Shows
Sea Control - CIMSECSea Control 561 – Why We Fight with Sasha MaggioBy Brian Kerg Sasha Maggio, also known as ‘Mother of Tanks,’ joins the program to discuss her one-of-a-kind series, “Why We Fight.” A podcast covering just about every aspect of World War II, including significant elements of naval and amphibious warfare, “Why We Fight” is a unique podcast on historical warfare. Sasha Maggio is a … Continue reading Sea Control 561 – Why We Fight with Sasha Maggio →2025-01-2500 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Airborne at Normandy - June 1944In this episode, Dr. Rob Williams joins me to talk about the US Army Airborne forces at Normandy in June 1944. Rob contributed to the 1943 series as well, with his episode linked below for those who missed it. Also linked below is Rob's upcoming book, The Airborne Mafia.
Links
Dispersion, Decentralization, Chaos, & LGOPs: US Army Airborne Culture & Operations in Italy 1943
The Airborne Mafia: The Paratroopers Who Shaped America's Cold War Army
Mother of Tanks website
Why We Fight...2024-10-091h 10
Why We Fight ~ 1944Utah BeachContinuing the Normandy 1944 coverage, in this episode I'm joined by Dr. Curtis King, retired US Army Armor Officer and current member of the Army University Press Combat Studies Institute Staff Ride Team, to talk about Utah Beach. Curt provided a PPT to accompany his episode and you can find it here, at the bottom of the Podcast notes, right above the embedded podcast episodes: http://www.motheroftanks.com/podcast/LinksArmy University Press Combat Studies Institute: Invasion of Normandy Virtual Staff Ride2024-10-051h 44
Military Historians are People, Too!S5E03 Sasha Maggio - Mother of Tanks/Why We Fight PodcastToday's guest is the host of the Mother of Tanks/Why We Fight podcast - Sasha Maggio! Sasha's background is actually in intelligence studies and psychology, but she's had an interest in military history and World War II for many years. She's held various contractor jobs with the US Army and the Department of Defense, including the Army Combined Arms Center at Ft. Leavenworth. She is currently a unit deployment manager with the US Air Force's 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. She will soon begin doctoral studies in military history at Maynooth University in Ireland...2024-09-241h 09
Why We Fight ~ 1944The 29th Infantry Division (Part I): "Twenty-Nine, Let's Go!"In this episode, historian Joseph Balkoski joins me to talk about the history of the 29th Infantry Division, some challenges the Division faced before D-Day, the Division's connection to the Army Rangers, and the Division's leadership as they prepared for the Cross-Channel attack. Joe will pick this story up in a second episode to talk about the 29th Infantry Division's experiences on D-Day and in Normandy.
Links
Books by Joe Balkoski
Omaha Beach: D-Day, June 6, 1944
From Beachhead to Brittany: The 29th Infantry Division at Brest, August - September 1944
...2024-09-221h 18
Why We Fight ~ 1944Omaha Beach Part II: Plans vs RealityRounding out his 3-part coverage of the Normandy Invasion, Steve Clay returns to tell us what happened at Omaha Beach for the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division on 6 June 1944, versus the plans he discussed in the previous episode.
Steve prepared a PowerPoint Presentation to go with the episode and you can find the download here, at the bottom of the Podcast notes, right above the embedded podcast episodes: http://www.motheroftanks.com/podcast/
Links
Army University Press Combat Studies Institute: Invasion of...2024-09-101h 43
Why We Fight ~ 1944Omaha Beach Part I: Tactical & Operational Environments, Order of Battle, and PlansContinuing his three-episode coverage of the preparations for and execution of the invasion of Normandy, in this episode Steve Clay talks about the tactical and operational environments, the order of battle for the invasion, and the plans, including a series of assumptions made - most of which proved inaccurate. Steve will conclude this three-episode coverage in the next episode when he talks about what actually happens on D-Day 1944, with respect to the roles of the 1st Infantry Division and 16th Infantry Regiment.
Steve prepared a PowerPoint Presentation to go with the episode and you can find the...2024-08-141h 44
Why We Fight ~ 1944"Seven Months to D-Day" with the US 1st Infantry DivisionThis is part one of three episodes contributed to the D-Day part of the 1944 series by retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Steve Clay, who recently retired from the Staff Ride Team at the Army University Press Combat Studies Institute. Steve contributed last year in the 1943 series and has multiple contributions for 1944 starting with this episode on the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division following the Sicily Campaign when the Division moved to the UK and began training for the invasion of France.
Steve prepared a PowerPoint Presentation to go with the episode and you can find the download here...2024-07-311h 24
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Ghost Army***Language Warning***
In this episode, I'm joined by retired Sergeant Major Ken Ramos, of U.S Army W.T.F! Moments fame, to talk about the Ghost Army. This recording is actually nearly double the length, but some of our commentary got off the Ghost Army topic, though still all related, so I am releasing the full episode on Patreon for those that want to listen to "Mother of Tanks" and "The IO Guy" banter for nearly 3 hours. In the linked below, there are some of the things mentioned in the recording incase anyone...2024-07-211h 34
Why We Fight ~ 1944Military Deception, Imaginary Spy Rings, FUSAG, Rupert, and Ghost Armies: Allied Efforts to Ensure D-Day SuccessIn this episode I'm joined by US Army Major Paul Hill to help talk about Military Deception (MILDEC) and other efforts leading up to D-Day in June 1944 in an effort to ensure success for the Allies. This is one of two episodes that discuss MILDEC efforts for D-Day.
Links
Military Deception (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_deception)
The Ghost Army of World War II: How One Top-Secret Unit Deceived the Enemy with Inflatable Tanks, Sound Effects, and Other Audacious Fakery
2024-07-211h 12
Why We Fight ~ 1944US First Infantry Division (Part IV): 1ID in the UK Before D-DayReturning to talk more US First Infantry Division history is retired US Army Colonel Greg Fontenot, author of No Sacrifice Too Great: The 1st Infantry Division in World War II. In last year's 1943 series, COL Fontenot talked about the history if 1ID and their experiences in the North Africa and Sicily Campaigns before they were given orders to the UK. In this episode, COL Fontenot continues the story of the First Division, telling of their time in England preparing for D-Day, including the integration of replacements and dispelling some common myths.
Links
2024-07-0344 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944LSCO, MDMP, Finite Resources, and Planning for Week 2: How We Got the Army We Had in June 1944Dr. Bill Nance joins me with some back history to help us better appreciate what we're talking about now, essentially explaining how we got the US Army we had in June 1944 going into Normandy. In the course of that discussion, there are topics of contemporary relevance too, such as Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO), the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP), the impact of finite resources, and planning for what happens in week two. Several publications are mentioned so they are linked below, and Dr. Steve Waddell is also mentioned, the guest in the preceding episode.
Links
Command Decisions by...2024-06-241h 20
Why We Fight ~ 1944U.S. Army Logistics in the Normandy CampaignWith Dr. Steve Waddell joining me, this episode includes details of the logistical needs and efforts that supported the D-Day landings and the Normandy Campaign 80 years ago in 1944. This is one of a sequence of episodes discussing the Normandy Campaign and its various aspects. Dr. Waddell mentions Cherbourg and the Mulberries, both of which have episodes coming up, and there is an episode with Dr. Bill Nance who will mention working with Dr. Waddell also.
