Stories of Sacrifice - American POW/MIAs

John Bear
  • 4.9 (12)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Stories of Sacrifice Podcast are interviews with families of our Nation's POW/MIAs who are currently buried as Unknown in our National Cemeteries or still listed as Missing in Action. These families are trying to get their MIA loved one identified through DNA. This is a production of the US POW/MIA Family Locating. Please consider supporting us! https://www.StoriesOfSacrifice.org

  1. We Are Here To Save You - Japanese Propaganda in the Execution of General Fort

    5D AGO ·  BONUS

    We Are Here To Save You - Japanese Propaganda in the Execution of General Fort

    On November 19, 1942 — exactly eight days after Brigadier General Guy O. Fort was executed by Japanese forces at Camp Keithley — Seiji Koga sat down and wrote a calm, polite handwritten letter to Moro guerrilla leader Datu Busran Kalaw. In it, Koga claimed he could not arrange a meeting with the still-living General Fort due to “strict rules and regulations concerning prisoners of war.” What Koga didn’t say was that Fort had already been killed after refusing to order the very Moro fighters he had personally empowered to keep fighting to surrender. Through the explosive declassified documents in file NND 883078 — including the full correspondence, battle reports, and casualty records — this episode uncovers the full story: the desperate Japanese propaganda campaign, Datu Busran Kalaw’s fearless defiance, the ferocious Fighting Bolo Battalion victories that made Lanao ungovernable, the Talagian atrocity, the Battle of Tamparan where 178 Japanese soldiers were killed in under two hours, and the chilling deception that continued even after Fort’s death. A powerful, previously untold chapter of Moro resistance and one of the most damning pieces of evidence in the ongoing search for General Fort’s remains.

    47 min
  2. Under the Bayonet: The Forgotten Heroism of Lt. Col. Robert Vesey

    MAR 24 ·  BONUS

    Under the Bayonet: The Forgotten Heroism of Lt. Col. Robert Vesey

    Episode SummaryIn July 1942 at Camp Keithley in Mindanao, Lt. Col. Robert H. Vesey made an extraordinary choice that would define his legacy. When Brig. Gen. Guy O. Fort was selected for execution, Vesey stepped forward and volunteered to take his place. What followed was two hours of unimaginable suffering under Japanese bayonets—yet Vesey’s sacrifice saved Fort’s life and preserved critical alliances with Moro guerrillas. In this powerful episode, we dive deep into Vesey’s story: his West Point background, leadership during the desperate defense of Lake Lanao, and the harrowing moment captured forever in 12-year-old POW Ben Hagans’ eyewitness testimony. We also make the clear case for why Vesey’s actions deserve the Medal of Honor. What You’ll Hear Vesey’s gallantry in combat that earned him the Silver StarThe reprisal executions at Signal Hill following a POW escapeBen Hagans’ vivid, emotional account of Vesey volunteering and enduring two hours under the bayonetWhy this voluntary self-sacrifice meets every standard for the Medal of HonorThe current AMAG mission with Bangsamoro partners to locate Vesey’s remains near the recently rediscovered Pvt. Keithley monumentVesey’s two-hour stand remains one of the most profound acts of courage in World War II. His story deserves to be told—and his sacrifice deserves full recognition. Listen now and discover the forgotten hero whose final act still echoes today. Support the MissionHelp bring Lt. Col. Vesey, Capt. Price, and 1st Sgt. Chandler home. Visit amagonline.org to learn more about AMAG’s work and donate to the recovery mission. #POWMIA #MedalOfHonor #WWIIHistory #MindanaoMIA #BringThemHome Share this episode and help honor a true American hero.

