Our WWII Dad

Chris Cangilla; Ken Cangilla

Our WWII Dad shares the true story of PFC Louis Cangilla, told by Emmy® winner Chris Cangilla and his brother Ken. Follow his journey from Pittsburgh to Europe, through Aachen and the Battle of the Bulge. Hear stories from other WWII families, including the son of an Oscar® winner, plus episodes from the National WWII Museum and key WWII sites. Perfect for history fans and legacy lovers.. Follow the show so you never miss an episode. Share with someone who loves WWII history. Leave us a rating or review— it helps more people discover the show preserve the voices of the Greatest Generation.

  1. 12/05/2025

    Episode 15: Pearl Harbor Survivor & Midway Hero: The Real Story of "Bud” Kroeger (Told by His Son)

    Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Release — Special EpisodeIn this episode of Our WWII Dad, we share the extraordinary true story of Captain Edwin John “Bud” Kroeger — A Pearl Harbor Survivor, SBD Dauntless dive bomber pilot from the legendary USS Enterprise, and one of the most decorated U.S. Navy aviators of World War II. His son, Bill Kroeger, joins us to tell the story of a father who witnessed Pearl Harbor from the air on December 7th, 1941… survived being fired upon by American forces during the chaos… flew four years of combat missions… and helped change the course of the Pacific War during the Battle of Midway. Bud flew the iconic Douglas SBD Dauntless into some of the most dangerous battles of WWII — the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Marshall Islands raids, and the decisive strike on the Japanese carriers Akagi and Hiryu. His actions were so significant that he was a featured character in the 2019 film Midway. Bill also shares rare photos, Bud’s pilot log books, his combat awards, a blood chit, and even a remarkable keepsake from the flight deck of the USS Enterprise — a deeply personal link connecting him back to where his father launched and returned during some of WWII’s most pivotal moments. If you love WWII aviation history, Pearl Harbor stories, dive bomber tactics, or the real-life accounts behind the film Midway, this episode is for you. ⭐ ⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction03:18 – Interview with Bill Kroeger03:26 – How Bill discovered Our WWII Dad - LA Times Article & LA Area Emmy Nomination04:38 – Bill Kroeger’s personal background05:39 – Bud Kroeger’s early flying: Purdue gliders & WWII glider history10:14 – Bud joins the U.S. Navy: Training in Michigan & Pensacola12:42 – First assignment: The USS Enterprise 13:14 – Bud’s Pearl Harbor story: Flying the Douglas SBD Dauntless 25:35 – Payback Raids: Marshall & Gilbert Islands — Bud wounded in action30:35 – The Battle of Midway: Sinking Akagi & Hiryu43:16 – The SBD Dauntless: Capabilities & tactics47:22 – Bud’s later WWII service: Training pilots; USS Hancock & USS Hornet48:21 – Bud on the Helldiver & Skyraider48:55 – Bud’s combat citations & decorations49:51 – Post-war service: USS Midway & the 50,000th carrier landing51:13 – Naval attaché service in Yugoslavia52:06 – Bud’s treasured keepsakes: Log books, Enterprise deck piece, blood chit59:39 – Bill Kroeger’s acknowledgments01:02:22 – Why we must record our WWII stories now01:03:36 – Bud’s Eternal Wings01:04:17 – Sons & Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors01:07:25 – Final thoughts ⭐ 📩 Share Your WWII StoriesWe’d love to hear about your WWII dads, grandfathers, mothers, or relatives.Email us anytime at Info@OurWW2Dad.com ⭐ 👍 Support the MissionIf this episode resonated with you, please:✔ Subscribe✔ Leave a rating✔ Share with friends or family✔ Comment with your thoughts or storiesYour support helps preserve these stories for future generations. #PearlHarbor#BattleOfMidway#WWIIHistory#SBDDauntless#USSEnterprise#OurWWIIDad

    1h 13m

  2. 11/10/2025

    Episode 14: Veterans Day | Before Their Stories Are Gone - Ordinary Objects, Extraordinary Meaning