Links
By Dr. Steve Waddell
United States Army Logistics: The Normandy Campaign, 1944
United States Army Logistics: From the American Revolution to 9/11
By...2024-06-191h 07
Why We Fight ~ 1944German Preparations for the Invasion of FranceIn this episode, Niels Henkemans joins me to talk about the German preparations prior to the invasion of France in June 1944. Niels is a historian who has conducted extensive research into the Germans and the Allies at Normandy and helps fill the important gap of what the Germans were doing in the months leading up to the invasion. His books are linked below, along with a couple of books from the US Army's Center of Military History which are mentioned in the episode.
Links
Defending Normandy, Vol. 1A: German Chain of Command, LXXXIV A.K. & Infantry Divisions on the...2024-06-161h 29
Why We Fight ~ 1944Planning for D-DayIn this first episode of the D-Day 80 part of the Why We Fight series, Dr. Roger Cirillo joins me to talk about the planning for Operation Overlord and the invasion of northwestern France, which was initially planned for May 1944, then scheduled for 5 June and postponed a day due to weather. Roger talks about how the planning actually began years before the Allies even committed to a timeline and date for the operation.
Links
Ardennes-Alsace: 16 December 1944 - 25 January 1945 by Roger Cirillo (https://history.army.mil/html/books/072/72-26/CMH_Pub_72-26(75th-Anniversary).pdf)
Why We Fight Bonus Content (https://www.patreon...2024-06-061h 36
Why We Fight ~ 1944A General's Grief: General George C. Marshall and Family Loss in 1944In this episode, Melissa Davis, Director of Library and Archives at The George C. Marshall Foundation, joins me to talk about General Marshall and his personal life, including a family tragedy that took place 80 years ago in 1944, less than a week before Operation Overlord commenced with D-Day.
Links
Follow Melissa on Twitter @MelissasLibrary
The Death of LT Allen Brown (https://www.marshallfoundation.org/articles-and-features/allen-brown/)
"I Was A Fair Army Wife" (https://www.marshallfoundation.org/articles-and-features/i-was-a-fair-army-wife/)
Why We Fight Bonus Content (https://www.patreon.com/motheroftanks)2024-06-0251 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Lieutenant General George S. Patton Jr. (Part II)Back again is Kevin Hymel to continue the story of General Patton. This time we talk about Patton's trip to England, some colorful behavior, and Willie the dog. If you missed Kevin's episode in last year's 1943 series, it's season 1 episode 47.
Links
Patton's War: An American General's Combat Leadership Vol. 1
Patton's War: An American General's Combat Leadership Vol. 2
Patton's Photographs: War as He Saw It
Historian Kevin Hymel's Article on the 6888th Being Made into a Movie
6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion
"No Mail, Low Morale": The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion
Why We Fight Bonus Content2024-05-2943 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The 38th Irish Brigade in Italy in Early 1944 and a Family StoryIn this episode I'm joined by Richard and Eddie O'Sullivan to share more of the story of the 38th Irish Brigade along with their father's story of serving with this unit during the Second World War. You can follow and support Richard and Eddie on Twitter @irishbrigadeww as well as their own website, which are linked below.
Links
Irish Brigade: The story of the 38th (Irish) Brigade in the Second World War (https://www.irishbrigade.co.uk/)
@irishbrigadeww (https://twitter.com/irishbrigadeww)
MoT Website (http://www.motheroftanks.com/podcast/)
Why We Fight Bonus Content (https://www.patreon.com/motheroftanks)
Army...2024-05-281h 44
Why We Fight ~ 1944The "One-Puka-Puka" (Part II): The Japanese-American 100th Infantry Battalion in Early 1944Joining me again are LTC Ben Griffin and US Army veteran Daniel Kim to help continue the story of the "One-Puka-Puka" or the 100th Infantry Battalion, comprised of Japanese-Americans, fighting their way through Italy in early 1944.
Links
Why We Fight Bonus Content
(https://www.patreon.com/motheroftanks)
Asian-Pacific Americans in the U.S. Army: 442d Regimental Combat Team
(https://history.army.mil/html/topics/apam/442rct.html)
Go For Broke: The 442nd Regimental Combat Team2024-05-2255 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Controversies in Italy and the Failure of Allied CommandI'm joined again by COL Bryan Gibby, this time to discuss Operation Diadem and the breakout from Anzio, controversies during this period in Spring 1944 in Italy, and the failure of Allied command as LTG Mark Wayne Clark prioritizes an American-led liberation of Rome.
Links
The Will to Win: American Military Advisors in Korea, 1946-1953
Korean Showdown: National Policy and Military Strategy in a Limited War, 1951-1952
Cassino, The Hollow Victory: The Battle for Rome, January - June 1944
Brute Force: Allied Strategy and Tactics in the Second World War
The Impossible Victory: A Personal Account of the Battle of the River...2024-05-201h 19
Why We Fight ~ 1944Operation ChesterfieldFrank de Planta joins me again, this time to talk about Operation Chesterfield, an attack on the Hitler Line in late May 1944 carried out by Canadian and Polish forces in Italy.
Links
Cassino Battlefields (http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk/)
Valor Tours (https://www.valortours.com/)2024-05-2041 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Operation Diadem and the Fourth Battle of Monte CassinoBack to talk about Operation Diadem and the final battle of Monte Cassino is Frank de Planta. Frank talks about the options considered when planning this attack, some of the controversies that arose, and the outcome, as well as the focus on liberating Rome from Axis hands. There will be another episode that also talks about Operation Diadem with a focus on the failure of Allied command.
Links
Cassino Battlefields (http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk/)
Valor Tours (https://www.valortours.com/)
2024-05-2038 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944"Climb to Glory" (Part IV): 90-lb. Rucksacks, Mountain Warfare, and Type 3 FunIn this episode, Dr. Lance Blyth, Command Historian for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and US NORTHCOM, and Adjunct Professor of History at the US Air Force Academy, joins me to talk about Mountain Warfare training 80 years ago, the infamous D Series exercises in early 1944, the uncertainty plaguing the men who will form the 10th Mountain Division (eventually), and other aspects of this important time in US Army history. This is the fourth in a series of episodes discussing the 10th Mountain Division.
Special thank you to the 10th Mountain Division Band for providing the music used in...2024-05-051h 25
Why We Fight ~ 1944"Climb to Glory" (Part III): The 10th Mountain Division is TestedReturning to continue the story of the 10th Mountain Division are Doug Schmidt, Curator at the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Museum, and Dr. Chris Juergens, Head of Curatorial Services and Anschutz Curator of Military History at History Colorado. This time we talk about the Division heading into 1944, with an extremely challenge exercise to test their training.
Special thank you to the 10th Mountain Division Band for providing the music as a response to the challenge issued by Lt. Col. Brian Kerg in the Operation Flintlock episode.
Links2024-04-281h 13
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Nuremberg Raid - March 1944In this episode, Dr. Thomas Bradbeer talks to me about the Royal Air Force raid on Nuremberg at the end of March in 1944. He also details some of the tactics these pilots and aircrews used, as well as the challenges they faced with the Luftwaffe, and towards the end of the episode we talk a bit about his work with the US Army's Command and General Staff College in the Department of Command and Leadership.
Links
Books by Dr. Thomas Bradbeer (https://www.amazon.com/Books-Thomas-G-Bradbeer/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AThomas+G.+Bradbeer)
Army University Press...2024-04-131h 46
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Battles of Imphal and KohimaIn this episode, Christopher Kolakowski returns to tell the story of the Battles of Imphal and Kohima in March-July 1944.
