Greatestgeneration Podcasts

Major General Frederick “Boots” Blesse served two tours as a fighter pilot during the Korean War, flying the P-51, the F-80, and the F-86. When he returned to the United States in October of 1952, he was America’s leading jet ace, and was credited with shooting down nine MiG-15s and one La-9. Blesse’s motto and doctrine, “No Guts, No Glory” became …

Major General Frederick “Boots” Blesse served two tours as a fighter pilot during the Korean War, flying the P-51, the F-80, and the F-86. When he returned to the United States in October of 1952, he was America’s leading jet ace, and was credited with shooting down nine MiG-15s and one La-9. Blesse’s motto and doctrine, “No Guts, No Glory” became …

Major General Frederick “Boots” Blesse served two tours as a fighter pilot during the Korean War, flying the P-51, the F-80, and the F-86. When he returned to the United States in October of 1952, he was America’s leading jet ace, and was credited with shooting down nine MiG-15s and one La-9. Blesse’s motto and doctrine, “No Guts, No Glory” became …

In this final part of his interview, Col. Anderson describes how and why he joined the Air Force, his training, patriotism, his appreciation for his squadron, and more. – Col. Clarence (Bud) Emil Anderson served in the United States Air Force during World War II, and is a triple ace fighter pilot. He’s the highest scoring living American fighter ac…

Col. Clarence (Bud) Emil Anderson served in the United States Air Force during World War II, and is a triple-ace fighter pilot. He’s the highest scoring living American fighter ace, and the 10th highest scoring Mustang Ace of all time. Col. Anderson was a member of the 357th Fighter group, which was said to have “shot down the most airplanes in the…

For many of us, Memorial Day is more than just a three day weekend. We’d like to take a moment to honor the friends and family of you, our listeners, who have paid the ultimate price for this country. We thank them for their bravery and sacrifice.By Evergreen Podcasts | The Honor Project

Col. Darrell Whitcomb served in the United States Air Force as an OV-10 Forward Air Controller. He joined the classified Steve Canyon Program (Project 404), also known as The Ravens, which operated in secret in Laos. He flew missions over South and North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. As a Forward Air Controller, it was his job to coordinate airstrik…

Col. Darrell Whitcomb served in the United States Air Force as an OV-10 Forward Air Controller. He joined the classified Steve Canyon Program (Project 404), also known as The Ravens, which operated in secret in Laos. He flew missions over South and North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. As a Forward Air Controller, it was his job to coordinate airstrik…

Col. Ché Bolden is a Marine Corps veteran who served for 26 years, and credits his time at the US Naval Academy with shaping him into a leader. He went on to become an F-18 Weapons Systems Officer, with multiple combat deployments and service in the Pacific and the Middle East.By Evergreen Podcasts | The Honor Project

Jan Scruggs went to Vietnam in 1969 to serve as a rifleman in the U.S. Army. By the end of his service, he had received the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, and an award for gallantry. After the war, he researched post-traumatic stress, which led to him testify before congress in support of establishing the nationwide Vet Center Program. In…

Today, we've decided to share another interview from our other podcast, Burn the Boats. Like the rest of these bonus episodes, this one departs from our typical Warriors format, but we think you’ll appreciate the insight. As always, we welcome your feedback, either in iTunes reviews, or by email at kharbaugh@evergreenpodcasts.com. David Chasteen is…

Sgt. Bill True enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, and served throughout World War II in a Parachute Infantry Regiment. He fought in nearly every major campaign as the Allies advanced across Europe, including the Normandy Invasion, the invasion of Holland (Operation Market Garden), and the Battle of The Bulge.…

Today we interviewed Nikolay, who’s a volunteer soldier in Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Forces. Shortly after the war began, his family was able to flee to the U.S., but despite having no military experience, Nikolay decided he had to stay and fight for his country.By Evergreen Podcasts | The Honor Project

Sgt. Bill Taylor is a Marine who was sent to Vietnam in 1967 as an 18-year-old. During his 13-month deployment, he narrowly escaped death on multiple occasions and was wounded three times. Every platoon commander, sergeant, and squad leader he served with was either wounded or killed. To hear more of Bill’s stories from Vietnam, read his book, On F…

For today’s episode, we want to share another update on the war in Ukraine, from a former Naval Aviator and expert in military aviation. Like our last Ukraine update, about the realities of urban warfare, this one departs from our typical Warriors In Their Own Words format. As always, we welcome your feedback, either in an iTunes reviews, or by ema…

For this week’s episode, we’ve decided to air an interview, in its entirety, with a former Navy SEAL. This was recorded for our other podcast, Burn the Boats, so you’ll notice the format is quite different. The spirit of this interview, however, is what you have come to expect from Warriors in their Own Words – an unfiltered, unsanitized perspectiv…