    Before Their Stories Are Gone.   In this Veterans Day Special from the acclaimed podcast Our WWII Dad, Emmy® Award-winner Chris Cangilla reflects on the heroes of the Greatest Generation — and the families who keep their stories alive. From a WWII reenactment in South Elgin, Illinois, where Chris sat in a Willys Jeep like his father once drove, to emotional memories of veterans who could have taken deferments but chose to serve — this heartfelt hour pays tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of those who built our freedom. Featuring powerful reflections and stories from: • Bob Marshall – WWII Marine, celebrating his 100th birthday • Erik Brun, Olaf & David Minge, Pat Pattison, and Mikke Pierson – children of WWII veterans carrying their fathers’ stories forward • The Cangilla family legacy – brothers Louis, James, Marcy, Steve, and John, and their brother-in-law Dick Along the way, Chris explores the themes that unite us all — how ordinary objects like a shovel, a jacket, or a prayer card can hold extraordinary meaning — and why sharing these memories ensures they live on.   Have a WWII story of your own? Share it with us at info@OurWWIIDad.com   Subscribe for more WWII stories, family legacies, and the echoes of history still heard today.   Episode Description:   WWII Vet USMC Bob Marshall’s 100th birthday (2:15), Those Who Could Have Stayed Home (3:41), Wilbur P. Ball – US Army G Company, 35th Regiment (4:00), Woody Martin – US Army JASCO (7:30), Walter Director – US Navy Yeoman SV6 (9:51), The Children Who Carry The Stories (12:37), Erik Bruh, son of Christian M. Bruh – US Army PFC, 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) (13:41), Olaf and David Minge, grandson and son of Dr. Raymond Minge – US Army Capt., 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) (16:58), Pat Pattison, son of Raylinn Pattison, US Army Capt., 96th Infantry “Deadeyes” (20:24), Mikke Pierson, son of Frank R. Pierson, US Army Infantry and future Academy Award “Oscar” winner (23:36), The Family That Answered The Call (36:48), Patricia Spicuzza Cangilla, Our WWII Mom (38:19), Dick Flynn, Our WWII Uncle (39:41), Our WWII Dad’s four WWII Veteran Brothers (42:54), Louis T. Cangilla - US Army PFC, 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) – Our WWII Dad (49:56), The Long Echo – Ordinary Objects, Extraordinary Meaning (01:03:00).      #VeteransDay #WWII #OurWWIIDad #WWIIStories #GreatestGeneration #WWIIVeterans #Legacy #Storytelling #MilitaryHistory #WWIIHeroes #OrdinaryObjectsExtraordinaryStories

    1h 5m

  3. 08/07/2025

    Episode 13: Walking with Easy Company: Inside the Original Band of Brothers® Tour