Links
Wisconsin Veterans Museum (https://wisvetsmuseum.com/)
Defeat Into Victory: Battling Japan in Burma and India, 1942-1945 by Field-Marshal Viscount (https://shorturl.at/BDWZ6)
Nations in the Balance: The India-Burma Campaigns, December 1943 - August 1944 by Christopher L. Kolakowski (https://shorturl.at/qtDPY)
"Is That the End or Do We Go On?": The Battle of Kohima, 1944...2024-03-3131 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Third Battle of Monte CassinoFrank de Planta joins me again to continue the story of the Allies fighting the Battles of Monte Cassino.
Links
Cassino Battlefields (http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk/about/)
US Army Center of Military History - Italy WWII Maps (https://history.army.mil/html/bookshelves/resmat/wwii/part03ETO/anzio/sec04.html)
US Army CMH Video - Anzio Landings in Italy, Monte Cassino, Russian Offensive in Romania WWII Newsreel 70842 (https://history.army.mil/html/bookshelves/resmat/wwii/part03ETO/anzio/sec05.html)
Anzio Beachhead (https://history.army.mil/html/books/100/100-10/CMH_Pub_100-10.pdf)
Anzio (https://history.army.mil/html...2024-03-1727 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Chindits & Operation THURSDAY: Long-Range Penetration Groups in the C-B-I TheaterBack again is Christopher Kolakowski, the director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, this time to talk about the Chindits, Long-Range Penetration Groups operation in the China-Burma-India Theater. (In the episode I refer to three episodes contributed by this guest but the third hasn’t been released yet.)
Links
Operation THURSDAY (https://www.hurlburt.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Fact-Sheets/Article/204577/operation-thursday/)
The Chindits - Operation Thursday (https://thechinditsociety.org.uk/operation-thursday-part-1)
Art of War Papers
Orde Wingate and the British Internal Security Strategy During the Arab Rebellion in Palestine, 1936-1939 (https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/combat-studies-institute/csi-books/ArtofWar_OrdeWingate1936.pdf)
Th...2024-03-1735 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Second Battle of Monte CassinoBack again is Frank de Planta to continue the story of the Allies fighting the Battles of Monte Cassino.
Links
Cassino Battlefields (http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk/about/)
US Army Center of Military History - Italy WWII Maps (https://history.army.mil/html/bookshelves/resmat/wwii/part03ETO/anzio/sec04.html)
US Army CMH Video - Anzio Landings in Italy, Monte Cassino, Russian Offensive in Romania WWII Newsreel 70842 (https://history.army.mil/html/bookshelves/resmat/wwii/part03ETO/anzio/sec05.html)
Anzio Beachhead (https://history.army.mil/html/books/100/100-10/CMH_Pub_100-10.pdf)
Anzio (https://history.army.mil/html...2024-03-1229 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Merrill's MaraudersJoining me in this episode is Christopher Kolakowski, the director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Chris tells the story of Merrill's Marauders, a unit akin to a task force - a unit that had no identity, no past, and was intended to have no future - and how that unit is connected to our modern day 75th Ranger Regiment.
Links
United States Army in World War II: China-Burma-India Theater
Stilwell's Mission to China (https://history.army.mil/html/books/009/9-1/CMH_Pub_9-1.pdf)
Stilwell's Command Problems (https://history.army.mil/html/books/009/9-2/CMH_Pub_9-2.pdf)
Time Runs...2024-03-0340 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Operation Flintlock: Battle of Kwajalein - JAN-FEB 1944In this episode, Lt.Col. Brian Kerg tells the story of the Battle of Kwajalein, part of Operation Flintlock. The Battle of Kwajalein began on 31 JAN 1944 and continued for several days into February. At this time we see the US Army and US Marine Corps commanders applying the lessons learned just a couple of months earlier at Tarawa, as well as some comparisons to what the Americans and Allies are experiencing in Italy around the same time.
Links
Coral and Brass by Holland M. Smith (https://www.amazon.com/Coral-Brass-Holland-M-Smith/dp/1548048631)
Eastern Mandates: The US Army Campaigns in World War...2024-02-261h 29
Why We Fight ~ 1944"Big Week" - February 1944: The US Army Air Force as a Tool of WarJoining me in this episode is Dr. John Curatola, the Samuel Zemurray Stone Senior Historian at the National World War II Museum. John talks about "Big Week" which took place 80 years ago this week, from 20 to 25 February 1944, and how this began the shift in how we employed our air forces to try to better utilize this important "tool of war". We also see a shift in the Luftwaffe as they begin to accept the reality that they can no longer realistically keep up with the losses they are suffering, which is undermining the Axis ability to utilize their air power...2024-02-2051 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944"Patriots from the Barrio" (Part II)Returning in this episode is historian and genealogist Dave Gutierrez to continue the story of his cousin and the only Mexican-American US Army unit to fight in World War II, the subject of his book "Patriots from the Barrio". Toward the end of the episode, Dave also talks about his upcoming book about Oscar Perdomo and his fellow fighter pilots in WWII.
Links
Author Dave Gutierrez (https://authordavegutierrez.com/)
Patriots from the Barrio: The Story of Company E, 141st Infantry - The Only All Mexican American Army Unit in World War II (https://www.amazon.com/Patriots-Barrio-Company-Infantry-American/dp/1594163286/ref=tmm...2024-02-1753 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944US Army Hospitals and Medical Care at AnzioDr. Sanders Marble returns in this episode to talk about US Army Hospitals and Medical Care at Anzio in January 1944, the typical emergency care process for soldiers injured in the fighting or falling ill during this battle, medical evacuations, and the medical care options available near the front thanks to Army Hospitals that were set up at the Anzio Beachhead. We also talk about the presence of Army Nurses (all women) at these Anzio Beachhead hospitals, providing medical and surgical care with fighting just miles away.
Links
United States...2024-02-1138 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The US 7th Infantry Regiment & 3rd Infantry Division at Anzio, Italy 1944Dr. John McManus joins me in this episode to continue the story of the US 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, as they fight at Anzio starting in January 1944.
Links
Dr. John McManus (https://johncmcmanus.com/)
The 7th Infantry Regiment - Combat in an Age of Terror: The Korean War Through the Present (https://johncmcmanus.com/books/the-7th-infantry-regiment-combat-in-an-age-of-terror-the-korean-war-through-the-present/)
The Deadly Brotherhood: The American Combat Soldier in World War II (https://johncmcmanus.com/books/the-deadly-brotherhood-the-american-combat-soldier-in-world-war-ii/)
Somebody Talked! The Official Podcast of the National D-Day Memorial (https://www.dday.org/someone-talked-podcast/)
We Have Ways USA (https://wehavewayspod.com/episodes/)
Why We...2024-02-061h 02
Why We Fight ~ 1944Learning Tough Lessons at Anzio in early 1944Joining me in this episode is COL Bryan Gibby, Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of History at West Point. COL Gibby talks about the Battle of Anzio, Operation Shingle, in January/February 1944, and some of the tough lessons we were learning at this time 80 years ago.
Links
Anzio Beachhead (https://history.army.mil/html/books/100/100-10/CMH_Pub_100-10.pdf)
Anzio 1944 (https://history.army.mil/html/books/072/72-19/CMH_Pub_72-19.pdf)
Anzio Maps (https://history.army.mil/html/bookshelves/resmat/wwii/part03ETO/anzio/sec04.html)
General Lucas at Anzio (https://history.army.mil/books/70-7_13...2024-02-061h 15
Why We Fight ~ 1944The First Battle of Monte CassinoKicking off the 1944 series, I'm joined by British Army veteran and Italy Battlefields tour narrator Frank de Planta to talk about the first of four Battles of Monte Cassino, the impact this battle was intended to have on Operation Shingle, the landings at Anzio, the impact that actually resulted, and the mess we find ourselves in 80 years ago in January 1944.
