The Greatest Generation Live Podcast

“Hitler’s People” with Historian Sir Richard Evans

Renowned historian Sir Richard Evans talks about his new book, Hitler’s People: The Faces of the Third Reich, which delves into the complex factors that led to the widespread support for Hitler’s regime in Germany.
Evans argues that a combination of political opportunism, ideological manipulation, and a deep-seated sense of national humiliation and inferiority paved the way for the rise of Nazism.
Evans meticulously examines the roles of Hitler’s inner circle, including Göring, Goebbels, and Himmler, as well as lesser-known figures who played significant roles in enabling the Nazi ideology.
Evans also analyzes the motivations of ordinary Germans who became complicit in the Nazi regime. He argues that many were conservative nationalists who felt betrayed by the defeat of 1918 and the disintegration of the Kaiser’s Germany. Hitler’s promises of national renewal and a sense of superiority appealed to their shattered sense of stability.
Hitler was a singular figure, an opportunist and ideologue who benefited from the suffering caused by World War I and the Treaty of Versailles. However, Evans emphasizes that Hitler was not a political or military genius, but rather a demagogue who arrived at the right place and time to seize power.
Sir Richard J. Evans is a famous scholar of German history, who has authored a comprehensive three-volume history of the Third Reich, spanning the years 2003 to 2008. This monumental work, drawing upon Evans’ extensive research and expertise, has garnered widespread acclaim from fellow historians.
The first volume, “The Coming of the Third Reich,” delves into the tumultuous period leading up to the Nazi seizure of power in Germany. It meticulously examines the impact of World War I, the Treaty of Versailles, and the economic turmoil that paved the way for the rise of authoritarianism.
The second volume, “The Third Reich in Power,” explores the Nazi regime’s consolidation of power and its efforts to win over the German populace. Evans utilizes personal narratives to illustrate the social, economic, and cultural transformations that occurred during this period.
The third and final volume, “The Third Reich at War,” chronicles the major events of World War II from the Nazi perspective. It provides a detailed account of key battles, the Holocaust, and Hitler’s downfall. This volume has been hailed as a masterpiece of historical scholarship, offering a comprehensive synthesis of the extensive research conducted on the subject.
Overall, Evans’ Third Reich trilogy stands as a definitive and authoritative account of the rise, reign, and fall of the Nazi regime. Its meticulous research, balanced narrative, and insightful analysis have earned it widespread recognition as a seminal work in the field of German history.
#wwiihistory #usmilitary  #veterans  #history #trivia  #ww2  #veteranshistory #usveterans #marines #usairforce #militaryhistory #usnavy  
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The Battle Off Samar, October 25, 1944

Greatest Generation Live and Glenn Flickinger mark the anniversary of  The Battle Off (or of) Samar in World War II with Admiral Sam Cox, Curator for the Navy, Director Naval History and Heritage Command.
Also joining us is Scott Reneau, the grandson of of Admiral Clifton “Ziggy” Sprague who commanded the Task Unit that fought the battle.
The Battle of Samar, fought on October 25, 1944, was a critical engagement during World War II, forming part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf. This battle is often remembered as one of the most dramatic naval actions in history, where a small and lightly armed American task force faced overwhelming odds against a powerful Japanese fleet. The battle is noted for the courage and determination of the American sailors who, despite their inferior firepower, managed to inflict significant damage on the Japanese forces and prevent a potential disaster.The Battle of Samar occurred during the broader campaign to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation. The American invasion of Leyte Island was supported by several naval task forces, including Task Unit 77.4.3, known as “Taffy 3.” This group, commanded by Rear Admiral Clifton “Ziggy” Sprague, consisted of six escort carriers, three destroyers, and four destroyer escorts. These ships were designed for anti-submarine warfare and air support, not for engaging battleships and cruisers.
Unbeknownst to the Americans, the Japanese had devised a complex plan to counter the Leyte invasion, involving several naval forces converging on the area. The most formidable of these was the Center Force under Vice Admiral Takeo Kurita, which included four battleships, six heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, and eleven destroyers. After surviving attacks from American submarines and aircraft, Kurita’s force managed to approach Samar largely unopposed, aiming to destroy the American invasion fleet off Leyte.
On the morning of October 25, 1944, Taffy 3 was conducting routine operations when it unexpectedly encountered Kurita’s powerful fleet. The Americans were caught off guard, as they had believed that Kurita’s force had been neutralized by previous air strikes. Rear Admiral Sprague immediately ordered his carriers to launch all available aircraft and turn to the east to escape while laying down a smoke screen.