    What would make someone with no WWII family connection walk where Easy Company fought?In this powerful episode of Our WWII Dad, we sit down with John Healy, an Ireland native now living in Arizona, who—along with his son—traveled across Europe on the Original Band of Brothers® Tour. Created by historian Stephen Ambrose and Easy Company’s own Major Dick Winters, this two-week journey follows the path of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment from Camp Toccoa to Berchtesgaden.We dive into each chapter of the Band of Brothers® story — discussing the real locations, battles, and memories connected to each episode. From the flooded lands of Normandy to the snow and ice of Bastogne, and the haunting silence of Dachau, this conversation is a tribute to the real men who served.🎧 Along the way, we reflect on our own father’s story — a replacement soldier with the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate) — and the deeper meaning behind retracing the footsteps of heroes.📍 Episode Highlights Include:Currahee & Camp ToccoaBrecourt Manor & Normandy drop zonesCarentan & AldbourneOperation Market Garden & the Sunset MarchBastogne, Foy, and MalmedyDachau, Holocaust memory, and post-war reflectionsEagle’s Nest & Nixon’s VAT 69The final words John received on his last day of the tourWatch, reflect, and remember. This one stays with you.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more WWII stories.📧 Contact us at: info@OurWW2Dad.comEpisode Highlights: “Flash & Thunder” - John Healy interview (01:36), How John got his interest WWII history – (03:50), Being drawn into Band of Brothers® (08:02), Ken’s path to the real Easy Company sites (08:26), John and his son take the official Steven Ambrose, Band of Brothers® Tour (09:27), Part One – Currahee (13:20), Camp Toccoa (13:40), Part Two – Day of Days (16:49), C-47 Skytrain & National WWII Museum (17:04), D-Day & Normandy Beaches (19:29), Assault on Brecourt Manor (22:52), Part Three – Carentan (25:15), Medics Church – Angoville-au-Plain (27:51), Malarkey & the laundry in Aldbourne, England (31:39), Part Four – Replacements (32:16), Our WWII Dad, a 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) replacement soldier with a similar timeline to the replacements in Easy Company (32:26), Operation Market Garden (34:12), 82nd Airborne, Oversteek Bridge, & the Sunset March (38:30), The American Cemeteries – Normandy, Luxembourg, Henri Chappelle, Fort Logan (41:00), Part Five – Crossroads (44:38), Operation Pegasus (47:26), Called up to Bastogne & Malmedy, Belgium – The Battle of The Bulge (48:16), Easy Company in Bastogne (48:34), Part Six – Bastogne and the aid station with Doc, Renee & Augusta (51:46), Dr. Minge & the Malmedy Massacre (53:29), Part Seven – The Breaking Point (54:51), Foy, Belgium, Shifty Powers shoots the sniper, the hidden German tank, & Lt. Ronald Speirs’ heroism (55:04), Band of Brothers® not shot on location – Tom Hanks producer (01:00:09), Choir at Saint-Barbara chapel in Noville (01:00:40), Part Eight – The Last Patrol (01:01:35), Major Winters disobeys an order? (01:04:10), Part Nine – Why We Fight (01:04:51), Tour departure, visits Dachau Concentration Camp vs. Kaufering camp of Landsberg am Lech (01:05:05), the National Holocaust Museum in Washington DC (01:07:01), German nationals oblivious to the camps? (01:06:56), The 99th & Dr. Minge at Buchenwald Concentration Camp (01:08:12), Webster & the Baker (01:09:17), Part Ten – Points (01:09:46), Berchtesgaden & the Eagle’s Nest (01:10:12), VAT 69 and Captain Lewis Nixon (01:15:14), What John was told on his last day with the Band of Brothers® Tour (01:16:38), Our concluding thoughts (01:19:57), Covering Fire vs. Suppressing Fire (01:21:36), What the soldiers’ hand signals mean (01:22:01) like, comment, and email us at info@OurWW2Dad.com (01:26:25), and the lasting quote (01:27:07).#BandOfBrothers #EasyCompany #WWIIHistory #WWIIVeterans #WWIIPodcast #WWIITour #StephenAmbrose #DickWinters #WWIITour

    1h 28m

  4. 04/21/2025

    Episode 12: WWII Changed Him Forever—Then He Changed Hollywood | Frank Pierson’s Story

