Veterans Chronicles

Radio America

Veterans Chronicles brings America’s military heroes to life through raw, first-person stories. Veterans recount the battles and moments that shaped their lives, from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan. Powerful, personal, and deeply human, Veterans Chronicles preserves history one voice at a time. Learn more about Veterans Chronicles  https://heliosmedia.us/veterans-chronicles/

  1. FA 5 DIES

    MAJ James Taylor, U.S. Army, Vietnam, Medal of Honor

    James Taylor enlisted in the Army in 1956. Several years later, he successfully completed Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned as an Army officer. By 1967, he served as executive officer inside a squadron in the 1st Armored Cavalry that was headed to Vietnam. Later that year, his love and concern for his men under heavy enemy fire led to actions that would lead to him receiving the Medal of Honor. In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Taylor shares the life-changing lesson on leadership he learned from his high school football coach, why he joined the Army, and how he made it a priority to turn his unit into a close-knit team. Taylor also takes us to November 1967 and his actions that are credited with saving many lives during a vicious enemy attack, how he kept going despite being injured, and the selfless prayer he prayed while tending to the wounded. You'll also hear Taylor's memories about receiving the Medal of Honor in 1968 and how his time with that team in Vietnam still deeply impacts him today.

    30 min

  2. 13 DE MAIG

    COL Richard Coachys, U.S. Army, Vietnam

    Richard Coachys went to Indiana University on a football scholarship but also joined the Army ROTC on campus. After commissioning, he expected his early training to be followed by a deployment to Germany. But those plans were disrupted by the Vietnam War, and the young officer was soon leading his platoon on patrols and into combat. In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Coachys tells us about his training, his first thoughts upon arriving in Vietnam, and what those early patrols were like. He also takes us into the most intense combat from his time in Vietnam, leading his men under fire, and being wounded by multiple enemy rounds. Coachys also shares very personal stories about families devastated by losing children in the war and what it was like for him to visit the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Washington for the first time this year.

    36 min

  3. 6 DE MAIG

    Lt Col Robert Jeffrey, USAF, Vietnam, POW Part 2

    In our previous episode, we learned how U.S. Air Force pilot Robert Jefffrey was shot down over North Vietnam during his first mission of the war. He suffered burns and spinal injuries as the plane was hit and he ejected. Jeffrey was captured as soon as he parachuted to the ground. After that, he was interrogated, nearly executed, and repeatedly tortured. Today, we hear more of Col. Jeffrey's story, from prison life to his first breaths of freedom after more than seven years of captivity. In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Col. Jeffrey tells us about being moved out of Hoa Lo prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton, to other facilities, namely "The Zoo," and Son Tay. He also explains the enemy used food rations to try to turn the Americans against one another and how the prisoners refused to let that tactic work. Jeffrey also takes us into the many moments of hope for freedom only to have them dashed in disappointment, But he also walks us through the developments when he finally was freed in February 1973. And you'll hear about Jeffrey's return trip to Vietnam decades later and the question he still needs answered.

    34 min

  4. 29 D’ABR.

    Lt Col Robert Jeffrey, USAF, Vietnam, POW Part 1

    Robert Jeffrey became fascinated with aviation at a young age after his father got a pilot's license. By the time he was preparing to graduate high school, Jeffrey knew he wanted to be a pilot and that he wanted to fly in the U.S. Air Force. He joined in 1960 and excelled in pilot training. By 1965, he was flying the F-4 earlier than most of his peers. Late that year, he deployed to Thailand to fly missions over North Vietnam. On December 20, 1965, Jeffrey flew his first mission. It would also be his last mission. In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Col. Jeffrey takes us into that fateful mission, the circumstances that led to him being hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire, having his plane explode, and being forced to eject. Jeffrey also recounts being captured, interrogated, threatened with execution, and tortured by the enemy. You'll also learn what Jeffrey did when he could not take the pain of torture any longer. And he  describes the importance of making contact with the other POW's held in the infamous Hoa Lo prison, known now as the Hanoi Hilton. Don't miss Part 1 of this powerful story.

    35 min

  5. 22 D’ABR.