The battle that ensued was one of the most unequal in naval history. The escort carriers of Taffy 3 were slow and lightly armed, designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, and equipped with small aircraft like Wildcats and Avengers. In contrast, the Japanese force included some of the most powerful ships of the Imperial Navy, such as the battleship Yamato, the largest battleship ever built, armed with 18-inch guns.
Despite the overwhelming odds, Sprague’s forces fought back with everything they had. The destroyers and destroyer escorts charged at the Japanese fleet, launching torpedoes and firing their 5-inch guns in a desperate attempt to protect the carriers. The American airmen, flying from the carriers, attacked with whatever weapons were available, including bombs, torpedoes, and even strafing runs after their munitions were exhausted.
Sprague’s leadership during this crisis was crucial. He managed to keep his ships coordinated under intense pressure, directing evasive maneuvers and organizing the defense. His decision to charge the enemy with his destroyers and destroyer escorts, despite the overwhelming odds, played a key role in disrupting the Japanese attack.
The Japanese fleet, surprised by the ferocity and audacity of the American defense, became disorganized. Kurita, fearing an imminent air strike from more powerful American carriers, eventually ordered a retreat, believing he was facing a much larger force. This decision spared Taffy 3 from complete destruction and saved the invasion force at Leyte from potential disaster.
The Battle of Samar was a strategic victory for the United States, despite the loss of several ships, including the escort carriers Gambier Bay and the destroyers Johnston and Hoel. The bravery of the men aboard Taffy 3, who fought against overwhelming odds, earned them a place of honor in naval history. The battle demonstrated the importance of leadership, courage, and the ability to adapt under fire.
Rear Admiral Clifton “Ziggy” Sprague was widely praised for his actions during the battle. His leadership was instrumental in the survival of Taffy 3 and the success of the Leyte Gulf campaign. Sprague’s decision-making under extreme pressure, his tactical acumen, and his ability to inspire his men were key factors in the American victory. After the war, Sprague continued to serve in the Navy, eventually retiring as a Vice Admiral. His legacy is closely tied to the heroics of Samar, where he and his men turned what seemed like certain defeat into a remarkable victory.
 

“Black Week” of October 8-14, 1943, with the 100th Bomb Group

Greatest Generation Live and Glenn Flickinger mark the anniversary of “Black Week” in World War II with a panel of Eighth Air Force and 100th Bomb Group experts, Nancy Putnam, Rebecca Hutchinson, Mike Faley, and Jim Blakely.
“Black Week” refers to a devastating series of missions flown by the 100th Bomb Group of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II in October 1943. The 100th Bomb Group, part of the 8th Air Force, was based at Thorpe Abbotts, England, and was known for its heavy losses and high casualty rates, particularly during this fateful week.
The 100th Bomb Group, known as the “Bloody Hundredth” due to its high losses, was involved in strategic bombing campaigns aimed at crippling Nazi Germany’s industrial and military capabilities. By October 1943, the group had already endured significant losses, but the intensity of the air war was increasing as the Allies pushed deeper into enemy territory.
Black Week spanned from October 8 to October 14, 1943, during which the 100th Bomb Group flew several critical missions over Germany. The targets included heavily defended industrial cities and aircraft production facilities, such as Bremen, Munster, and Schweinfurt, which were essential to the German war effort.
October 8, 1943 (Bremen): The week began with a mission to Bremen, a major port and industrial center. The 100th Bomb Group faced intense flak and fighter opposition. Out of 21 B-17 Flying Fortresses dispatched, 7 were lost. The mission highlighted the vulnerability of bombers flying deep into Germany without sufficient fighter escort.
October 10, 1943 (Munster): The mission to Munster was particularly costly. The 100th Bomb Group lost 12 out of 13 bombers, an unprecedented loss rate of over 90%. This mission became one of the most tragic days in the group’s history, with many crews killed, wounded, or taken prisoner.
October 14, 1943 (Schweinfurt): The final mission of Black Week was the infamous second raid on Schweinfurt, known as “Black Thursday.” Schweinfurt was a key target due to its ball bearing factories, which were vital to the German war machine. The 100th Bomb Group lost another 5 bombers, and the overall losses for the 8th Air Force that day were staggering, with 60 bombers lost out of 291. The raid demonstrated the high cost of daylight bombing without adequate fighter support.