    Some soldiers come home with stories they never want to tell—until they can’t keep them in any longer.In this episode of Our WWII Dad, we sit down with Mikke Pierson—former mayor of Malibu, volunteer firefighter, and proud son of Frank Pierson.Frank wasn’t a war hero. He was a dedicated young soldier who led dangerous patrols behind enemy lines in the Pacific. One moment during the war stayed with him for life... and changed how he saw the world.After the war, Frank turned quiet pain into lasting purpose. He became an Oscar-winning screenwriter and a Hollywood legend—writing Cat Ballou, Cool Hand Luke, and Dog Day Afternoon. He went on to direct 1976’s A Star is Born.This is the story of how one soldier’s struggle became a legacy of words, meaning, and impact.Episode Highlights:Getting to know another WWII Son, Mikke Pierson (00:44), The Discussion of Frank R. Pierson, Mikke’s WWII Dad (3:37), Mikke’s background – growing up in California, owning ZJ Boarding House, being The Mayor of Malibu, starting Business Growth Solutions, and working as a Volunteer Fire Fighter (4:16), Mikke’s WWII Dad – Frank R. Pierson’s young life (11:00), Frank’s mother, Louise Randall Pierson, author of the novel “Roughly Speaking.” Later made into a feature film starring Rosalind Russell (11:48), Frank Pierson’s enlistment into WWII (13:01), Frank’s WWII service as an Infantryman in the US Army in the Pacific Theatre (14:50), Our Two WWII Dad’s war memorabilia (17:46), Frank Pierson’s WWII assignments behind enemy lines (19:31), Frank writes “With Blood on Our Hands”, a LA Times article about his WWII mission in Aitape, New Guinea (19:57), Frank’s post-war life – Harvard University and being a field correspondent for Time & Life magazines (29:19), Frank Pierson’s Hollywood pursuits and his angry feelings (29:28), Frank’s Hollywood success (32:07), Frank Pierson’s Oscar nominated screenplay for “Cat Ballou” starring Jane Fonda and Lee Marvin (32:25), Frank wrote “Cool Hand Luke’s” most famous line (32:39), A special gift from Jim Davis, creator of “Garfield” (35:20), Frank Pierson wins an Oscar for “Dog Day Afternoon” starring Al Pacino (36:09), Frank directs 1976’s “A Star is Born” string Barbara Streisand & Kris Kristofferson and his relationships with both stars (38:19), Frank’s supports Mikke’s decision to not sign up for the selective service by writing an newspaper article (40:00), Frank Pierson & Barbara Streisand’s relationship (41:30), Frank Pierson – President of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), President of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), and teacher at American Film Institute (AFI) (42:43), Frank directs “Conspiracy” for HBO Films (43:32), Would Frank Pierson have been on Social Media if it was available during his time? (45:23), Mikke’s relationship with his WWII Dad, Frank Pierson (47:03), Frank’s work on “Mad Men” for its creator, Matthew Weiner (49:38), Were Our WWII Dads cool when they were younger? And how we got to know them better when we, their sons, got older (50:31), Finding the connection to Our WWII Dads (55:56), Mikke drops a bomb of information about he and his dad’s relationship...he was adopted (56:34), and like, comment, and email us at OurWW2Dad@gmail.com (01:00:18). 📧 Share your story with us: OurWW2Dad@gmail.com📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring OUR WWII DAD stories.

    1h 1m

  5. 03/09/2025

    Episode 11: Our 2-Day Visit to the National WWII Museum: A Prayer Card & Lost War Stories