Links
Cassino Battlefields (http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk/about/)
US Army Center of Military History - Italy WWII Maps (https://history.army.mil/html/bookshelves/resmat/wwii/part03ETO/anzio/sec04.html)
US Army CMH Video - Anzio Landings in...2024-01-2446 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Battle of Ortona, Italy 1943 (Part II)The conclusion of the Battle of Ortona with Dr. Lee Windsor and Major Jayson Geroux, and also the conclusion of the Why We Fight ~ 1943 series :)2024-01-221h 02
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Battle of Ortona, Italy 1943 (Part I)In this last 2-part episode of the 1943 series, Canadian Army Major Jayson Geroux and Dr. Lee Windsor (University of New Brunswick, Gregg Centre) join me to talk about this important urban warfare battle that took place in December 1943. Part II will be out shortly and then we will dive into the 1944 series.2024-01-211h 36
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Laws of War, Military Justice, and a Nearly Impossible Task***Trigger Warning***
For anyone who might be sensitive to it, this episode does include talk of sexual assault at one point and I wouldn't want anyone to stumble upon that unexpectedly.
Dr. Ben Schneider joins me again to help answer a question that came up in the previous episode: to what extent was the US Army able to use the Military Justice System to protect civilian populations from crimes and exploitation at the hands of some of the American service members? It's complicated and this will require more episodes as we advance in the series but this is a great...2024-01-201h 19
Why We Fight ~ 1944Consolidating Gains, Civil Affairs, & the Allied Military Government - in Theory and in Practice - Italy 1943In this episode, Dr. Cindy Brown (University of New Brunswick, The Gregg Centre) and Dr. Greg Hospodor (US Army TRADOC) help me talk about the Allied Military Government and Civil Affairs in Sicily and Italy, including some of the challenges faced when trying to stabilize and secure occupied territory while simultaneously fighting the Second World War and as Italy erupts in its own Civil War. Things get complicated, but this is an important part of the story that we need to understand is going on all while we are fighting up the "boot" and preparing to invade France in multiple...2024-01-201h 25
Why We Fight ~ 1944US Navy Ice Cream Pirates in the Pacific in 1943Joining me again is Dr. Ryan Wadle, suckered into another episode after I saw a short video on YouTube about the USS Kidd and had to include the story in the 1943 series. We talk about the history of the USS Kidd, the US Navy's tradition of gedunks and especially ice cream, and the connection to pirates that this vessel and the two subsequent vessels of the same name have had.
Links
USS Kidd (https://www.usskidd.com/explore-the-kidd/ship-history/)2024-01-181h 05
Why We Fight ~ 1944Operation Cherryblossom & the US Army at Bougainville 1943In this episode I'm joined by Troy Lewis, a member of the Army University Press Combat Studies Institute Staff Ride Team, and we talk about the US Army at Bougainville in late 1943. Although the story doesn't really pick up until nearly Spring 1944, this was a good start and Troy will be back to continue. If you missed it, the episode before this one featured Kater Miller, curator for the Marine Corps Museum, talking about the Marines at Bougainville.
Links
Northern Solomons (https://history.army.mil/html/books/072/72-10/CMH_Pub_72-10.pdf)
The War in the Pacific - CARTWHEEL: The...2024-01-1831 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Marines at Bougainville and Cape Gloucester in 1943Joining me in this episode is Kater Miller, curator with the National Museum of the United States Marine Corps, this time talking about the Marines fighting at Bougainville and Cape Glouscester in late 1943. The episode that follows this one will begin the US Army story at Bougainville, with Troy Lewis from the Army University Press Combat Studies Institute Staff Ride Team.
"Fight Now" performed by the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band (https://www.dvidshub.net/video/817588/fight-now-iii-marine-expeditionary-force-band)2024-01-181h 01
Why We Fight ~ 1944Tanks & Alligators at TarawaIn this episode, Jon Bernstein, the Arms & Armor Curator at the National Museum of the United States Marine Corps, joins me to talk about USMC Sherman Tanks and Alligators used at Tarawa, including the first "hot tank on tank action" involving Marine Shermans in the Pacific Theater.
Links
Tanks in Hell: A Marine Corps Tank Company on Tarawa (https://www.amazon.com/Tanks-Hell-Marine-Company-Tarawa/dp/1612003036)
Coral and Brass (https://www.amazon.com/Coral-Brass-Holland-M-Smith/dp/1548048631/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1H7OR5B9SMY3T&keywords=coral+and+brass+holland+smith&qid=1705250898&s=books&sprefix=coral+and+bra%2Cstripbooks%2C181&sr=1-1)
History of...2024-01-151h 01
Why We Fight ~ 1944With the Marines at Tarawa: "The Price We Had to Pay for a War We Didn't Want..."In his final episode for the 1943 series, Lt. Col. Brian Kerg returns to tell the story of the Marines at Tarawa in November 1943 and the lessons we learned and can still learn from this costly battle.
Links
Tanks in Hell: A Marine Corps Tank Company on Tarawa (https://www.amazon.com/Tanks-Hell-Marine-Company-Tarawa/dp/1612003036)
Coral and Brass (https://www.amazon.com/Coral-Brass-Holland-M-Smith/dp/1548048631/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1H7OR5B9SMY3T&keywords=coral+and+brass+holland+smith&qid=1705250898&s=books&sprefix=coral+and+bra%2Cstripbooks%2C181&sr=1-1)
History of United States Naval Operations in World War II, Volume 7: Aleutians, Gilberts...2024-01-141h 24
Why We Fight ~ 1944Typhus, Trenchfoot, and Command Responsibility in Preventive Medicine in Italy 1943Joining me again is Army Medical Department Center of History and Heritage historian Dr. Sanders Marble, this time to talk about some of the medical issues troubling American forces in Italy in the late Fall and Winter of 1943, and the preventive medicine efforts the US Army took at the time to mitigate the situation. There was a bit of confusion at the time as to who was actually responsible for preventive medicine, with fingers pointed back and forth between the G1 and G3, with it ultimately coming to the conclusion that preventive medicine is a command responsibility.
Dr. Marble will...2024-01-1237 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Dispersion, Decentralization, Chaos, & LGOPs: US Army Airborne Culture & Operations in Italy 1943In this episode, historian and US Army veteran Dr. Rob Williams joins me to talk about the 82d Airborne Division jumping into Italy in September 1943 and also some of the origins of the US Army Airborne culture. Rob has a book in the works and one it's available I will update this descript with links to the book.
Links
Dr. Rob Williams -- links to some publications (https://history.osu.edu/people/williams.6859)2024-01-081h 11
Why We Fight ~ 1944"Climb to Glory" (Part II): Camp Hale and the 10th Mountain DivisionJoining me in this episode is History Colorado's Dr. Chris Juergens to talk more 10th Mountain Division history up through 1943. Dr. Juergens and Doug Schmidt, 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Museum, will both be back in the 1944 series to continue the story.
Links
Dr. Chris Juergens (https://www.historycolorado.org/person/juergens-dr-chris)
History Colorado: Winter Warriors - The 10th Mountain Division in World War II (https://www.historycolorado.org/exhibit/winter-warriors)2024-01-081h 24
Why We Fight ~ 1944"Climb to Glory" (Part I): The Beginnings of the 10th Mountain DivisionIn this episode I'm joined by Doug Schmidt, a 10th Mountain Division veteran and curator at the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Museum. Doug is also the grandson of a WWII 10th Mountain Division veteran. We start the story of the Division by including the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment, activated in 1941, and the story of Camp Snelling where these men trained. The next episode will include a bit more 10th Mountain history, with guest Dr. Chris Juergens, whom Doug mentions several times, and both of these guests will be back to continue the story in the 1944 series.