By the end of Black Week, the 100th Bomb Group had suffered catastrophic losses, losing 26 bombers and hundreds of airmen killed, wounded, or captured. The severe losses during these missions led to a temporary halt in deep penetration raids over Germany until the Allies could improve their tactics and fighter escort capabilities. The week underscored the need for long-range fighter escorts, which were eventually provided by the P-51 Mustang, significantly reducing bomber losses in subsequent missions.
Rebecca Hutchinson’s father, Harry Crosby, was a lead navigator in the 100th Bomb Group and played a crucial role in many of the group’s missions, including those during Black Week. After the war, Crosby authored the memoir A Wing and a Prayer: The “Bloody 100th” Bomb Group of the U.S. Eighth Air Force in Action over Europe in World War II, a detailed and personal account of his experiences during the war.
In A Wing and a Prayer, Crosby vividly describes the intense pressure and fear experienced by the bomber crews, the camaraderie among the men, and the heavy toll that the war took on those who served. He also reflects on the psychological impact of the missions, including the constant threat of death and the loss of close friends and comrades.
A Wing and a Prayer provides a window into the experiences of the airmen who endured some of the most dangerous missions of the war, offering readers a personal and unvarnished view of the air war over Europe.
#wwiihistory  #airwarfare  #veterans  
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The Heroic Story of World War II POW and Death March Survivor, Arthur Shreve

US Army Colonel Arthur Lee Shreve survived the Bataan Death March and years as a POW of the Japanese at Cabanatuan prison camp in the Philippines, aboard a Japanese “Hell Ship” and hard labor at Camp Fukuoka, Japan. Arthur’s granddaughter, Heather Shreve, shares his story and book, The Colonel’s Way: The Secret Diaries of a P.O.W., Philippines 1941-1945.
After his father’s untimely demise in 1913, Arthur Shreve assumed the responsibility of supporting his family. He dropped out of high school just weeks before graduation and enlisted in the Maryland National Guard in 1917. Driven by a desire to fly, he transferred to the Signal Corps and Aviation Section, eventually graduating from flight school in 1918.
Shreve’s first assignment was with the Second Aero Squadron in France, where he flew combat missions during World War I. Despite the perilous nature of aerial warfare, he survived and returned to Baltimore in 1919.
In 1920, Shreve rejoined the US Army as a second lieutenant. His first assignment was in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he met his future wife. He also gained valuable knowledge about Japanese war tactics and culture, which would prove invaluable in the years to come.
Over the next two decades, Shreve served in various capacities, including as a member of the US-German Army Jumping and Polo Team, an instructor at the University of Oklahoma, and a graduate of the Command and General Staff School. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1940 but was recalled to service in 1941.
Assigned to the South Luzon Force in the Philippines, Shreve arrived in November 1941. He recognized the vulnerability of the island to Japanese attack and advocated for strengthening its defenses. However, his warnings were not heeded.
On December 24, 1941, Shreve witnessed the arrival of Japanese forces at Antipolo, confirming his fears. He played a crucial role in the defense of the Philippines, but was eventually captured and forced to endure the infamous Bataan Death March.
Upon arriving at Cabanatuan prison camp in June 1942, Shreve continued his humanitarian efforts. He meticulously documented the camp’s conditions, including the alarming death rate, and established an underground network to smuggle in food and supplies.
Shreve’s ingenuity extended to creating a crystal radio receiver from an Army canteen, allowing him to eavesdrop on Japanese communications. This intelligence was relayed to Filipino operatives in Manila, providing valuable information to the Allied forces.
In 1944, he was among the 12,000 POWs transported on the Japanese ship Arai Maru. Overcrowding and inhumane conditions led to the deaths of 100 men from suffocation.
During a bombing attack, Shreve was shot in the back but survived. He witnessed the Japanese pushing POWs overboard and abandoning ship. Shreve jumped into the water and swam to shore, then returned to rescue four others.
Shreve and his fellow POWs were held in a tennis court for five days with minimal food and water. They were then transported to Manila and forced onto train cars with 190 men per car. The only ventilation came from bullet holes in the roof.
On the Anora Maru, another Japanese transport ship, Shreve witnessed the deaths of two fellow officers when a torpedo hit the vessel. He helped Colonel North to safety but was unable to save Babcock, who had a severe chest wound.