Sgt. Josh Remillard served in the Army as a mortarman. He deployed twice to Iraq, in 2007 and 2010. During his first tour, he earned a Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Remillard describes how he defied orders to protect civilian lives, as well as the horror of experiencing war up close. To learn more about Josh, listen to his interview on Burn the Boats…

Lt. Col. Bogan joined the Air Force reserves because he saw it as an opportunity to rise above tough circumstances growing up in Chicago. He became a flight medic, and thanks to the military, was the first person in the history of his family to graduate college.By Evergreen Podcasts | The Honor Project

Following medical school, Dr. Donnelly Wilkes was commissioned in the U.S. Navy, completed residency training in family medicine at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, and served seven years on active duty. Wilkes served two combat tours in Iraq in 2004 and 2008 and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor for his actions in the battle of …

Dave Lewis is a US Army veteran. After six years in the infantry, he went to flight school to become an Apache Helicopter pilot, and flew tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.By Evergreen Podcasts | The Honor Project

Warning: This episode contains some inappropriate language. Lt. Col. Fred Wellman served in the Army for 22 years as an aviator and public affairs officer. Fred was a Blackhawk helicopter pilot, and completed four tours during Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. He also was a spokesman for General David Petaeus, and General Martin Dempsey in…

Warning: This episode contains harsh language and discussions about rape. Col. Charles Bussey was an African American fighter pilot and a member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen in WWII. You can listen to him speak about this experience here. He later fought in the Korean conflict during the Jim Crow era, where he and other African American soldiers w…

Sir Ludovic Kennedy served as an officer on the HMS Tartar, a battleship in the Royal Navy. The Tartar was one of the ships that chased and sank the Bismarck, the most powerful German battleship in WWII. Kennedy later wrote a book about this experience, titled The Chase and Sinking of the “Bismarck”. After his service, Kennedy had a successful care…

This week, we’re taking a break to spend time with our families for Thanksgiving. From everyone here at Warriors In Their Own Words, we'd like to extend gratitude to you, our listeners. Thank you for making all of this possible, and for helping us honor those who served. If you’d like to help us make the show even better, please email us at kharbau…

Captain Joseph K. Taussig Jr. was stationed in Pearl Harbor on board the USS Nevada in 1941. During the Japanese attack, he took his post as starboard anti-aircraft battery officer. Even after being severely wounded, Taussig refused to abandon his post, until his crew forcibly carried him to safety. Taussig later received the Navy Cross for his bra…

Joseph Lockard was a radar operator in Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He spotted the incoming Japanese forces an hour before their surprise attack, but his warnings were dismissed.By Evergreen Podcasts | The Honor Project

Lt. Col. Thomas D. Ferran III volunteered to be a part of the first group of trained Marine Corps snipers in the Vietnam War. He spent almost all his time in the field, accompanying various infantry units on their missions. Ferran describes sniping as a personal business, that is simultaneously an art, and a hunt. He was a co-founder and former pre…

Lt. Col. Thomas D. Ferran III volunteered to be a part of the first group of trained Marine Corps snipers in the Vietnam War. He spent almost all his time in the field, accompanying various infantry units on their missions. Ferran describes sniping as both an art, and a personal business. He was a co-founder and former president of the USMC Scout /…

After Graduating from the US Naval Academy, McGrath joined the Marine Corps and flew 89 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2002, she became the first woman in the Marine Corps to fly in combat in the F-18. In her new memoir, ‘Honor Bound’, describes her groundbreaking time in the military, her tough political campaigns, and the challenges …

James E.T Hopkins was a surgical intern before he volunteered with the Army Medical Corps. After serving in Fiji and the Solomon Islands, Hopkins volunteered again for what would eventually be known as Merrill’s Marauders. Merrill’s Marauders fought primarily in the jungles of Burma, executing deep penetration missions behind enemy lines. The 1962 …

Warning: This episode contains depictions of corpses, substance abuse, a suicide attempt, and some foul language. Viewer discretion is advised. Kris Goldsmith is an Army combat Veteran who served in Iraq. As a 19 year-old, he was assigned the task of photographing corpses and documenting mass graves. He developed severe PTSD, and in 2007, as the re…

Col. Logan E. Weston (nicknamed The Fightin’ Preacher) served in WWII in the famous special ops force, called Merrill’s Marauders. The Marauders fought primarily in the jungles of Burma, executing deep-penetration missions behind enemy lines. The 1962 film Merrill’s Marauders is based on their experiences.…

Master Sergeant Michael ‘Top’ Washington served in the Gulf War, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan between 1988 and 2004. He worked mainly in counterintelligence, and also became a Firefighter during this time. His son, Mike Jr., followed in his footsteps and joined the Marines. In 2008, Mike Jr. was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan. Mike…

Lieutenant Colonel Milt Shalinsky served in WWII with the 385th Bomb Group. On June 20th, 1944, Shalinsky’s B-17 bomber was hit and crashed near Brunswick, Germany. Listen as Shalinsky describes the crash and his experience as a prisoner of war.By Evergreen Podcasts | The Honor Project