Links
10th...2024-01-021h 15
Why We Fight ~ 1944The US 7th Infantry Regiment & 3rd Infantry Division in Italy 1943Back again is Dr. John McManus to continue the story of the US 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, in Italy 1943. John is the official historian for the 7th Infantry Regiment, aka "The Cottonbalers" but their experience in Italy 1943 is not unique to the unit, many of the American and Allied forces were facing similar challenges fighting their way "up the boot".
John's previous episode on the US 7th Infantry Regiment and 3rd Infantry Division in Sicily 1943 is episode 53, and he will be back for the 1944 series to continue this story and possibly add...2024-01-011h 16
Why We Fight ~ 1944“Patriots from the Barrio” (Part I): The Only Mexican American US Army Unit in WWIIIn this episode, genealogist and historian Dave Gutierrez shares the first part of the story of the only Mexican-American US Army unit that fought in the Second World War, which is the subject of his book "Patriots from the Barrio" (linked below). Dave's research began with a genealogical interest in his cousin's WWII service experience and, as he tells us in this episode, expanded to a very important story that was more or less previously missing from American history and as soon as I heard this story of these brave and accomplished soldiers I knew it was one we needed...2023-12-3153 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Massacre of the 33d Acqui Division: One of the First Acts of Italian Resistance in WWIIIn this episode, Damián Valle joins me to talk about the massacre of the Italian 33d Acqui Division after the Armistice of Cassibile. This is the story that provides the foundation of the novel and movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin. It is sometimes referred to as the first act of Italian resistance, but as Damián notes, there were others all around the same time.
Links
Acqui Division Massacre at Cephalonia (https://comandosupremo.com/acqui-division-cephalonia/)
WW2TV - The Massacre of the Italian Acqui Division, Cephalonia, September 1943 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9ijEnZx1fc)
Lost Sons of the Me...2023-12-3052 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Armistice of Cassibile: Becoming a Cobelligerent Nation and Recovering HonorJoining me again is Giulio Poggiaroni, this time to discuss the Armistice of Cassibile, which brought Italy out of the Axis but not quite into the Allies. As Giulio explains, Italy couldn't just "change sides" but instead became known as a Cobelligerent Nation at this time when the Italians began working to recover their honor in the Second World War. Giulio also touches on several of the key events that were taking place all around this time in 1943. The next episode will cover the massacre of the 33d Acqui Division, mentioned in this episode.
Links
Giulio's articles on Comando Supremo...2023-12-3040 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Tule Lake, Martial Law, and Civ-Mil Relations on the American Homefront in 1943Joining me again is Dr. Stephanie Hinnershitz to talk about the Japanese-American camp at Tule Lake, the use of Martial Law on the American Homefront, and civ-mil relations during this time 80 years ago in 1943, going into 1944.
Links
Dr. Stephanie Hinnershitz (https://www.stephaniehinnershitz.com/)
Books by Dr. Hinnershitz (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stephanie+hinnershitz&crid=3POWWLJMX48KF&sprefix=stephanie+hinn%2Caps%2C271&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_14)2023-12-2958 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The "One-Puka-Puka": The Japanese-American 100th Infantry Battalion in 1943Joining me again is LTC Ben Griffin along with US Army veteran Daniel Kim to talk about the 100th Infantry Battalion or the "One-Puka-Puka" which was comprised of Japanese- American soldiers. Ben helped me start the story of the 442nd Infantry Regiment earlier in the 1943 series and this episode talks about a part of that Regiment which was the first to deploy.
2023-12-281h 02
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Cairo Conference (Sextant) and the Tehran Conference (Eureka) in 1943In this episode I'm joined by Dr. Cameron Zinsou to talk about the Cairo (Sextant) and Tehran (Eureka) Conferences in late 1943. We recorded this episode at the beginning of the year so I hadn't quite reached this part of the 1943 research yet so there are a couple of references to things as if they are coming up but they have already passed.2023-12-2645 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Kuban Bridgehead and Romania in WWIIDr. Grant Harward joins me again, this time to talk about Romania in WWII, up to this point in the war, and the evacuation from the Kuban Bridgehead which took place in October 1943.
Link
Romania's Holy War: Soldiers, Motivation, and he Holocaust (https://www.amazon.com/Romanias-Holy-War-Motivation-Battlegrounds/dp/1501759965/ref=monarch_sidesheet)
Third Axis Fourth Ally: Romanian Armed Forces in the European War, 1941-1945 (https://www.amazon.com/Third-Axis-Fourth-Ally-1941-1945/dp/1854092677/ref=sr_1_1?crid=104VVT9VE0DAY&keywords=third+axis+fourth+ally&qid=1703522168&s=books&sprefix=third+axis+%2Cstripbooks%2C209&sr=1-1)
Cross of Iron (https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Iron-James-Coburn/dp...2023-12-261h 19
Why We Fight ~ 1944Uprisings, Ghetto Liquidations, and the Nazi Genocidal ProjectIn this episode, Dr. Waitman Beorn shares his expertise on what he refers to as "the Nazi genocidal project" which includes not only the mass murder of European Jews in the Holocaust but also the systematic murder of other populations with a focus on Eastern Europe. As Dr. Beorn notes, many have suggested that the unimaginably violent fighting in Eastern Europe was the exception, compared to the fighting in Western Europe, but historic evidence suggests the reverse is more accurate.
Dr. Beorn's books are linked below.
Links
Marching Into Darkness: The Wehrmacht and the Holocaust in Belarus (https://www.hup...2023-12-221h 29
Why We Fight ~ 1944Our Promise to the Dead: 100 Years of the American Battle Monuments CommissionJoining me in this episode is Ben Brands to talk about the American Battle Monuments Commission or ABMC, the work they do, and the importance of that work for the last 100 years. Below you'll find the link to the virtual tours Ben talks about.
Link
ABMC Virtual 360s (https://www.abmc.gov/virtual-360s)2023-12-181h 01
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Nuanced Neutrality of Ireland and the 38th (Irish) Brigade in 1943In this episode, Dr. David Murphy joins me to talk about the Irish contributions to the Second World War, including the very nuanced neutrality under which Ireland operated during the war, people deserting to actually join the war, and the 38th (Irish) Brigade, which at this point had been in North Africa and Sicily and will join the other Allied forces at Anzio in Italy in January 1944.
Links
The Finnish-Soviet Winter War 1939-40: Stalin's Hollow Victory by Dr. David Murphy, illustrated by Johnny Shumate (https://www.amazon.com/Finnish-Soviet-Winter-War-1939-40-Campaign-ebook/dp/B0BKSW2H3V?ref_=ast_author_mpb)2023-12-1041 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Allied and Axis Armor Technology in 1943In this episode, Nicholas Moran aka "The Chieftain" joins me to talk about Armor Technology in 1943, focusing on the main Axis and Allied Armor developments, with a bit of Doctrine thrown in too.
