when he returned from his honeymoon the war was over.
Clem went about building his life with a keen sense for making money and advancing. He worked as an auto mechanic, then networked his way into a Pontiac dealership in the service area, became shop foreman and then went into sales and various other roles in the car business. In a chance meeting someone asked him if he had ever considered teaching auto mechanics. He had not but decided to give it a try because it had a pension. Clem ended up teaching high school auto mechanics for 22 years and was beloved by his students. He also stayed in the Army and Air Force Reserves for 33 years reaching the rank of Major. “In my opinion, there are no real heroes in a war,” Leone said from his Mount Joy home in the Lake Heritage development. “There’s nothing glorious about war. It’s mayhem.”
Clem Leone passed away at the age of 98 on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.CLem received France’s highest award, the Legion of Honor, at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., and also received the Purple Heart, the POW Award and the Dutch equivalent to the French Legion of Honor.
Luke Fenzel with Clem Leone (June 16, 2018)
John and Luke Fenzel, with Clem Leone (June 16, 2018)
The above narrative was derived from the following sources:
Written Account by Walter Schuppe, Avon, CT, (860) 558-1072; [email protected]
"WWII vet, former POW, recalls War as 'Mayhem'," Gettysburg Times Article by Mark Walters, December 6, 2010
"Death for Wacky Donald," by Robert Matzen
-
This is an oral testimony of Captain Frank Murphy from The Frank Murphy Collection at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.
Throughout our episodes, you have been hearing audio clips from this interview. Here is the interview with Frank Murphy in its entirety.
Sitting on jeep, left to right: Lt. Frank Murphy and Lt. Charles Cruikshank. Standing far right is Capt. Albert “Bucky” Elton, 418th Sq. Operations Officer. Others kneeling and sitting, left to right: Lt. Augie Gaspar, Lt. Glenn Graham, and Lt. Burr, 418th Sq. Intelligence Officer. Murphy Collection.Frank Murphy survived German POW camps after being shot out of his B-17 Flying Fortress. His bravery earned him the Prisoner of War Medal, Purple Heart, and Air Medal. The incredible stories of Murphy and his 8th Air Force’s 100th Bomb Group is now being featured in the Apple TV+ Series, Masters of the Air.
Murphy's story documents his order of assignments, the everyday adversity of war, his downing and his custody--all told with unembellished, yet searing objectivity.Members of the 100th Bomb Group at RAF Thorpe Abbotts on August 17, 1943. Frank D. Murphy is kneeling on the left with a dagger in his pocket.
Below is an excerpt from his memoir, Luck of the Draw:On Monday, June 28, 1943, along with seventeen other [100th Bomb Group aircrafts], and three other 4th BW groups equipped with Tokyo tanks, Crew No. 31 set out to attack the German submarine pens at Saint-Nazaire, France. Because of the large number of antiaircraft guns ringing the port, it was known as “Flak City.” Out of respect for this formidable array of defensive weaponry, our bombing altitude would be twenty-eight thousand feet, the highest bombing altitude of our combat tour. With our long-range fuel tanks, it was not necessary for us to fly over France; instead, we departed the English coast at Land’s End at the southwestern tip of England, flew entirely over water around the Brest Peninsula, and made our bomb run from the sea over the Bay of Biscay. It was a beautiful sunny day, but as we turned to our bomb run at the IP, I saw antiaircraft fire for the first time.
It horrified me. The flak was easy for me to see since my navigator’s table was immediately behind the bombardier, whose position was in the Plexiglas cone that formed the nose of the bomber. I could easily see past the bombardier and, of course, I had windows of my own, so getting an eyeful of flak bursts was unavoidable. When we entered the flak, it was an almost uninterrupted cloud of swirling black smoke filled with angry red explosions. Plainly, any one of those exploding shells could obliterate an aircraft and its crew without warning. When the group ahead of us entered this inferno, they all but disappeared. My heart felt as if it would stop. It did not appear possible that anyone or anything could fly into that hell and come out alive on the other side. But somehow, despite being buffeted by thunderous explosions and the incessant clinking, clanging, and pinging of shell fragments striking our airplane, we made it through.
