From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast Tim Gray

                 
Join us for an engaging episode of "Front to the Films" as we sit down with renowned author and historian Alex Kershaw. This Sunday, May 26th, at 8:00 pm EST, Colonel Tom Rendall (USA Ret.) hosts an insightful discussion that offers each of us a wider view of World War II and its signficance.

Alex Kershaw is celebrated for his in-depth research and compelling stories. His latest book, Patton's Prayer, dives into General Patton’s deep faith and its impact on his leadership during World War II. Kershaw’s other notable books include The Bedford Boys, The Liberator, Against All Odds, and The First Wave, each of which tells powerful stories of bravery and sacrifice.
In this episode, Alex shares his journey into writing about World War II, revealing the inspiration behind his captivating stories. He discusses the profound impact of The Bedford Boys, the remarkable journey of Felix Sparks in The Liberator, and the experiences of those Medal of Honor recipients featured in Against All Odds. He also highlights the personal stories within the broader scope of the war, offering unique insights into the human dimensions of warfare.

With the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaching, Alex discusses the significance of this pivotal moment in WWII. He reflects on the stories of the key warriors who landed on D-Day, as recounted in his book, The First Wave, and The Bedford Boys, and emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring this day.

Continue listening to the end, where Alex offers a cogent argument about the need to understand history in order to understand out own identities as Americans.
His extraordinary insights offer each of us a deeper understanding of the events that shaped our world and the legacy of those who fought for freedom.
Tune in to this episode of "Front to the Films" for a discussion that's both enlightening and inspiring. Subscribe to our podcast and join us as we continue to explore the personal histories behind these pivotal moments in history.



Alex Kershaw's Books:
Jack London (1997) The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge and the Epic Story of World War II's Most Decorated Platoon (2004) The Bedford Boys: One American Town's Ultimate D-day Sacrifice (2004) Blood and Champagne: The Life And Times Of Robert Capa (2004) The Few (2006) Escape from the Deep (2008) The Envoy / To Save a People (2009) The Liberator: One World War II Soldier's 500-Day Odyssey from the Beaches of Sicily to the Gates of Dachau (2012) Avenue of Spies: A True Story of Terror, Espionage, and One American Family's Heroic Resistance in Nazi-Occupied Paris (2015) The General: William Levine, Citizen Soldier and Liberator (2017) The First Wave: The D-Day Warriors Who Led the Way to Victory in World War II (2019) Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II (2022) Patton's Prayer: A True Story of Courage, Faith, and Victory in World War II (2024)  

As we approach the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, join us for a special episode of "Front to the Films" as we welcome George Luz, Jr., to share memories of his father, George Luz Sr., the lively paratrooper from Easy Company immortalized in the book "Band of Brothers" and the HBO mini-series. Hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA Ret.), this episode discusses into the legacy of George Luz Sr. and the famous camaraderie of Easy Company.
Host Tom Rendall introduces George Luz, Jr., and sets the stage for a heartfelt discussion about George Luz Sr.'s legacy and his impact on Easy Company. George Luz, Jr., reflects on his father's journey, recounting visits with Major Richard D. Winters and other legendary Easy Company members like Wild Bill Guarnere, Babe Heffron, and Don Malarkey. Audio clips from Easy Company comrades are included in this compelling conversation with George Luz.  
Our discussion includes the portrayal of George Luz Sr. in "Band of Brothers" by Rick Gomez, the series' accuracy, and memories from Buck Compton's 90th birthday party. They explore the bonds formed in battle and their lasting impact, insights from the veterans' personal experiences, and how George Luz, Jr., keeps the memory of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy alive.
Tune in to this "Front to the Films" episode for an intimate look into the lives and legacies of the men of Easy Company. Subscribe and join us on this journey through history.

This is Part 2 of our discussion with Keith Nightingale and Joey Ivanov as we approach the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.  

In this episode of "Front to the Films," hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall, we count down to the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy. With the expertise of guests Keith Nightingale and Joey Ivanov, both veterans with extensive backgrounds in military operations and history, we delve into the strategic planning and heroic actions of Operation Overlord. As we journey back to June 6, 1944, we aim to uncover the strategic brilliance and raw courage that defined one of the most critical military operations in World War II.
This fascinating discussion focuses on the strategic decisions that led to Normandy being selected as the site for the Allied invasion. We discuss the strategic imperatives and the associated challenges of this choice.  Joey and Keith then examine Operation Fortitude, the extensive deception strategy used to mislead the German forces, which was crucial for the Allies' success. This discussion extends to explore how the selection of Normandy influenced the broader Allied campaign in Europe, including the subsequent Operation Dragoon in Southern France. This segment provides listeners with an in-depth understanding of the meticulous planning and execution that set the stage for this historic day.

We'll continue the discussion with Joey Ivanov and Keith Nightingale in the next episode, where we continue to explore the complexities and impacts of Operation Overlord. Stay tuned for more insights into the tactical maneuvers, personal stories, and the broader implications of the Normandy invasion on subsequent military strategies and operations.
Join us for this educational and reflective journey into one of the most significant events of the 20th century, brought to you by "Front to the Films."

In this first episode of a new season in our "Front to the Films" Podcast, we sit down with Christian Blauvelt, author of the new book, "Hollywood Victory: The Movies, Stars, and Stories of World War II," to explore an era when Hollywood played a crucial role in the war, not only on the screen, but on the battlefield as well.

Christian Blauvelt shares behind-the-scenes stories of how the film industry joined forces with the government, offering a unique blend of entertainment, patriotism, and activism.  This fascinating discussion uncovers the impact of Hollywood's golden age on the war effort and how these actions still resonate within the industry today--a truly fascinating chapter of film and world history!

This Women's History Month, the World War II Foundation highlights the diverse roles women played during the war through "Her War, Her Story." This clip introduces Marjorie Giamo, a "Rosie the Riveter" from Waltham, MA, who took on the critical role of welder, contributing to the war effort on the home front. Alongside her, Rae Curovick shares her experiences growing up in England and serving in the Ordnance Corps, showcasing the global impact of women's contributions during WWII. Their stories reflect the strength, resilience, and versatility of women who stepped into roles traditionally held by men and played a pivotal part in supporting the war efforts.
#WomensHistoryMonth #WWII #RosietheRiveter #HerWarHerStory #WomensContributions