On the Brazil Maru, Shreve and his companions faced freezing temperatures and illness.
Shreve was eventually imprisoned in Camp Fukuoka, Japan, where he performed hard labor. He collected the belongings of his deceased comrades in a Red Cross box.
In September 1945, Shreve was rescued and evacuated to Korea. Of the original 12,000 POWs, only 270 survived the ordeal.
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Was 1914-1945 a Thirty Years War?

This World War II Open Conversation led by historians Todd DePastino and Glenn Flickinger starts with a discussion of the connections between World War I and World War II. Should they be considered one continuous conflict, a "Thirty Years' War"? 
Both wars are deeply interconnected in their causes and consequences and viewing them as a single, prolonged conflict highlights the deep-rooted tensions and unresolved issues that persisted between 1914 and 1945.
World War I, which began in 1914, was triggered by a complex web of alliances, militarism, nationalism, and imperial competition. The war ended in 1918 with the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh penalties on Germany and redrew the map of Europe. However, the treaty failed to address the underlying issues that had led to the war. Instead, it sowed the seeds for future conflict. Germany was left humiliated and economically devastated, creating a fertile ground for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. The Treaty of Versailles, rather than ensuring peace, contributed to the instability and resentment that would lead to World War II.
World War II, which erupted in 1939, can be seen as a direct consequence of the unresolved tensions from World War I. The aggressive expansionism of Nazi Germany, driven by the desire to overturn the post-World War I order and reclaim lost territory, was a primary cause of the conflict. The failure of the League of Nations and the policy of appeasement further enabled Hitler's ambitions. The alliances, rivalries, and grievances that had existed during World War I were revived and intensified, leading to another catastrophic global conflict.
The period between the two wars, often referred to as the "interwar period," was marked by economic turmoil, political instability, and the rise of totalitarian regimes. The Great Depression of the 1930s exacerbated these issues, contributing to the collapse of democratic governments and the rise of fascism in Europe. This period was not a time of genuine peace but rather a prolonged ceasefire, where the underlying causes of World War I remained unresolved. The eventual outbreak of World War II can thus be seen as the resumption of a conflict that had never truly ended.
However, as expert Greg Yoest reminds us, it's important to recognize the differences between the two conflicts. World War I was largely a war of attrition fought between empires, while World War II was characterized by ideological battles between fascism, communism, and democracy, as well as widespread atrocities, including the Holocaust. The global scale and impact of World War II also far surpassed that of World War I.
We also discuss the 79th anniversary of the V-J Day, the Japanese surrender in 1945, especially what factors contributed to Emperor Hirohito's extraordinary--and unprecedented--decision to make a major policy decision regarding the war. We'll talk about the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Soviet declaration of war on Japan on August 8, 1945, and also about other events going on in the war and the world at the time.
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The US Army at Guadalcanal

Glenn Flickinger leads a conversation with military historians and Pacific War experts Jeff Ballard and Dave Holland on the US Army’s role in the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.
Dave, a seasoned veteran with a 28-year career in the US Marine Corps, is host of the popular Guadalcanal – Walking a Battlefield YouTube channel. He shares with us his extensive knowledge and passion for the Battle of Guadalcanal. He’s dedicated especially to assisting veterans and their families seeking information about the Guadalcanal campaign. Through his extensive personal knowledge, research, and field experience, he has become a valuable resource for those interested in the Guadalcanal campaign.
Military Historian Jeff Ballard is the expert on the Navy side of the Battle of Guadalcanal, but he shares his extensive knowledge of the Army experience with us.
The battle is often highlighted as a pivotal Marine Corps operation, but it was a joint Army-Marine-Navy effort was essential in securing an Allied victory and marked a turning point in the Pacific War.
The initial stages of the battle saw the 1st Marine Division, under Major General Alexander Vandegrift, landing on Guadalcanal on August 7, 1942. They quickly captured the airfield, later named Henderson Field, and established a defensive perimeter. However, the need for reinforcements became evident as Japanese forces mounted counterattacks.
The first U.S. Army units arrived on October 13, 1942, with the 164th Infantry Regiment of the Americal Division (officially the 23rd Infantry Division) reinforcing the Marines. This regiment played a crucial role in strengthening the defensive positions around Henderson Field and repelling Japanese assaults, particularly during the intense Battle for Henderson Field in late October 1942. Their presence was instrumental in blunting the major Japanese offensive and maintaining control of the airfield.