    A simple prayer card. A hidden war story. And a powerful connection we never expected. During our two-day visit to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, we found a prayer card just like the one our dad carried during the war—the very card that unlocked his untold story. What else did we uncover? What moved us? What left us with even more questions? Episode Highlights: Exploring the vast museum campus (00:02:59), Day 1 - Louisiana Memorial Pavillion & the Higgins PA 33-21 Landing Craft (00:04:15), C-47 Skytrain (00:05:42), German Flak 37 88mm Gun (00:06:40), Departing Train & Dog Tags (00:08:01), The Arsenal of Democracy: Salute to The Homefront (00:10:59), 1940s Kitchen (00:11:20), 1940s Radios (00:11:47), Japan, US, & Germany Troop Counts at the Start of WWII (00:12:55), Gearing Up for The War to Come (00:13:40), Rosie the Riveter (00:14:58), Manufacturing the Willys Jeep (00:17:43), The M1941 Field / Parsons Jacket (00:20:20), Infantrymen's Personal Items and Foxhole Shovel & Our Dad's Own Shovel (00:21:10), The French Resistance Armband & Our Dad's French Resistance Pin (00:23:01), "Beyond All Boundaries" 4-D Journey (00:24:16), Malcolm S. Forbes Rare and Iconic Artifacts Gallery (00:26:42), Unit Patches Display & The 474th Infantry Regiment (00:27:14), The 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) Patch becomes The 474th Infantry Regiment (00:28:11), Malcolm Forbes' Bronze Star (00:30:20), Is Our Dad entitled to a Bronze Star? (00:32:51), Malcolm Forbes' Sharpshooter Qualification Badge (00:34:42), Should Our Dad have a Sharpshooter Qualification Badge? (00:35:02), A Bayonet & M1 Grande (00:35:47), The M1 Grandeo if you're 5' 6" (00:36:46), Blackout Buttons, a Ration Book, & Our WWII Mom's Rationing Stories (00:38:51), Campaigns of Courage - The Road to Berlin (00:42:55), Honoring Tom Hank's WWII Dad - Amos Hanks & Steven Spielberg’s WWII Dad - Arnold Spielberg (00:43:25), Ranz Gockel's Boots, Soldbuch, & Prayer Book (00:45:12), 1941 Jeep (00:48:18), Ammo Belt (00:49:24), The Museum's Eisenhower Jacket with the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge (00:50:41), Our Dad's Eisenhower Jacket & His Medals, Ribbons & Patches (00:51:02), WWII Helmets Damage & Issues (00:54:23), The 10th Mountain Division at the Museum, Camp Hale, and in Vail, Colorado (00:55:41), The Barracks' Roof's Hole to the Sky (00:58:06), German Sign Posts & Operation Greif (00:58:59), Stalled at The Siegfried Line (01:00:09), Our Dad at The Battle of The Bulge (01:01:09), Malmedy Massacre (01:02:51), Signed Nazi Flag (01:03:48), The Combat Infantry Badge "CIB" (01:06:05), "Displaced Persons" & the Story from Our WWII Dad Himself (01:06:19), The Prayer Card at the Museum just like Our Dad's Prayer Card (01:08:51), The Treasure Hunt at Merkers Mine (01:13:16), The 99th is the Forrest Gump of WWII (01:14:28), The Liberation Pavilion's Freedom Theatre (01:15:58), The US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center (01:16:33), Jeep 1943 Willys MB & Our WWII Dad Jeep Driver (01:17:29), Our Dad was a Runner in Aachen, Germany (01:18:00), CCKW Hardtop - Deuce-and-a-Half Truck & Our Dad Captured in One on Film? (01:22:41), M4 Sherman Tank (01:24:15), B-17 Flying Fortress (01:25:31), The Messerschmitt and Our Dad's Encounter (01:28:11), The Jet-Powered Messerschmitt Me 262 (01:30:35), Day 2 - Ammo Clip, Belt with Ammo Bags, Pineapple Grenade & Helmet Up Close (01:31:19), Sylvia George & "The Homefront: Through a Child's Eyes (01:32:54), The Road to Tokyo (01:35:38), The Pacific Theatre Artifacts: Water-Cooled Machine Gun, Thompson Submachine Gun & The M2 Flamethrower (01:37:22), Samari Sword War Trophy & Pat Pattison's WWII Dad's Samari Sword (01:40:38), Leyte & TravisMartin's WWII Dad (01:41:12), The James Willard Oglesby Story (01:42:06), Ken Cangilla's Letters to 10-year Younger Brother (01:45:27), P40 Warhawk Fighters (01:46:20), Dropping The Bomb, the Vase & Our WWII Uncle Marcy (01:46:59), Our Final Thoughts: Hits and Misses (01:48:33), Experiencing New Orleans (01:057:12).

    2h 5m

  6. 12/23/2024

    Episode 10: Malmedy Massacre Survivor's Story: Dr. Raymond Minge, the 99th Infantry Battalion, and the Battle of the Bulge | Part Two | Our WWII Dad

    Description:  Brothers Chris and Ken Cangilla continue their deep dive into the extraordinary legacy of Captain Dr. Raymond Minge of the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate), a WWII unit with a remarkable story. Joined by Dr. Minge's son, David (a former U.S. Congressman), and grandson, Olaf, they discuss how their father and grandfather served alongside Chris and Ken’s father, Louis T. Cangilla, in Company C. This special episode covers pivotal battles in Würselen and Aachen, Germany, and the Battle of the Bulge – 80 years this Christmas. Hear the harrowing tale of how Dr. Minge treated Staff Sergeant Henry “Roy” Zack, a survivor of the infamous Malmedy Massacre on December 17, 1944. Episode Highlights:  Recap of Episode 9 - Part 1:  Heroic Healer: Captain Dr. Raymond Minge of the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) | Our WWII Dad (00:28), The Battle of the Bulge’s 80th Anniversary (01:16), Part 2: The discussion of Dr. Raymond Minge with Olaf and David Minge – The 99th’s Movements in Würselen & Aachen, Germany (01:39), Touring Würselen & Aachen with Volker (02:09), “Then & Now” Location Photos of the 99th Soldier & German Tank (04:12), “Crucifix Hill” in Aachen, Germany (05:50), Foxholes & “Dragon Teeth” – Siegfried Line (08:37), “Then & Now” Location Photos of U.S. Soldiers on the Streets of Würselen (09:37), The Bombing of St. Sebastian Church, Würselen (11:21), Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery (12:13), The 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) at The Battle of the Bulge, December 1944 (13:27), Christmas in Malmedy, Belgium 1944 (14:33), The “Malmedy Massacre” December 17, 1944 (18:07), The Bombing of Malmedy Mistake, Christmas Eve 1944 (19:03), Dr. Raymond Minge Treats Staff Sergeant Henry “Roy” Zack after he Survives the “Malmedy Massacre” (19:58), Baugnez – the Accurate Location of the “Malmedy Massacre” (24:00), Malmedy, Belgium Today & The New Historical Marker Panels spearheaded by Ludovic Delcourt (24:54), Dr. Minge at Buchenwald Concentration Camp Liberation, Welmar, Germany (29:11), Merkers Mine, Krayenberggemeinde, Germany (31:24), The 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) is the Forrest Gump of WWII (34:49), Dr. Minge & The 99th go to Oslo, Norway (36:26), Dr. Minge’s Return to America & His Post-War Life (39:40), Captain Dr. Raymond Minge’s WWII Uniform & Cap (45:20), The 99th Infantry Battalion Educational Foundation & Facebook Page (46:24), Remembering The Battle of The Bulge’s 80 Years to the Date (54:32), and How to Subscribe, Like, & Contact Our WWII Dad (54:57.)