This past Sunday was Father’s Day, so Warriors in Their Own Words host Ken Harbaugh interviewed his dad, Col. Kent Harbaugh. Col. Harbaugh was a Phantom pilot in Vietnam, and later commanded a nuclear missile wing during the cold war.By Evergreen Podcasts | The Honor Project

This past Memorial Day, in Hudson, Ohio, retired Army Lt. Col. Barnard Kemter was a guest speaker. He spoke about the meaning of memorial day, and the importance of honoring the fallen. He also spoke about the holiday’s origins, and how one of the earliest examples involved freed black slaves honoring fallen union soldiers after the Civil War. Duri…

Addl. for Summary: Duffy served in the US Army in Afghanistan and Iraq in 2004 and 2005, conducting counterintelligence and interrogation operations. In Iraq, Duffy suffered a traumatic brain injury from an IED. Sgt. 1st Class Duffy is currently the CEO of Pathfinder, an organization dedicated to easing veterans’ transitions back into civilian life…

Duffy served in the US Army in Afghanistan and Iraq in 2004 and 2005, conducting counterintelligence and interrogation operations. In Iraq, Duffy suffered a traumatic brain injury from an IED. Sgt. 1st Class Duffy is currently the CEO of Pathfinder, an organization dedicated to easing veterans’ transitions back into civilian life by connecting them…

In the second of a two-part episode, Col. Bill Gara tells stories of the 1st Engineer Combat Battalion of the 1st Infantry. Gara served from North Africa to Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge. See additional photos and learn more about the 1st Engineer Battalion at firstengineerbattalionveterans.org.…

Col. Bill Gara tells stories of the 1st Engineer Combat Battalion of the 1st Infantry, which he led from the 1944 Normandy landings through May of 1945. Gara served from North Africa to Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge. See additional photos and learn more about the 1st Engineer Battalion at firstengineerbattalionveterans.org and tune in nex…

Content Warning: this episode includes graphic descriptions of wounds and combat, as well as strong language. Dr. Jon Heavey is an emergency room physician on the front lines of the battle against COVID, who began his medical career as a battalion surgeon with the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq. Read Jon’s 2012 article “An Unbearable Price” in the…

Lt. Bill Story was born in Winnipeg, Canada. He began his military service as a platoon sergeant in the Winnipeg Light Infantry at the age of 19. In 1943, he became the first enlisted man in the First Special Service Force to be field commissioned as a lieutenant. The Devil’s Brigade disbanded in 1944 and, in 2013, the unit received the Congression…

Lt. Bill Story was born in Winnipeg, Canada. He began his military service as a platoon sergeant in the Winnipeg Light Infantry at the age of 19. In 1943, he became the first enlisted man in the First Special Service Force to be field commissioned as a lieutenant. The Devil’s Brigade disbanded in 1944 and, in 2013, the unit received the Congression…

Mike Howard shares stories from his 22 year career with the CIA. Mike is a former station chief for the CIA and corporate security expert. After his career in government, he served for over a decade as the Chief Security Officer for Microsoft, overseeing physical security worldwide for the company, including the personal security for Bill Gates. Ke…

Lt. Col. Winston M. Roche enlisted in the US Army at 17 and served as a combat engineer in the trenches in France for nearly two years. He recorded this interview with the Honor Project at the age of 93 and passed away in 1994 at the age of 95. Learn more about Lt. Col. Roche in his Los Angeles Times obituary.…

Lt. Col. Winston M. Roche enlisted in the US Army at 17 and served as a combat engineer in the trenches in France for nearly two years. He recorded this interview with the Honor Project at the age of 93 and passed away in 1994 at the age of 95. Learn more about Lt. Col. Roche in his Los Angeles Times obituary and tune in next time to hear the rest …

Jake Wood tells stories from his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jake is currently the CEO and co-founder of Team Rubicon, a disaster relief organization that retrains military veterans to deploy as emergency responders. He is also a Marine Corps combat veteran. He enlisted in the Corps in 2005 and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 2nd Bat…

Warriors in Their Own Words is back with all new episodes hosted by Ken Harbaugh. In partnership with the Honor Project and Evergreen Podcasts, we’re rebooting this podcast at a time when our nation needs these stories more than ever. For generations, Americans have answered the call and gone where their country sent them. They’ve done their best t…

The 1st Air Cavalry Division was the most lethal assault force assembled in Vietnam. The pilots were the first to fully harness the power of helicopters and their soldier's combat record was second to none. Steven E Warren served a year in the infantry in Vietnam, but then returned home to train to fly helicopters. Soon he returned to the conflict,…

Charles L. Phillips was a 26-year-old Captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps, piloting B-29 bombers in the Pacific theater during the final years of WWII. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroics during the strategic bombing campaign over Japan. We interviewed Charles Phillips in 1991 and he told us remarkable stories, from his ear…