    Col. Harvey 'Barney' Barnum, USMC, Vietnam, Medal of Honor

    Harvey C, "Barney" Barnum, Jr. arrived in Vietnam in late 1965 with 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines in the 3rd Infantry Division. In the final days of Operation Harvest Moon, Barnum served as a forward observer for H Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. On December 18, 1965, the company was ambushed by North Vietnamese forces. The company commander was mortally wounded and Barnum soon found himself commanding Marines he really didn't know. In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Barnum takes us through the beginning of the ambush and rescuing fallen company commander Captain Paul Gormley just moments before Gormley died in Barnum's arms. Barnum also recounts his first decisions as new company commander, and how he risked his life to pinpoint enemy positions for American pilots. He also describes the difficult decisions he made and orders he gave to give his men the best chance for survival. Finally, Barnum reveals how he learned he was recommended for the Medal of Honor and tells us about his medal ceremony.

    36 min

  6. 15 D’ABR.

    GySgt Luke Focer, USMC Special Operations, Iraq, Afghanistan

    Luke Focer was not sure what he wanted to do after high school but after reading many books on the military and being impressed by a teacher who had served, Focer enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2005. He would go on to serve two tours in Iraq and three in Afghanistan over the next 14 years. He also became a sniper and part of Marine Corps Special Operations (MARSOC). In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Focer takes us from Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island to being an infantry point man for his squad in Iraq on his first deployment. He tells us about the patrols and security responsibilities he had there and reveals what he saw there that made him want to become a sniper. Focer then shares how his first tour in Afghanistan convinced him to pursue special operations. He explains the conditions in Afghanistan that motivated him and what it took to qualify as a special operator. Later, Focer details how he forged close bonds within his unit and with the Afghan special operations forces he partnered with. He also takes us inside some of his most intense combat in Afghanistan and his ongoing commitment to our Afghan allies who are now trying to build lives in the U.S.

    36 min

  7. 8 D’ABR.

    SSG Roderick Pugh, U.S. Army Sniper, Iraq

    Roderick Pugh enlisted in the U.S. Army less than three months before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Eighteen months later, he was partr of 1st Brigade 2-7 infantry from Ft. Stewart, leading the way into Iraq. He would serve two tours in Iraq, In between, he completed airborne school and became the first African American sniper in U.S. Army history. In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Pugh details combat during the invasion of Iraq, surviving  sandstorms and enemy mortar fire, and how the A-10 Warthogs were a huge help in the march to Baghdad. He also describes the intense fighting around the Baghdad airport and the engagement that earned him the nickname "Black Rambo" Pugh also tells us about airborne school and sniper training and explains the biggest reason why candidates fail to become snipers. He then takes us into his second deployment in Iraq with the 2-12 Cavalry out of Ft. Bliss. Pugh shares how his vehicle was hit by an IED and how he and others in his unit later dealt with enemies trying to plant IED's in the road.

    36 min

  8. 1 D’ABR.

    Lt. Jason Redman, U.S. Navy SEAL, Afghanistan, Iraq

    Jason Redman learned love of country and the importance of service at a young age. His grandfather was a decorated World War II veteran and his father served during the Vietnam War. Before finishing high school, Redman enlisted in the U.S. Navy with one goal in mind: becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Redman tells us about the unexpected health challenge he faced in boot camp before he could pursue his dream of becoming a SEAL. He then walks us through Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, why so many give up during Hell Week, and another very difficult part of training where many candidates wash out. Redman then takes us on his 2005 deployment to Afghanistan and explains how it got off to such a devastating start. He also explains how his mounting frustrations led to some poor decisions that could have proven very costly. Then, Redman details his 2007 deployment to Iraq and describes the enemy ambush that badly wounded him. And he reflects upon the important life lessons he learned from his service and recovering from devastating wounds.

    35 min
Veure-ho tot (542)

Informació

Veterans Chronicles brings America’s military heroes to life through raw, first-person stories. Veterans recount the battles and moments that shaped their lives, from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan. Powerful, personal, and deeply human, Veterans Chronicles preserves history one voice at a time. Learn more about Veterans Chronicles  https://heliosmedia.us/veterans-chronicles/

Fitxa tècnica

  • Canal
    Radio America
  • Creació
    Radio America
  • Anys en actiu
    2007 - 2026
  • Episodis
    542
  • Qualificació
    Apte
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Radio America
  • Lloc web del programa
    Veterans Chronicles

Més de: Radio America

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