Further Army reinforcements arrived in the following months. The rest of the Americal Division, including the 182nd and 132nd Infantry Regiments, landed in November 1942, followed by the 25th Infantry Division, comprising the 35th, 27th, and 161st Infantry Regiments, in December 1942 and January 1943. These additional troops significantly bolstered the Allied forces on the island.
Army units participated in several key operations to clear Japanese forces from Guadalcanal. They were involved in offensives in the Matanikau River area and the Battle of Mount Austen, the Galloping Horse, and the Sea Horse in January 1943. These operations, conducted in challenging terrain against tenacious Japanese resistance, were crucial in securing strategic locations on the island. The U.S. Army’s role in these battles was vital for the overall success of the campaign.
The coordination between Army and Marine Corps units was a critical factor in the success of the Guadalcanal campaign. Both branches worked closely, coordinating attacks, sharing resources, and supporting each other in defensive operations. This integration helped to overwhelm Japanese forces and maintain control of critical areas, such as Henderson Field. The combined efforts of Army and Marine Corps units ensured that the Allies could sustain their offensive and defensive operations effectively.
By February 1943, Japanese forces were evacuated from Guadalcanal, marking the successful conclusion of the campaign. The U.S. Army’s involvement was essential in maintaining the momentum and ensuring the eventual Allied victory on the island. While the Marine Corps led the initial stages, the contributions of the U.S. Army were vital in reinforcing and sustaining the effort, ultimately securing a decisive victory for the Allies.
In summary, the Battle of Guadalcanal was a joint effort where the U.S. Army’s significant contributions complemented the Marine Corps’ operations. The Army’s participation in critical battles, reinforcements, and coordination with the Marine Corps were key factors in the eventual success of the campaign, highlighting the importance of unified efforts in achieving victory.
We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!
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How the Allies Almost Lost the Air War in Europe

In preparation for our September VBC trip to England for a tour of English air fields and WWII sites, Glenn Flickinger gives us a presentation on the Air War Over Europe, and how the Allies almost lost it.World War II in Europe saw the pinnacle of air warfare, characterized by immense strategic impact and a vast scale of operations. Tens of thousands of aircraft, primarily from the United States, participated daily in the fight to liberate Europe from Nazi control. This unprecedented mobilization transformed the European Theatre into a massive air war, necessitating swift and extensive logistical efforts involving manufacturing, transportation, and maintenance of aircraft, as well as the recruitment and training of millions of personnel.In 1939, the US Army Air Corps was a modest force with 26,000 personnel and 1,200 outdated aircraft. By 1944, it had expanded a hundredfold, becoming the world’s most formidable air force. This transformation was largely inspired by Brigadier General Billy Mitchell’s vision of strategic bombing. Mitchell argued that long-range bombers could cripple an enemy’s industrial base and demoralize its population, thus ending wars swiftly. His concepts were embraced by key figures like Major General Haywood Hansell, Henry “Hap” Arnold, and Carl Spaatz, who pushed for the mass production of heavy bombers like the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.
The B-17, equipped with the advanced Norden Bombsight for precision bombing, became central to the Bomber Mafia’s doctrine of Daylight Precision Bombing. However, initial raids revealed the doctrine’s flaws. German fighter aircraft, such as the Focke-Wulf FW-190 and Messerschmitt ME-109, along with effective anti-aircraft defenses, inflicted severe losses on American bombers. Notable failures included the Schweinfurt-Regensburg raids in 1943, where substantial losses forced a reevaluation of tactics.
The turning point came with the introduction of the P-51 Mustang, a long-range fighter capable of escorting bombers deep into enemy territory. The P-51’s superior performance enabled it to protect bombers effectively, leading to a dramatic shift in air superiority. This change was crucial for the success of operations leading up to D-Day.
Operation Argument, also known as “Big Week” in February 1944, marked a significant resurgence of the Allied bombing campaign. Over 1,000 bombers and 600 fighters launched daily attacks on German industrial targets, dealing a crippling blow to the Luftwaffe. This operation demonstrated the strategic importance of air power and set the stage for the successful D-Day invasion in June 1944.
The Allied air war’s success was supported by immense production capabilities and the relentless efforts of those on the home front. The United States produced over 30,000 heavy bombers, while Britain manufactured over 7,000 Avro Lancasters despite constant enemy bombings. However, the human cost was staggering. The Royal Air Force’s Bomber Command lost 57,000 men, nearly half its force, and the Eighth Air Force saw 26,000 killed.