    27 min
  3. Daniel Boone of the Philippines: How General Fort’s Legacy Built AMAG’s Partnership with the Moro People

    MAR 19

    Daniel Boone of the Philippines: How General Fort’s Legacy Built AMAG’s Partnership with the Moro People

    From Execution to Excavation: AMAG’s Hopeful Recoveries in MindanaoEpisode 1: Daniel Boone of the Philippines: How General Fort’s Legacy Built AMAG’s Partnership with the Moro People Welcome to the launch of our powerful new 4-episode mini-series: From Execution to Excavation: AMAG’s Hopeful Recoveries in Mindanao — the real-time story of courage, cross-cultural partnership, and the determined effort to finally bring home four American heroes missing for 80 years. In Episode 1, we introduce you to Brigadier General Guy O. Fort — the only American-born general ever executed by the enemy in World War II. Known as the “Daniel Boone of the Philippines,” Fort spent four decades deeply embedded among the fiercely independent Moro people of Mindanao. His cultural respect and strategic brilliance helped seed a guerrilla resistance that the Japanese could never fully crush. When he defiantly refused their propaganda demands with the legendary words “You may get me, but you will never get the United States of America,” his execution was ordered — but his legacy created a bridge that is now helping bring him home. This episode reveals how a 96-year-old eyewitness, a deliberately falsified Japanese map, and the unbreakable bond General Fort forged with the Moro people have corrected 80 years of official error — and directly launched AMAG’s historic partnership and ongoing recovery mission. About AMAGThe Asymmetric MIA Accounting Group (AMAG) is a veteran-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by 25-year U.S. Army veteran and mortuary affairs specialist Mike Henshaw. As Chief of Investigative Research, I (John Bear) research historical records, develop partnerships, and support the AMAG recovery teams on areas of interest to locate, recover, and repatriate America’s missing service members. AMAG never charges families — every mission is 100% donor-funded. The Historic Partnership & Recovery MissionAMAG has formed an official partnership with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, local leaders Robert and Ruh Alonto. Following a successful January 2026 reconnaissance mission, we are now preparing for the critical April 2026 deployment — using ground-penetrating radar and targeted excavations at the corrected execution and burial site near old Camp Keithley in Marawi. This is full-circle justice in action: the descendants of the Moro warriors General Fort once armed and respected are now actively helping us recover him — along with Lt. Col. Robert Vesey, Capt. Albert Price, and 1st Sgt. John Chandler. How You Can Help Bring Them HomeThis mission is entirely donor-funded. Your support covers travel, ground-penetrating radar equipment, local coordination, security, witness support, and forensic operations in a complex environment. Donate today to AMAG’s Mindanao Recovery Mission and help move these heroes from execution sites to honored graves:🔗 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-amags-mission-mindanao-forgotten-graves-false-closures-and-new-hope (Your donation is fully tax-deductible. AMAG is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.) Read the full biography of General Guy O. Fort:https://www.storiesofsacrifice.org/blog/the-unsung-hero-general-guy-o-fort/ Next Episode: Lt. Col. Robert Vesey — the West Point graduate who volunteered to take General Fort’s place at the execution stake. Thank you for joining this historic journey. Subscribe now and follow along as we move From Execution to Excavation in real time. Leave no man behind. #POWMIA #BringThemHome #AMAG #MindanaoRecovery #GeneralGuyFort

    21 min
  4. The Baron 52 Enigma: Captured in Laos – Signals of Survival But Buried by Bureaucracy

    MAR 8 ·  BONUS

    The Baron 52 Enigma: Captured in Laos – Signals of Survival But Buried by Bureaucracy