Links
The Chieftain's Hatch (https://www.youtube.com/@TheChieftainsHatch/videos)
Stinky and the Emergency (https://worldoftanks.com/en/news/history/chieftains-hatch-stinky-emergency/)
Stinky's Sequel (https://worldoftanks.com/en/news/history/The_chieftains_Hatch_Sinky2/)
Iron Hulls, Iron Hearts: Mussolini's Elite Armoured Divisions in North Africa by Ian Walker (https://www.amazon.com/Iron-Hulls-Hearts-Mussolinis-Divisions-ebook/dp/B00APDVFEM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DCFV3...2023-12-091h 18
Why We Fight ~ 1944Fighters Over Europe: Attritional Warfare and the Americanization of the Air War in 1943In this episode, Dr. Graham Cross joins me to talk about the Fighters over Europe, particularly VIII Fighter Command and the Americanization of the Air War in 1943. Dr. Cross is a senior lecturer in American History at Manchester Metropolitan University and an Anglo-American historian that focuses on the diplomatic and political issues as well as the military history.
Links
The Wings of Democracy: The Influence of Air Power on the Roosevelt Administration 1933-1941 by Jeffery S. Underwood (https://www.amazon.com/Wings-Democracy-Administration-Williams-Ford-University/dp/0890963886/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3536RMETOY5RU&keywords=the+wings+of+democracy&qid=1701545518&sprefix=the+wings+of+democracy%2Caps%2...2023-12-021h 40
Why We Fight ~ 1944Black Week – October 1943: A Low Point and a Turning Point for the Strategic Bombing Campaign in EuropeIn this episode, I'm joined again by Dr. John Curatola to talk about the Strategic Air War in Europe, with a particular focus on Black Week in October 1943. This episode works well with Episode 79 with Dr. Luke Truxal, which also talks about the Schweinfurt and Regensburg raids, episode 80 with Dr. Rich Muller on the Luftwaffe aerial defense over Germany, episode 81 with Lt.Col. Alex Moon which discusses the Combined Bomber Offensive, and also the next episode with Dr. Graham Cross on the Allied Fighters in Europe.
Links
John Curatola, PhD (https://www.nationalww2museum.org/contributors/john-curatola-phd)
Autumn of Our...2023-11-2656 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Combined Bomber Offensive & Family Connections to World War IIIn this episode, US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Alex Moon joins me to talk about some interesting family connections to World War II history and we talk about the bombers and bomber crews in the European Theater, the unique challenges these young men faced with their very dangerous missions, and there is a lot of overlap between these stories and the ones told in earlier episodes with Jane Gulliford Lowes (ep. 20, A Day in the Life of an RAF Bomber Crew), Dr. Luke Truxal's episode on Schweinfurt and Regensburg (ep. 79), and the previous episode with Dr. Rich Muller (ep. 80) who...2023-11-251h 00
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Luftwaffe's Aerial Defense Over GermanyIn this episode, Dr. Rich Muller talks about the aerial defense of Germany during World War II, and how the German Luftwaffe was supplied, manned, attrited and replenished / reconstituted throughout the war and what that meant for the Allies and Allied Air Forces, We also talk a bit about the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, SAASS, which is the US Air Force's version of SAMS (the School of Advanced Military Studies) in the Army and SAW (the School of Advanced Warfighting) in the Marine Corps.
Links
The Luftwaffe Over Germany: Defense of the Reich by Donald Caldwell and...2023-11-191h 09
Why We Fight ~ 1944Schweinfurt, Regensburg, and Operation Starkey: Inflated Numbers, Wrong Conclusions, and False ConfidenceIn this episode, Dr. Luke Truxal joins me for his third and final 1943 episode to talk about the Schweinfurt / Regensburg raids and Operation Starkey, a Military Deception (MILDEC) plan organized within the larger Operation Cockade. We talk about intelligence failures from inaccurate analysis and wrong conclusions, over confidence and false confidence stemming from such conclusions, and the inflation of numbers when reporting on air raids after missions. Dr. Truxal will be back next year to cover more Air Power and Air War in Europe history in the 1944 series.2023-11-141h 57
Why We Fight ~ 1944Semper Paratus: The Greenland Patrol and the US Coast Guard in 1943In this episode, I'm joined by USCG Atlantic historian Dr. Bill Thiesen to talk about US Coast Guard history and involvement in World War II, with a particular focus on the Greenland Patrol and operations in the Arctic. Dr. Thiesen runs a US Coast Guard History blog called The Long Blue Line, linked below. This episode is really interesting and it is a part of our history that we don't often hear about so I hope everyone enjoys this story and I will make an effort to include more Coast Guard in WWII stories going forward.
Links
US Coast Guard...2023-11-1247 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Marine Corps Amphibious Operations, Command Culture, and Operation CherryblossomJoining me again is Lt.Col. Brian Kerg, this time to talk Marine Corps history. This was actually the first episode we recorded. Brian talks about Operation Cherryblossom, the landings at Cape Torokina at the start of the Bougainville Campaign. He also talks about Marine Corps leadership and command culture in the Pacific Theater.
There will be other Bougainville episodes coming up but, as promised, this one is set to release on 10 November, which is the 248th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. And in celebratory spirit, I've included a little adjustment to...2023-11-101h 00
Why We Fight ~ 1944Six Degrees of Vietnam: World War II and the Vietnam WarIn this episode I'm joined by Dr. Rob Thompson to talk about the Vietnam War and how that conflict is connected to World War II. This is a more conversational episode because I don't know as much about Vietnam and Rob is a friend of mine. As he explains early on, Vietnam at this time in 1943 was known as French Indochina, and things get really complicated and messy. But this is another example of how it is next to impossible to study this period in isolation, and how the Second World War had an impact everywhere.
Links
Dr. Rob Thompson...2023-11-081h 00
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Sunburst Division – 40th Infantry, California Army National Guard (Part I)In this episode, Brigadier General Robert Wooldridge and Sergeant Major Daniel Sebby help us learn a bit about the history of the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, and what the division was doing up through 1943. Halfway through the year the Division moved from the US West Coast to Hawaii, and then later to Guadalcanal. We also talk a bit about the strengths of the National Guard — then and now — and the different responsibilities the CAARNG sometimes has to juggle. The 40th Infantry Division will be back next year to continue their story in 1944.2023-11-0550 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Battle of KiskaIn this episode, I'm joined by Archaeologist Kirk Freeman to talk about the Battle of Kiska, in the Aleutian Islands, making this story part-Pacific Theater and technically also part-Homefront. In addition to the story from 1942-1943, Kirk talks about his experiences as an Archaeologist on Kiska and with some of the other islands in that chain.2023-11-011h 30
Why We Fight ~ 1944Bonus Halloween Episode: Zone Troopers (1985)In this Bonus episode for Halloween, I'm joined again by Lt. Col. Brian Kerg and we discuss the 1985 film Zone Troopers, which takes place in Italy during World War II. The movie was not what we were expecting, and we were both pleasantly surprised by it. Linked below are the book mentioned and the movie, although I did not find it streaming anywhere that we could both access.
Links
Confessions of a Puppetmaster: A Hollywood Memoir of Ghouls, Guts, and Gonzo Filmmaking by Charles Band with Adam Felber (https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Puppetmaster-Hollywood-Memoir-Filmmaking/dp/0063087340/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8...2023-10-3142 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Admiral Nimitz Reconfigures the StaffJoining me again is Naval Historian Trent Hone and this time we talk about Admiral Nimitz and his efforts to reconfigure his staff to better fight and win in the Pacific in 1943 and beyond. If you missed the previous episode, Trent talked about the US Navy fighting in the dark in the Pacific, lessons learned throughout earlier parts of the war, and how we got to a point in 1943 where we start to get things right.