    56 min

  7. 12/16/2024

    Episode 9: Heroic Healer: Dr. Raymond Minge, the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate), and the Battle of the Bulge’s 80th Anniversary | Part One | Our WWII Dad

    As they commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, brothers Chris and Ken Cangillahonor their father’s WWII service and explore the remarkable legacy of Captain Dr. Raymond Minge, a medic with the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate). This special episode marks the first time Chris and Ken are joined by both a son and grandson of a WWII veteran: former U.S. Congressman David Minge and Olaf Minge, editor of The Viking Battalion. Together, they share Dr. Minge’s heroic story of life-saving medical work, front-line bravery, and the deep bonds forged with his comrades in the 99th. The episode covers Dr. Minge’s early training at Camp Hale, Colorado; his journey to Normandy; his critical role in the Canal Drive; and the emotional impact of losing fellow medic Captain Gordon F. Fisher. The story also highlights the incredible prewar journey of his sister, Margaret Minge, who escaped Nazi Germany after witnessing Kristallnacht and smuggling Jewish valuables to safety. Through this heartfelt conversation with the Minge family, Chris and Ken provide a rare, multi-generational perspective on the sacrifices of WWII soldiers and their families. Episode Highlights: The 80th Anniversary of the Battle of The Bulge (00:54), Retracing the steps of Captain Dr. Raymond Minge of the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) (01:45), Ken and Chris’ in-person prep work (04:05), The discussion of Dr. Raymond Minge with Olaf and David Minge (05:31), The Minge family history (06:03), Raymond’s medical training (08:06), The story of Raymond’s sister – Margaret Minge (09:12), Dr. Minge joining the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) (10:50), Musician Margaret Minge seeing Adolf Hitler, witnessing Kristallnacht, smuggling out Jewish valuables, and escaping Germany (13:18), Dr. Minge’s training at Camp Hale, Colorado (15:40), Dr. Minge off to WWII and his letter from England – December 1943 (21:19), Dr. Minge and the 99th’s voyage to Normandy, France (26:02), The 99th in Elbeuf, France (27:47), Was Louis Cangilla with the 99th Infantry Battalion in Maastricht, Netherlands? (35:14), The 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) Canal Drive, September 1944 (36:32), Captain Gordon F. Fischer Death and Memorial (38:54), How Captain Fisher’s Death affected Dr. Raymond Minge’s military service (41:14), Lifelong friendships made amongst the members of the 99th(45:08), The post-war reunion of the 99th’s Sverre Gulbrandson and Dr. Raymond Minge at General Hospital (45:51), The relationship of Gustav Svendsen and Dr. Raymond Minge (47:16), The preview of Part Two with the Minges discussing Our WWII Dads at Wurselen and Aachen, Germany and the Battle of The Bulge (50:13).