    *Disclaimer* The content of this episode is AI-generated based strictly on our provided source documents in the possession of the Matejov family and the Baron 52 research team. Direct all comments to StoriesOfSacrifice@protonmail.com In this riveting episode of Stories of Sacrifice: The Baron 52 MIA Mystery, titled “The Baron 52 Enigma: Captured in Laos – Signals of Survival But Buried by Bureaucracy,” we unravel the haunting 1973 shootdown of a U.S. Air Force EC-47Q spy plane over Laos, just days after the Paris Peace Accords promised an end to the Vietnam War. Through a chronological deep dive, hosts explore the mission’s fateful night, the crash’s immediate aftermath—including SAR efforts observing only partial remains of the flight crew (with recovery of the torso of Lt. Bernhardt and the never before told femur from the of a second crewmen located in the middle of the cockpit), and the rapid KIA designation that left families reeling. We spotlight the families 50-year emotional battle for truth, from congressional advocacy with Sen. Bob Smith to frustrations with bureaucratic stonewalling. At the heart of the episode is lead researcher John Bear’s groundbreaking work: decoding declassified NSA intercepts (REFNO 1983) hinting at the capture of four “pirates,” bolstered by NSA correlation studies tying them directly to Baron 52. Bear breaks down the Vinh Window SIGINT program, explaining how PAVN relays from southern Laos funneled signals to Vinh hubs for RC-135 interception—aligning with the 5.5-hour post-crash timeline. We map the PAVN order of battle, from Group 210 (210th AAA Regiment) and the 377th Air Defense Division to the 471st Division and Binh Tram 35 HQ at Tang Cat (Km 48), pinpointing its proximity to the crash site and Km 44 in the intercepts, raising survival odds to very high. The episode pulls no punches on dismissals: critiquing DIA analyst Robert Destatte’s linguistic ambiguities, DPAA contractor Guy Bentz’s 2016 review flaws (e.g., incorrect AOR, ignored correlations and forensics like buried revolvers implying egress), and DPAA’s resource excuses. Insights from interviews with Dr. Roger Shields, Sen. Bob Smith, and Lt. Col. Lionel Blau, plus recent media coverage, reveal systemic failures. We conclude with calls for renewed probes, VNOSMP veteran interviews, and honoring the unfulfilled 1996 Wold pledge—because the truth can’t stay buried forever. John Bear’s full analysis of the Baron 52 capture: https://www.storiesofsacrifice.org/blog/reassessing-the-baron-52-incident/

    47 min
  5. Ep4 Pt2 With Senator Robert Smith || Baron 52 MIA Mystery - No Accountability

    05/27/2023 ·  BONUS

    Ep4 Pt2 With Senator Robert Smith || Baron 52 MIA Mystery - No Accountability

    Ep4 Pt2 With Senator Robert Smith || Baron 52 MIA Mystery - No Accountability Important Documents in this episode: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EcBDgBjYVSC6Duh1IlJWqiPM4wsG55Oo?usp=share_link In this episode, we take a deep dive into one of the most controversial and emotionally charged issues in American history: the fate of American servicemembers who were missing in action or were prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Our guest for this episode is Senator Robert Smith, who served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs in the early 1990s. Host's of the Baron 52 Series Podcast: John Bear, lead researcher and host John Matejov and Mary Matejov Salzinger, siblings and Primary Next of Kin of Sgt Joseph Matejov who is the subject of this podcast. 361st TEWS Squadron family member, fellow researcher and Matejov family supporter, Heather Atherton. Heather is the daughter of Lt Michael Moore who was a pilot in the 361st TEWS Squadron (known as the "Front Enders" on the EC-47 aircraft. Heather is a board member of nonprofit “Legacies of War” an organization that educates the public about the American secret war in Laos and works to remove unexploded ordnances still impacting lives today. Find our podcast, Stories of Sacrifice on your favorite podcast player or visit https://www.storiesofsacrifice.org/ How You Can Help: All money raised goes to support our Podcast and our POW/MIA Family Research where we are directly involved in the repatriation of WW2 POW/MIA's. Direct Support - https://paypal.me/JBear213 Please visit our affiliate links that help support our Podcast and POW/MIA research. I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. All money earned goes to support our Podcast and support to POW/MIA family research. Flipside Canvas - Owned by Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer (USMC). At Flipside Canvas, we believe that art offers an opportunity to showcase your commitment to empowering yourself and others. High quality materials that will last 100+ years. All our art comes stretched and ready to hang on your wall. 100% Made in America using locally sourced and manufactured materials. https://flipsidecanvas.com/?ref=SOSPodcast The Home Depot - Is not only for the Do It Yourself building and construction projects, you have access to over two million products ranging from small appliances to your everyday needs for the home, RV travel to camping. Purchase online and pick up your order at your local Home Depot free of charge or ship it to your home! The sky is the limit on the products offered by the Home Depot! https://homedepot.sjv.io/SOSPodcast FAIR USE NOTICE - These videos may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, such material has been referenced to advance understanding of political, human rights, ecological, economic, scientific, moral, ethical, and social justice issues. This constitutes a "fair use" of any such material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. #Baron52 #SgtJosephMatejov #MissingInAction #POWMIA #Laos

    1h 2m
  6. Ep4 Pt1 Senator Robert Smith || Baron 52 MIA Mystery - Investigating The Investigators