The physical and psychological toll on airmen was profound. Many suffered from Traumatic Stress Reaction, and the brutal conditions at high altitudes caused severe frostbite. Despite these hardships, the courage and sacrifice of these airmen were instrumental in achieving air superiority and, ultimately, victory in Europe.
The air war over Europe in WWII was a unique and significant chapter in military history. It highlighted the transformative power of air warfare and the incredible resilience and bravery of those who fought in the skies. Their contributions were vital to the Allied victory and remain a testament to the strategic importance of air power in modern warfare.
We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!
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The Battle of Britain

In preparation for our September VBC trip to England for a tour of English air fields and WWII sites, Glenn Flickinger gives us a presentation on the Battle of Britain, a clash of air power to control the skies over Britain and the English Channel. We will experience a re-enactment of the battle at the Duxford Air Show September 13-15.
The Battle of Britain, fought from July to October 1940, marked the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces and was crucial in preventing Nazi Germany from achieving air superiority, which was necessary for launching an invasion of Britain.
The battle began after Germany had rapidly conquered much of Europe, leaving Britain isolated. Adolf Hitler aimed to force Britain to negotiate peace by crippling its air defenses and infrastructure through sustained aerial bombardment. The Luftwaffe, Germany’s air force, was tasked with this mission under Operation Sea Lion.
The initial phase of the battle, from July to early August, focused on targeting British shipping and ports. This strategy aimed to disrupt supplies and weaken British defenses. However, the Royal Air Force (RAF) managed to respond effectively, inflicting significant losses on the Luftwaffe.
In mid-August, the Luftwaffe shifted its focus to RAF airfields and radar stations. This was the most dangerous phase for Britain, as the destruction of these targets could cripple the RAF’s ability to defend the skies. The Germans launched large-scale attacks, leading to intense dogfights between German fighters and British Spitfires and Hurricanes. Despite suffering heavy losses, the RAF’s effective use of radar and efficient communication allowed them to remain resilient.
A turning point came in late August and early September when the Luftwaffe began bombing London and other major cities in what became known as the Blitz. This shift in strategy was partly a response to a British raid on Berlin, which angered Hitler. While the bombings caused significant civilian casualties and damage, they inadvertently relieved pressure on the RAF airfields, allowing the British fighters to regroup and recover.
The climax of the battle occurred on September 15, 1940, now known as Battle of Britain Day. The Luftwaffe launched a massive assault on London, expecting to draw out and destroy the RAF fighters. However, the British defenders were well-prepared, and the Luftwaffe suffered heavy losses. This failure convinced the German High Command that air superiority could not be achieved.
By the end of October, Hitler postponed Operation Sea Lion indefinitely. The Luftwaffe’s inability to dominate the skies over Britain marked the first significant defeat for Nazi Germany in World War II. The RAF had successfully defended Britain, preserving it as a base for future Allied operations, including the eventual liberation of Western Europe.
The Battle of Britain was not just a military confrontation but also a test of national endurance and morale. The bravery of the RAF pilots, often referred to as “The Few” based on Winston Churchill’s famous tribute, played a crucial role in securing the victory. Their efforts ensured that Britain remained a beacon of resistance against Nazi tyranny.
In summary, the Battle of Britain was a crucial air campaign in World War II that thwarted Hitler’s plans for invading Britain. The RAF’s strategic use of radar, resilient defense of key airfields, and the shift in German tactics to bombing cities all contributed to the British victory. This battle not only prevented a German invasion but also set the stage for future Allied successes in the war.
We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!
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Astronaut Jan Davis

Astronaut Jan Davis talks about her life in aviation and the legacy of service in her family. Her memoir Air Born, tells the story of her and her father.
Her father was Ben Smotherman, a B-17 pilot in World War II, vwho aliantly fought in the European Theater of Operations before being shot down over Holland in July 1943. After enduring twenty-one months as a prisoner of war, he was finally reunited with his loved ones and was able to start a family. Years later, after perusing his Wartime Log, his daughter Jan made discoveries about her father’s experiences that shed light on her own life path. As a Space Shuttle astronaut, Jan Davis went through intensive training, flew NASA jets, and completed three spaceflights, spending over 673 hours on orbit. Her experiences and emotions during her launches and space travel echoed those of her father during his combat missions, highlighting the unshakable bond between father and daughter.