I quickly learned to hate flak—it frightened the life out of me. We could not see it coming, nor could we fight back as we could with enemy fighters. The German gun-laying radar was incredibly accurate. The standard German antiaircraft gun, the 88 mm flak cannon, was capable of hurling an eighteen-pound shell to a maximum slant range of nine thousand yards. It took the shell twenty-five seconds to cover this distance, and during this time, its target would move almost two miles. Yet we seldom knew we were under fire until the antiaircraft shells began exploding in proximity to us, usually in simultaneous bursts of four black puffs from a single battery if it was light, or in thick concentrations of random explosions if several batteries were zeroed in on us.
We couldn’t take evasive action until we were already in the middle of it, and on a bomb run, we took no evasive action regardless of how intense the flak was. We had to fly straight and level so the bombardier could drop the bombs on target. The din inside the airplane was horrific—the continuous roaring of our four Wright Cyclone engines was almost deafening. Still, we could easily hear the muffled explosions of nearby flak bursts, and if they were really close, they made loud, cracking sounds like near-miss lightning strikes or breaking tree limbs. If German fighters attacked us, the airplane shook and vibrated violently from the operation of our flexible machine guns and power turrets, sounding much like someone thumping on washtubs with sticks. Dust and threads of insulation flew about the airplane, and shrapnel from flak, which varied in size from as big as baseballs to as small as gravel, rained on and often penetrated the thin skin of the airplane. Inside the Plexiglas nose of the airplane, it was as if we were in a fishbowl in a shooting gallery five miles up in the sky in an already-unforgiving environment. It is difficult to describe how exposed and unprotected we felt.
Wreckage of Frank Murphy's B17, shot down over Münster, Germany Mission 21, Münster, Germany
The Battle over Munster was a pivotal moment in the war, and it played a significant role in the eventual Allied victory. By targeting the railroad marshalling yards, the Allies were able to disrupt the flow of supplies and reinforcements to the German front lines, weakening their position and ultimately helping to turn the tide of the war.
Shot downDuring this hazzardous mission near Münster, on October 10th 1943, Frank (on his twenty first mission) was aboard the B-17 Flying Fortress "AW-R-Go" (#42-30725) when the plane was shot down.
Crew members B-17 Flying Fortress "AW-R-Go" Captain Charles B.Cruikshank, Pilot, POW 1st Leutenant, Glenn E.Graham, Copilot, POW Captain Frank D.Murphy, Navigator, POW 1st Leutenant, August H.Gaspar, Bombardier, POW T/Sergeant Orlando E. Vincenti, Radio operator, KIA T/Sergeant Leonard R.Weeks, Top Turret, POW S/Sergeant Robert L.Bixler, Ball Turret, POW S/Sergeant James M.Johnson, Waist gunner, POW S/Sergeant Donald B.Garrison, Waist gunner, POW Sergeant Charles A.Clark, Tail gunner, KIA Atlanta Journal Constitution Article from early November 1943 after Frank Murphy and his crew were shot down. Taken prisonerCaptain Frank D. Murphy (22) was taken prisoner of war for the remainder of the war, which lasted for another nineteen months. He was first sent to Stalag Luft III in Sagan, a prisoner of war camp for captured airmen. In January 1945, as the Russian Army advanced on the camp, the prisoners were moved to Stalag VIIA in Moosburg, which was a work camp for Allied prisoners of war.
After enduring a grueling march in sub-zero temperatures, with little rest or food, many soldiers did not survive the journey. Frank even traded his shoes with a fellow soldier to survive. They were then crammed into boxcars for two days and three nights with no access to sunlight or fresh air.
Preparing to depart Stalag Luft VIIA on May 10, 1945. Frank D. Murphy standing third from the left. LiberationUpon arrival in Moosburg, where he was assigned to Work Camp 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse and later to Work Camp 3368 in Munich, the conditions were horrific. Frank referred to it as a "living hellhole of all hellholes." However, on April 29th, 1945, General George S. Patton's American Third Army liberated over 100.000 POWs, including Frank. He had lost over 50 pounds, weighing only 122 pounds at the time of liberation.
During his time in service, Frank earned among others, the Air Medal, The Purple Heart, The US Prisoner of War Medal and the European Campaign Ribbon.
- Mostrar mais