Links
Mastering the Art of Command: Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and Victory in the Pacific by Trent Hone (https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Art-Command-Admiral-Chester/dp/1682475956...2023-10-2556 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Night Battles in the Solomon IslandsJoining me in this episode is Naval Historian Trent Hone and we talk about the US Navy (and Allies) involved in night battles in the Solomon Islands, and how this period in late 1943 reflects a tremendous amount of learning that the Navy did in the years prior. This episode has a little overlap with the Battle of Kula Gulf episode, so it ties in well with the previous 4 episodes in the series.
Links
Mastering the Art of Command: Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and Victory in the Pacific by Trent...2023-10-2359 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Battle of Munda Point: Fighting the Plan vs. Fighting the EnemySteve Wuensche, US Army veteran and current member of the Army University Press Combat Studies Institute (CSI) Staff Ride Team, joins me to talk about the Battle of Munda Point, during the New Georgia Campaign in the Pacific Theater. We also talk about Staff Rides and the available options for both virtual and in-person Staff Rides, as well as support for units looking to develop their own.
This episode works well with the two most recent episodes by Kater Miller on the Marine Raiders in the New Georgia Campaign and Operation Toenails, part of...2023-10-221h 52
Why We Fight ~ 1944Battle of Kula GulfJoining me in this episode is Jon Bernstein, US Army veteran and the Arms and Armor Curator at the National Museum of the United States Marine Corps. Jon helps bring some US Navy history to the series, talking about the Battle of Kula Gulf which relates to the previous two episodes (Marine Raiders and Operation Toenails) and the next episode (Munda Point). We also talk about Jon's very special find in the Marine Corps Museum's macroartifacts, so please stick around for that part as well.
Link
Why We Fight ~ 1942: Pacific Theater
Guns and Ships (https://twitter.com/USMCMuseum/status/1486768008785711107)
National...2023-10-2250 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944OPERATION TOENAILSJoining me again is Kater Miller, this time to talk about OPERATION TOENAILS, part of the New Georgia Campaign in the Pacific Theater in 1943. This episode is tied to the previous one on Marine Raiders, and to the next two episodes which also involve the New Georgia Campaign.
Links
National Museum of the United States Marine Corps
https://www.usmcmuseum.com/
2023-10-221h 27
Why We Fight ~ 1944Marine Raiders in the PacificJoining me again is Kater Miller, USMC veteran and curator at the National Museum of the United States Marine Corps, this time to talk about the Marine Raiders in the Pacific in the context of the New Georgia Campaign, which will be the subject of the next few episodes. We also talk a bit about lineage for the Raiders, since the modern Marine Corps has "Raiders" that do not actually hold the lineage to these Raiders from 1942/1943. Among the Raiders was Jimmy Roosevelt, one of FDR's sons.
Links
USMC Museum (https://www.usmcmuseum.com/)2023-10-161h 30
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Vikings: The Story of the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate)In this episode, Dr. Bill Convery, Director of Research at the Minnesota Historical Society in St. Paul, tells us about the very unique 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate), comprised of Norwegian-speaking soldiers trained for elite missions in World War II. While we cover a broad bit of the story, I will include future episodes for a more in-depth look at this unit and their experiences in 1944 and 1945.
Links
Minnesota Military Museum: Norwegian-Americans and the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate) (https://www.mnmilitarymuseum.org/files/5613/2261/5287/99th_Infantry_Battalion_Sep.pdf)
2023-10-1049 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Monuments Men, the MFAA, and Continuing Efforts to Put Things RightThis Belongs in a Museum!
In this episode, LTC (ret.) Nikki Dean joins me to talk about the very important Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program, the real "Monuments Men", and the continuing efforts to put things right even 80 years after the fact. The Geneva Convention protects cultural artifacts now, but at this time 80 years ago, we needed a formal, structured way of addressing this particular aspect of World War II, with all of the stolen art, artifacts, and other valuables, as well as some counterfeit art and other criminal activity from people taking advantage of the situation.
Links
Thieves...2023-10-081h 34
Why We Fight ~ 1944US Army History and HistoriansIn this episode, Dr. Erik Villard, Digital Historian for the US Army's Center of Military History, joins me to talk about the history of Army History. We discuss the "Green Books" as well as the "Blue Books" and other publications, all of which can be found online and as PDFs. Some will be linked below.
Links
Army History Publications (https://history.army.mil/catalog/browse/title.html)
The US Army in World War II Collection aka "The Green Books" (https://history.army.mil/html/bookshelves/collect/usaww2.html)
The US Army Air Forces in World War II aka "The Blue...2023-10-0640 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Hollywood and the American War Effort in 1943In this episode, Ken Campbell talks about two Hollywood movies that came out in 1943 and their impact on the American war effort whether that be through increased sales of War Bonds or through recruiting for the military. The movies - "This is the Army" and "Destination Tokyo" - both feature language and some choices that we immediately recognize as being offensive and in poor taste, but as Ken explains this was very much "of the time" and it gives insight into American life in 1943, including the less appealing parts of American life at that time. We do not recommend watching...2023-10-021h 51
Why We Fight ~ 1944A Look at Contested Logistics in North AfricaIn this episode, Dr. David Dworak tells of both Axis and Allied experiences with contested logistics in North Africa during World War II. Often when we hear "contested" we think that the issues are something the enemy is causing for us, but as Dr. Dworak explains it can sometimes be environmental, including weather, and it can sometimes be a problem we created for ourselves.
Links
War of Supply: World War II Allied Logistics in the Mediterranean (https://www.amazon.com/War-Supply-Logistics-Mediterranean-Military/dp/0813183774)
Supplying War: Logistics from Wallenstein to Patton (https://www.amazon.com/Supplying-War-Logistics-Wallenstein-Patton/dp/0521546575/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1695751204&refinements=p_27%3...2023-09-2738 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Quadrant: The First Quebec Conference in August 1943Paul Sparrow returns to help share the story of the First Quebec Conference, Codenamed "Quadrant", which took place 17 to 24 August 1943, after the Sicily Campaign came to an end but before the Allies get to mainland Italy. This conference included the decision to begin discussions and planning for the eventual invasion of France, with a tentative date set for early May 1944. Of course, we now know this will change but the American planners finally had a target date to focus on for that much-desired Cross-Channel attack. This conference also saw the signing of the Quebec Agreement which would help the Americans...2023-09-2433 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Leadership Challenges, Ambition, and the Allied Campaign in Italy 1943In this episode, US Army Colonel Bryan Gibby, Deputy Head of the Department of History at West Point, talks about the challenges of leadership in Italy 1943, particularly the challenges of the very young Lieutenant General Mark Wayne Clark. Many of the challenges stemmed from inexperience combined with ambition and vanity, but it's not always that simple. COL Gibby takes the story to the end of 1943, and he will be back in the 1944 series to talk more about the Italian Campaign.
Links
The Will to Win: American Military Advisors in Korea 1946-1953 (https://www.amazon.com/Will-Win-American-Military-1946-1953/dp/0817317643)2023-09-231h 08
Why We Fight ~ 1944How the Allies Got to Italy and the Beginning of the Italian CampaignJoining me in this episode is Frank de Planta, a British Army veteran (retired Lt. Col.) and an Italian battlefield tour narrator. Frank talks about how the Allies got to Italy from North Africa, some of the egos and reputations that get bruised or inflated along the way, and the continued learning that the Allies are experiencing even after 10 months of fighting alongside each other. As a battlefields tour narrator, Frank is an excellent storyteller and I know many people will enjoy his style here.
Links
Cassino Battlefields (http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk/about/)
http://www.motheroftanks.com/2023-09-1752 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Allied Invasion of Mainland Italy (Part II)Part II of this episode - if you missed Part I, you'll want to go back and listen to it first since this one jumps right into the conversation.