With Air Born, you can join in on a flight through history as Jan Davis relates her father’s heroic service and draws connections between his combat missions and her own spaceflights. Discover the ins and outs of pilot training in the 1940s alongside Ben Smotherman and bear witness to his harrowing capture, interrogation, and imprisonment at Stalag Luft III. Rejoice with the POWs as World War II finally ends and the prisoners are returned home to continue pursuing their life’s goals. Shadow Jan Davis as she expertly navigates a career characterized by space exploration, scientific experimentation, and phenomenal feats of engineering. And draw inspiration from the intersection of two completely different yet uniquely connected worlds brought together by a common link of family and flying.
We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!
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The Untold Story of American POWs at Buchenwald

During World War II, 168 American airmen found themselves in one of the most notorious concentration camps of the Holocaust: Buchenwald. This unexpected and harrowing chapter of their captivity began in 1944 and stands as a grim reminder of the broader atrocities of the war.
Author Ric Martini joins us to discuss his research into this disturbing subject, which he compiled in his book Betrayed: Secrecy, Lies, and Consequences. Ric’s father, Frederic C. Martini, was one of those imprisoned at Buchenwald.
These airmen were primarily bomber crew members shot down over German-occupied Europe. Typically, Allied airmen captured by German forces were considered prisoners of war (POWs) and were sent to military-run POW camps, as stipulated by the Geneva Convention. However, this group of airmen faced a different fate due to a series of tragic misunderstandings and bureaucratic failings.
After being shot down, the airmen initially evaded capture with the help of local resistance networks. Unfortunately, these efforts often ended in their eventual capture by German forces. Labeled as “terrorflieger” or “terror fliers” by the Nazi regime—propaganda that painted them as criminals rather than soldiers—their fate was dire. The Gestapo, rather than the military, took custody of these men. The Gestapo bypassed the established protocol for treating captured Allied airmen and instead classified them as spies or saboteurs, stripping them of the protections normally afforded to POWs.
In August 1944, these captured airmen were transported to Buchenwald, a concentration camp primarily used for political prisoners and other targets of the Nazi regime. Their arrival at Buchenwald was marked by shock and confusion; they were housed alongside political prisoners, resistance fighters, and other groups persecuted by the Nazis.
Conditions at Buchenwald were horrific. The airmen were subjected to the same brutal treatment as other inmates: overcrowding, inadequate food, harsh labor, and rampant disease. The camp’s SS guards showed no regard for their status as military personnel. Instead, the airmen faced beatings, deprivation, and the constant threat of execution.
The turning point for these airmen came through the persistence and bravery of a few individuals. Among the prisoners were individuals who, through covert communication and sheer determination, managed to get word to the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) officers about the presence of Allied airmen in the camp. The Luftwaffe, still adhering to some remnants of the military code of honor, was outraged to learn that legitimate POWs were being held in a concentration camp.
Under pressure from the Luftwaffe, and fearing repercussions from the advancing Allied forces, the SS transferred the airmen to Stalag Luft III, a more conventional POW camp. This transfer occurred in October 1944, nearly two months after their initial arrival at Buchenwald. Despite their rescue from the concentration camp, the physical and psychological scars of their experience at Buchenwald remained with them.
The story of the 168 American airmen held at Buchenwald highlights the complex interplay of military protocols, Nazi ideology, and the chaotic nature of wartime Europe. It underscores the brutality of the Nazi regime and the resilience of those who endured its horrors. These airmen’s survival, against such grim odds, stands as a testament to their courage and the enduring human spirit amidst one of history’s darkest periods.
But another disturbing element of this tragedy is that the 81 American veterans who returned home endured the indignity of the US government denying that they’d ever been there. The denial, based on “alternative facts,” had a profound effect on the lives of men who had first been betrayed to the Germans and then betrayed by the government they had suffered to defend. 
Ric’s father, like many other Buchenwald airmen, came home with serious medical problems and acute PTSD. These men were told by the VA that their problems were imaginary because they could not have been at Buchenwald. They were considered to be either lying or delusional. This bizarre injustice continued for almost 40 years, until some of the files related to the Buchenwald airmen were declassified.
Piecing together this story involved reviewing over 160,000 pages of declassified documents. Ric’s book project took seven years and required the assistance of archivists, curators, translators, and fellow researchers in the US, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, and New Zealand.
We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!
#militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2 #worldwarii #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast #generation911 #happyhour