    51 min

  8. 11/10/2024

    Episode 8: California WWII Sites, Veteran Stories, and Rare WWII Artifacts | Our WWII Dad

    In Episode 8 of Our WWII Dad, brothers Chris and Ken Cangilla dive into WWII history with a focus on Southern California WWII sites and personal stories from the war. Joined by special guest Pat Pattison of Pat Pattison’s Best of California, they uncover fascinating WWII connections across California, from the Tustin Blimp Hangars to the Battle of Los Angeles. In this episode, Chris and Pat share insights from Chris’s journey through California’s WWII landmarks and Ken’s visit to the 10th Mountain Division exhibit at the History Colorado Center. Discover rare artifacts like the Finnish Lahti L-39 Anti-Tank Rifle, M1 Garand Rifle, and even a Samurai Sword from Pat’s father’s collection.   In this episode, Chris and Pat share insights from Chris’s journey through California’s WWII landmarks and Ken’s visit to the 10th Mountain Division exhibit at the History Colorado Center. Discover rare artifacts like the Finnish Lahti L-39 Anti-Tank Rifle, M1 Garand Rifle, and even a samurai sword from Pat’s father’s collection.   Episode Highlights: Chris's trip to Southern California WWII sites with Pat (2:40), Ken explores the 10th Mountain Division exhibit (03:38), Finnish Lahti L-39 20mm Anti-tank Rifle (04:22), The Ski Trooper (05:36), 2-Man Pup Tent (06:09), US M1 Garand Rifle with Charles Hunt's M1 Bayonet (06:50), The Pack Mule (08:00), M29 Weasel (08:30), WAC Women's Army Corps (09:28), The 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate) acknowledgment (10:34), German POW Prison Break at Camp Hale (11:15), German Mountain Infantry Uniform (13:18), M2 60mm Mortar (14:01), Captured Nazi Banner (15:14), M1A1 Bazooka (15:53), Veterans Souvenirs including Italian Beretta Model 1935 Identical to Cangilla Father's (17:11), Pat Pattison & his WWII Dad - Raylinn Pattison (19:02), Pat's Native Californian Roots (21:33), Pat's Dad's Life Pre-WWII and the Civil Conservation Corps (22:16), Pat's Dad's Mementos including His 1650s Samurai Sword (23:51), Pat's Dad's Post-WWII Life (28:15), Pat's Dad's at The Battle of Okinawa & The Ryukyu Islands (30:16), The Deadeyes - 96th Infantry Division (32:44), Raylinn Pattison and Woody Martin - fellow Deadeyes (34:26), CAF SoCal - Commemorative Air Force SoCal Wing & Uniform Historian, Jack Luder (36:56), WWII Vets Not Talking Much About the War (40:30), Tustin Blimp Hangers - Then and Now (47:01), The Stories Behind Their Fathers' Uniform Pins? (50:41), Japanese Attack on the Continental U.S. - Elwood Oil Fields, Goleta (53:52), The Battle of Los Angeles (55:47), Goleta's Timbers Roadhouse's Connection to WWII (57:21), Where to Watch "Pat Pattison's Best of California" (01:01:58), Japanese Fu-Go Balloon Bombs and the Only Place on the American Continent Where Death Resulted from Enemy Action During WWII (01:07:15), and California - Pre & Post WWII (01:07:15).   Whether you’re a WWII enthusiast or exploring family veteran stories, this episode uncovers California’s WWII legacy, historical artifacts, and the personal tales that shaped the Greatest Generation. Watch now to journey through America’s WWII history and discover stories you won’t find in textbooks.

    1h 12m
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About

Our WWII Dad shares the true story of PFC Louis Cangilla, told by Emmy® winner Chris Cangilla and his brother Ken. Follow his journey from Pittsburgh to Europe, through Aachen and the Battle of the Bulge. Hear stories from other WWII families, including the son of an Oscar® winner, plus episodes from the National WWII Museum and key WWII sites. Perfect for history fans and legacy lovers.. Follow the show so you never miss an episode. Share with someone who loves WWII history. Leave us a rating or review— it helps more people discover the show preserve the voices of the Greatest Generation.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Cangilla; Ken Cangilla
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chris Cangilla; Ken Cangilla
  • Show Website
    Our WWII Dad