The Past Less Travelled

Brandon Delvo
  • 5.0 (4)
  • History

History, differently...

  1. Jan 26

    From the Philippines to Victory: The Final Campaigns of the 164th Infantry

    In this episode of The Past Less Travelled, we continue the story of North Dakota’s 164th Infantry Regiment as the Pacific War moves toward its final chapters.After enduring some of the harshest combat conditions of the war on Guadalcanal, the men of the 164th arrive on Bougainville hardened, experienced, and adaptable. No longer raw troops, they apply hard-earned lessons from earlier campaigns—embracing jungle patrolling, coordination with artillery and air support, and constant adaptation to terrain, enemy tactics, and operational tempo. Bougainville marks a turning point where American ingenuity, endurance, and combined-arms warfare steadily tighten the noose around Japan’s Pacific defenses.As the war progresses, the conversation traces the 164th’s role in the broader island-hopping campaign of the Philippines, the grinding reality of disease and exhaustion, and the high cost paid even as victory comes into view. We also reflect on the closing months of the war and what “the end” truly meant for soldiers who had spent years in combat zones far from home.With no surviving North Dakota veterans of the regiment remaining, this episode underscores why preservation and interpretation matter now more than ever. That mission continues through the work of the 164th Infantry Remembrance Association, whose living history efforts aim to give families, descendants, and the public a clearer picture of what these men experienced.The episode concludes with a look ahead to our upcoming living history event, February 27–March 1, where the stories of the 164th will be brought to life through authentic interpretation, material culture, and firsthand storytelling—ensuring their legacy endures beyond the last living memory.

  2. 11/28/2025

    The 164th on Bougainville

    Host Brandon Delvo and guest Casey Beck dive deep into the 164th Infantry Regiment’s fierce campaign on Bougainville — a turning point where lessons from Guadalcanal met new challenges in jungle warfare. 🌴💥 From mud-choked trails to coordinated air and artillery strikes, the 164th adapted, overcame, and proved again why they were among the finest National Guard units of WWII.This episode also highlights the creation of the 164th Infantry Remembrance Association, dedicated to preserving the legacy of these North Dakota soldiers for generations to come.

  3. 11/02/2025

    Now’s the Time: Preserving the Story of the 164th Infantry with Casey Beck

    🎙️ Episode Background In this powerful new episode of The Past Less Travelled, host Brandon Delvo sits down with Casey Beck to discuss the remarkable story of North Dakota’s own 164th Infantry Regiment — a unit whose legacy stretches from the prairies to the jungles of Guadalcanal. 🇺🇸 As the first U.S. Army regiment to engage in offensive combat against the Japanese in World War II, the 164th Infantry earned its place in history through grit, courage, and unbreakable brotherhood. But with the passing of the last North Dakota veteran, their story is now in the hands of a new generation. Together, Brandon and Casey reflect on the regiment’s sacrifices, its deep connection to the state, and their shared mission to preserve its history through The 164th Infantry Remembrance Association — a new living history initiative dedicated to honoring, interpreting, and sharing the stories of these soldiers before they fade from living memory. This episode offers a rare look behind the scenes of how storytelling, education, and historical preservation come together to keep the spirit of the 164th alive for future generations.

  4. 10/18/2025

    From the Dakotas to The Pacific: The 164th Infantry Regiment in WWII

    Description:In this 45-minute episode of The Past Less Travelled, we follow the North Dakota National Guard’s 164th Infantry Regiment from prairie drills to brutal island warfare—becoming the first U.S. Army regiment to reinforce the Marines at Guadalcanal, being the first U.S. Army unit to fight the Axis in WWII, and later fighting across Bougainville and the Philippines. What You’ll Hear: Origins & Mobilization — Territorial militia roots, interwar training, and 1941 federalization. Americal Division — Forming in New Caledonia and preparing for jungle combat. Guadalcanal — October 1942 landings, Henderson Field defense, Point Cruz actions, and a Navy Presidential Unit Citation. Bougainville & the Philippines — Hard lessons of small-unit jungle warfare and island operations. People & Valor — Woodrow W. Keeble, Robert K. Hall, Douglas “Doug” Burtell, and unit decorations. Legacy — Postwar reorganization, memorials, and how North Dakota remembers the 164th. Additional Sources: "Citizens as Soldiers: A History of the North Dakota National Guard" by Jerry Cooper "They Were Ready: The 164th Infantry in the Pacific War, 1942-1945" by Terry Shoptaugh "Combat Officer: A Memoir of War in the South Pacific" by Charles Walker "The Battle of Coffin Corner: and Other Comments Concerning the Guadalcanal Campaign" by Ret. Brig. General John E. Stannard