With the magic of technology, this episode brings together Dr. Lee Windsor and Dr. Cindy Brown, both with the University of New Brunswick up in Canada, Dr. Greg Hospodor with US Army TRADOC in Virginia, Dr. John Curatola with the National WWII Museum in Louisiana, and me here in Germany. My four guests have known each other for a long time and, upon realizing that, I wanted to bring them together...2023-09-1451 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Allied Invasion of Mainland Italy (Part I)With the magic of technology, this episode brings together Dr. Lee Windsor and Dr. Cindy Brown, both with the University of New Brunswick up in Canada, Dr. Greg Hospodor with US Army TRADOC in Virginia, Dr. John Curatola with the National WWII Museum in Louisiana, and me here in Germany. My four guests have known each other for a long time and, upon realizing that, I wanted to bring them together to help kick off the Italian Campaign :)
This episode was split in two because it was a bit long. The second half will be out in a day or...2023-09-111h 27
Why We Fight ~ 1944The Axis Forces' Retreat from Sicily 1943Joining me in this episode wrapping up the Sicily Campaign is Lt.Col. Brian Kerg. This is actually the second episode we recorded but the first to be released in the series. In the course of recording the other episode, Brian let slip that he covered the Axis retreat from Sicily in August 1943 when he attended the Marine Corps' School of Advanced Warfighting (SAW) and I twisted his arm to cover it for this series. He also gives a fantastic overview of the school and its benefits, and encourages other officers, Marine and otherwise, to consider it. Definitely stick...2023-09-0946 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Administering the Mediterranean Theater of OperationsDr. David Dworak joins me again, this time to talk about how we administer a theater of operations, using the Allied invasion of Sicily and the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO) as the example for 1943. If you missed Dr. Dworak's earlier episode on sustaining a theater of operations, that was episode 26 of this year's 1943 series. And if you're interested in learning more about the MTO, maybe check out Dr. Dworak's book War of Supply: World War II Allied Logistics in the Mediterranean, and the US Army's Center of Military History publications on Logistics, Sustainment, and related aspects of WWII...2023-09-0956 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Bridging the Gap with "Miraculous American Pontoons"In this episode, Dr. Frank Blazich Jr. joins me to talk about magic boxes, military innovation, and "miraculous American pontoons". Dr. Blazich is a fantastic storyteller and he will be back soon to talk about War Pigeons too.
Links
Inventors and Innovators: Naval Lighterage and Anglo-American Success in the Amphibious Invasions of German-Occupied Europe (https://tnm.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/default/article/view/155 You can download the article here - https://tnm.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/default/article/download/155/149/211)
US Navy Pontoon Technology at HUSKY and OVERLORD presented by Dr. Frank A. Blazich Jr., PhD, Curator (https://www...2023-09-061h 02
Why We Fight ~ 1944The US 7th Infantry Regiment & 3rd Infantry Division in Sicily 1943In this episode, Dr. John McManus joins me to talk about the 7th Infantry Regiment (the "Cottonbalers") and the 3rd Infantry Division in Sicily in 1943, their difficult fight through the island, and a bit of foreshadowing as the units prepare to head into Italy. John has another episode that will continue this story for 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd ID in Italy through the end of 1943.
Links
Dr. John McManus (https://johncmcmanus.com/)
The 7th Infantry Regiment - Combat in an Age of Terror: The Korean War Through the Present (https://johncmcmanus.com/books/the-7th-infantry-regiment-combat-in-an-age-of-terror-the-korean-war-through-the-present/)
The Deadly Brotherhood: The American...2023-09-031h 08
Why We Fight ~ 1944"Guns and Leaders to the Front": Using the Story of the 82d Airborne Division in Sicily to Train Soldiers TodayJoining me in this episode is retired Brigadier General John Aarsen who is currently the Director of the 82d Airborne Division War Memorial Museum located at Fort Liberty in North Carolina. John shares how he uses the story of the 82d Airborne Division in Sicily to help train Soldiers today.
Links
Museum Website (https://www.82ndairbornedivisionmuseum.com/)2023-09-031h 20
Why We Fight ~ 1944Airborne & Glider Ops and Armored Warfare in Sicily 1943In this episode I'm joined by Dirk Ringgenberg, US Army Veteran and Assistant Professor of Military History at the Command and General Staff College (CGSC). Dirk talks to us about the Airborne jumps made by the 505th and 504th Parachute Infantry from the 82d Airborne Division as part of Operation Husky, the Allied Invasion of Sicily in 1943. He also discusses the challenges of both Airborne and Armored Warfare in Sicily at this time.
Links
https://armyuniversity.edu/cgsc/cgss/dmh/Faculty
Pershing Lecture Series: The Evolution of Battlefield Communications (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BAaaQAC6yU)
Operation Northern Delay...2023-08-271h 30
Why We Fight ~ 1944Operation Hydra and the Space Force Connection to 1943In this episode I'm joined by Dr. Mike Pavelec, Director of the Schriever Space Scholars US Space Force education at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). We talk about Operation Crossbow, and more specifically Operation Hydra -- the RAF raid on Peenemunde. This was an interesting twist because I was not expecting a US Space Force contribution to this series on World War II, but here we are! Enjoy :)
Links
You can find Dr. Pavelec's books here: https://www.amazon.com/Books-S-Mike-Pavelec/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AS.+Mike+Pavelec
US Space Force Schriever & West Space Force...2023-08-2452 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944LTG Patton, the Infamous Slapping Incidents, and Changes in the Army's Approach to Combat PsychiatryTW: This episode does mention suicide at least once in reference to someone Patton knew.
In this episode I'm joined by Dr. Sanders Marble from the Army Medical Department Center of History and Heritage. Dr. Marble helps tell the story of the infamous slapping incidents involving LTG George Patton during the Sicily Campaign in 1943, but he doesn't stop there.
Links
AMEDD Center of History & Heritage (https://achh.army.mil/)2023-08-191h 08
Why We Fight ~ 1944Patton's Leadership in Sicily 1943Joining me in this episode is retired US Army Colonel John Antal, author of some of my favorite books and also appeared in the documentary series Patton 360. COL Antal talks with us about Patton in Sicily, with emphasis on Patton's leadership and what made Patton a great leader and what makes the Sicily Campaign worth studying.
"Every battle that Patton fought was a case study in how to fight combined arms and Joint operations."
Links
Next War: Reimagining How We Fight (https://amzn.to/3...2023-08-1538 min
Why We Fight ~ 1944Lieutenant General George S. Patton Jr. (Part I)TW: This episode includes mention of someone taking their own life and also mention of the accusing of Black French soldiers of sexual assault. These are not graphic in nature, just adding a trigger warning in case anyone is sensitive to these topics.
Historian and author Kevin Hymel joins me in this episode to talk about George S. Patton Jr. This is marked a "Part I" as Kevin has promised to come back and continue the story. He will also talk about the "Six-Triple-Eight" Postal Battalion, about which he wrote an article that inspired an upcoming Netflix film made by...2023-08-141h 18
Why We Fight ~ 1944Why We Fight ~ 1943: IntroductionThis is the Why We Fight ~ 1943 series podcast which features historians, experts, Army leaders, and other special guests as we present select stories to expand the written content of the series. In this introductory episode, Sasha ("Mother of Tanks") provides details on this new line of effort for the Why We Fight series, as well as other changes to the series structure for this year (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, changes to the Twitter content, podcast...)
For more information about this series, as well as links to all the content and other details, check out www...2023-01-2915 min