    05/22/2023 ·  BONUS

    Ep4 Pt1 Senator Robert Smith || Baron 52 MIA Mystery - Investigating The Investigators

    Important Documents in this episode: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EcBDgBjYVSC6Duh1IlJWqiPM4wsG55Oo?usp=share_link In this episode, we take a deep dive into one of the most controversial and emotionally charged issues in American history: the fate of American servicemembers who were missing in action or were prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Our guest for this episode is Senator Robert Smith, who served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs in the early 1990s. Host's of the Baron 52 Series Podcast: John Bear, lead researcher and host John Matejov and Mary Matejov Salzinger, siblings and Primary Next of Kin of Sgt Joseph Matejov who is the subject of this podcast. 361st TEWS Squadron family member, fellow researcher and Matejov family supporter, Heather Atherton. Heather is the daughter of Lt Michael Moore who was a pilot in the 361st TEWS Squadron (known as the "Front Enders" on the EC-47 aircraft.) Heather is a board member of nonprofit “Legacies of War” an organization that educates the public about the American secret war in Laos and works to remove unexploded ordnances still impacting lives today. Find our podcast, Stories of Sacrifice on your favorite podcast player or visit https://www.storiesofsacrifice.org/ How You Can Help: All money raised goes to support our Podcast and our POW/MIA Family Research where we are directly involved in the repatriation of WW2 POW/MIA's. Direct Support - https://paypal.me/JBear213 Please visit our affiliate links that help support our Podcast and POW/MIA research. I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. All money earned goes to support our Podcast and support to POW/MIA family research. Flipside Canvas - Owned by Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer (USMC). At Flipside Canvas, we believe that art offers an opportunity to showcase your commitment to empowering yourself and others. High quality materials that will last 100+ years. All our art comes stretched and ready to hang on your wall. 100% Made in America using locally sourced and manufactured materials. https://flipsidecanvas.com/?ref=SOSPodcast The Home Depot - Is not only for the Do It Yourself building and construction projects, you have access to over two million products ranging from small appliances to your everyday needs for the home, RV travel to camping. Purchase online and pick up your order at your local Home Depot free of charge or ship it to your home! The sky is the limit on the products offered by the Home Depot! https://homedepot.sjv.io/SOSPodcast FAIR USE NOTICE - These videos may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, such material has been referenced to advance understanding of political, human rights, ecological, economic, scientific, moral, ethical, and social justice issues. This constitutes a "fair use" of any such material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. #Baron52 #SgtJosephMatejov #MissingInAction #POWMIA #Laos

    54 min
  7. Ep 3 The Baron 52 MIA Mystery - "DoD Misclassification DIA Intel Failure"

    05/11/2023 ·  BONUS

    Ep 3 The Baron 52 MIA Mystery - "DoD Misclassification DIA Intel Failure"

    Welcome to Ep 3 of The Baron 52 MIA Mystery "DoD Misclassification DIA Intel Failure" with the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense POW/MIA Office, Dr. Roger Shields. Link to all official documents discussed in this episode can be viewed here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pe4mdaE9m14egj5PcZFdo-i6jvS3RSDZ?usp=share_link In this episode, Dr. Shields takes us through his time in the DoD handling POW/MIA issues, negotiations with the DRV during the Paris Peace Accords, Operation Homecoming and Baron 52! Host's of the Baron 52 Series Podcast: John Bear, lead researcher and host John Matejov and Mary Matejov Salzinger, siblings and Primary Next of Kin of Sgt Joseph Matejov who is the subject of this podcast. 361st TEWS Squadron family member, fellow researcher and Matejov family supporter, Heather Atherton. Heather is the daughter of Lt Michael Moore who was a pilot in the 361st TEWS Squadron (known as the "Front Enders" on the EC-47 aircraft. Heather is a board member of nonprofit “Legacies of War” an organization that educates the public about the American secret war in Laos and works to remove unexploded ordnances still impacting lives today. Find our podcast, Stories of Sacrifice on your favorite podcast player or visit https://www.storiesofsacrifice.org/ How You Can Help: All money raised goes to support our Podcast and our POW/MIA Family Research where we are directly involved in the repatriation of WW2 POW/MIA's. Direct Support - https://paypal.me/JBear213 Please visit our affiliate links that help support our Podcast and POW/MIA research. I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. All money earned goes to support our Podcast and support to POW/MIA family research. Flipside Canvas - Owned by Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer (USMC). At Flipside Canvas, we believe that art offers an opportunity to showcase your commitment to empowering yourself and others. High quality materials that will last 100+ years. All our art comes stretched and ready to hang on your wall. 100% Made in America using locally sourced and manufactured materials. https://flipsidecanvas.com/?ref=SOSPodcast The Home Depot - Is not only for the Do It Yourself building and construction projects, you have access to over two million products ranging from small appliances to your everyday needs for the home, RV travel to camping. Purchase online and pick up your order at your local Home Depot free of charge or ship it to your home! The sky is the limit on the products offered by the Home Depot! https://homedepot.sjv.io/SOSPodcast FAIR USE NOTICE - These videos may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, such material has been referenced to advance understanding of political, human rights, ecological, economic, scientific, moral, ethical, and social justice issues. This constitutes a "fair use" of any such material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. #Baron52 #SgtJosephMatejov #MissingInAction #POWMIA #Laos #DrRogerShields #OperationHomecoming