  5. 07/19/2024

    Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1. A Review

    In this latest episode I took the time the other night to sit down and watch "Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1." Overall, a great movie with a great story, but there are a few things I wanted to discuss regarding authenticity and the need for proper technical advising, especially when it comes to the Frontier Army in the 19th century. I base this on having 15+ years of military living history under my belt covering the Civil War and Indian Wars. If you want to know more about my technical advising, visit my business page at www.bonetraillconsulting.com, or email bdelvo@bonetraillconsulting.com

  6. 06/07/2024

    Leif Halvorson: The American Fur Trade, Frontier Diplomats, and Fort Union Trading Post

    Join us for an engaging conversation with Leif Halvorson, Summer Seasonal Ranger at Fort Union Trading Post, as we delve into the fascinating history of the American Fur Trade. In this video, Leif explains how the trade system worked, the significance of Fort Union, and what life was like during this pivotal era in American history. Don't miss out on the details about the upcoming Fort Union Rendezvous happening from June 13-16, a lively event that brings history to life with reenactments, demonstrations, and much more! 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more historical insights and updates! 📅 Event: Fort Union Rendezvous 🗓 Dates: June 13-16 📍 Location: Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site 💻 www.nps.gov/fous 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@fous 📞701-572-9083

  7. 05/17/2024

    Chris Hoffert: The Little Big Horn, Military Experience to History, and Film making

    In this episode I get to talk with Chris Hoffert, an Army combat veteran with over twenty years of personal study and research on the Little Bighorn battle and is an award-winning director with over fifteen years of film experience. He is also a Custer Battlefield Preservation Committee lifetime member and maintains membership with the Little Big Horn Associates. Chris frequently engages with other authors, historians, and battle students online to keep history relevant and alive while furthering more in-depth discussions into one of the most ambiguous battles of all time. Serving as the videographer for the U.S. Cavalry School for over seven years, Chris is heavily entangled in the Little Bighorn history. He spends several weeks each year at the battlefield with period reenactors conducting filming designed to bring history to life in a way that books simply cannot. Chris’s digital animations, 3D terrain analysis, and film work on the battle are designed to help usher historical research into the modern era by allowing students of the battle the ability to see things in a way that has never been done before. This interest in animation and 3D design began while working on the documentary Contested Ground where Chris created moving maps of the entire battle to accompany the narrative video. This has since progressed into timeline analysis videos and full 3D modeling of the battlefield. Chris graduated Cum Laude from the Academy of Art University, receiving a B.F.A. and an A.A. in motion pictures and television. David Worth, a Hollywood director, author, and professor, heralded Chris as “The Sergio Leone of Montana” for his ability to churn out quality gritty period films on micro-budgets. Want to know more? www.chrishoffertfilm.com Want to know more about Chris? Find out here: IMDB- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8373051/ Want to know more about The U.S. Cavalry School? http://www.uscavalryschool.com/ Watch "Contested Ground" or "Custer's Strategy of Defeat" on History Fix: https://www.historyfix.com/

  8. 04/26/2024

    Will Eichler: Diving into the world of history!

    Dive into the world of history with special guest, Will Eichler! In this episode, we sit down with Will, Director of Photography for the NBC series, "Chicago Fire," as we talk about everything from music, storytelling, Civil War Digital Digest, HistoryFix and more! As a co-founder of Civil War Digital Digest and Managing Partner of HistoryFix, Will brings a unique perspective to the table, blending historical storytelling with modern filmmaking techniques. Join us as we explore the creative process, technical challenges, and the importance of storytelling in both historical documentaries and prime-time television dramas. Want to know more about some of the great work Will and others do, check out the following we discussed in this episode: Civil War Digital Digest: Youtube- @CivilWarDigitalDigest Revolutionary Gazette: Youtube- @RevolutionaryGazette HistoryFix: https://www.historyfix.com/

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About

History, differently...

Information

  • Creator
    Brandon Delvo
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brandon Delvo
  • Show Website
    The Past Less Travelled