    48 min
  8. Ep 2 Part 3 || The Baron 52 MIA Mystery

    05/01/2023 ·  BONUS

    Ep 2 Part 3 || The Baron 52 MIA Mystery

    Welcome to Episode 2 part 3 of The Baron 52 MIA Mystery "The Crash Investigation" In this episode, Ralph and our team will delve into his investigation of the mysterious Baron 52 crash. We feature a phone interview with the Operation's Officer from Joe's squadron. This officer believed that the intercepted radio message about "4 captured air pirates" was evidence that Joe and the other three missing crewmembers were captured, and opposed the USAF official change of status from MIA to KIA-BNR. Host's of the Baron 52 Series Podcast: John Bear, researcher and host John Matejov and Mary Matejov Salzinger, siblings and Primary Next of Kin of Sgt Joseph Matejov who is the subject of this podcast. 361st TEWS Squadron family member, fellow researcher and Matejov family supporter, Heather Atherton. Heather is the daughter of Lt Michael Moore who was a pilot in the 361st TEWS Squadron (known as the "Front Enders" on the EC-47 aircraft. Heather is a board member of nonprofit “Legacies of War” an organization that educates the public about the American secret war in Laos and works to remove unexploded ordnances still impacting lives today. Find our podcast, Stories of Sacrifice on your favorite podcast player or visit https://www.storiesofsacrifice.org/ How You Can Help: All money raised goes to support our Podcast and our POW/MIA Family Research where we are directly involved in the repatriation of WW2 POW/MIA's. Direct Support - https://paypal.me/JBear213 Please visit our affiliate links that help support our Podcast and POW/MIA research. I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. All money earned goes to support our Podcast and support to POW/MIA family research. Flipside Canvas - Owned by Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer (USMC). At Flipside Canvas, we believe that art offers an opportunity to showcase your commitment to empowering yourself and others. High quality materials that will last 100+ years. All our art comes stretched and ready to hang on your wall. 100% Made in America using locally sourced and manufactured materials. https://flipsidecanvas.com/?ref=SOSPodcast The Home Depot - Is not only for the Do It Yourself building and construction projects, you have access to over two million products ranging from small appliances to your everyday needs for the home, RV travel to camping. Purchase online and pick up your order at your local Home Depot free of charge or ship it to your home! The sky is the limit on the products offered by the Home Depot! https://homedepot.sjv.io/SOSPodcast FAIR USE NOTICE - These videos may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, such material has been referenced to advance understanding of political, human rights, ecological, economic, scientific, moral, ethical, and social justice issues. This constitutes a "fair use" of any such material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. #Baron52 #SgtJosephMatejov #MissingInAction #POWMIA #DIA #DoD #USAF #VietnamWar #Laos

    29 min
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4.9
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About

Stories of Sacrifice Podcast are interviews with families of our Nation's POW/MIAs who are currently buried as Unknown in our National Cemeteries or still listed as Missing in Action. These families are trying to get their MIA loved one identified through DNA. This is a production of the US POW/MIA Family Locating. Please consider supporting us! https://www.StoriesOfSacrifice.org

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