23 episodes
Portraits of Honor Velocity Studios
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- History
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5.0 • 9 Ratings
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Inspired by photographer Jeff Rease's mission, this podcast series spotlights the remarkable stories of World War II veterans. Each episode features personal narratives from these everyday heroes from all walks of life who once united for liberty and justice when the world needed them most. Capturing the essence of honor and service through first-hand accounts, these stories bridge generational gaps, vividly preserving the past and imparting heartfelt lessons of what it means to serve for a greater cause. Listen, learn, and remember as these timeless tales echo the heroism of a fading generation.
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Carl Cooper (Colonel, Marine Corps)
Today we feature Colonel Carl Cooper, the first veteran photographed by Jeff Rease. He had a remarkable 38-year tenure with the Marine Corps. A valiant warrior, he faced fierce battles in WWII's Pacific theater in Guadalcanal and Okinawa. He also served in Korea, followed by training and recruiting during Vietnam. Beyond the battlefield, Cooper spent many years teaching and coaching in high school and junior high school education. After his retirement, he dedicated another 30 years to FEMA until 2010. He was an embodiment of service and bravery whose legacy stands tall. This interview was recorded on April 10, 2019 in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.
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Jerome Wilner (Second Lieutenant, Army) - Part 2
(Part 2) This exciting episode features Jerome Wilner, a WWII bombardier/navigator who went from Cornell to the skies of Europe. Jerome defied the odds to survive 30 harrowing missions on B-17s over Germany, surrounded by deadly flak. Hear how his indomitable spirit carried him through the war and perilous bomb runs. From academia to the fierce theater of war, Jerome's story is a testament to adaptability and resilience. This interview was recorded on May 12, 2021, in Rockville Maryland.
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Jerome Wilner (Second Lieutenant, Army) - Part 1
This exciting episode features Jerome Wilner, a WWII bombardier/navigator who went from Cornell to the skies of Europe. Jerome defied the odds to survive 30 harrowing missions on B-17s over Germany, surrounded by deadly flak. Hear how his indomitable spirit carried him through the war and perilous bomb runs. From academia to the fierce theater of war, Jerome's story is a testament to adaptability and resilience. This interview was recorded on May 12, 2021, in Rockville Maryland.
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Morton Waitzman (Technical Sergeant, Army) - Part 2 | S1E19
(Part 2 of 2) This episode explores the extraordinary life of Morton Waitzman, an Army veteran who played a vital role on D-Day as a communication specialist. From landing on Omaha Beach, intercepting German codes, to facilitating critical communications with the French resistance, his journey is a riveting tale of courage, dedication, and resilience. As we explore his transition from soldier to scholar, his inspiring story connects the battlefields of WWII to the halls of Emory University, blending history with a legacy in academia. This interview was recorded on September 21, 2022, in Atlanta Georgia.
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Morton Waitzman (Technical Sergeant, Army) - Part 1 | S1E18
(Part 1 of 2) This episode explores the extraordinary life of Morton Waitzman, an Army veteran who played a vital role on D-Day as a communication specialist. From landing on Omaha Beach, intercepting German codes, to facilitating critical communications with the French resistance, his journey is a riveting tale of courage, dedication, and resilience. As we explore his transition from soldier to scholar, his inspiring story connects the battlefields of WWII to the halls of Emory University, blending history with a legacy in academia. This interview was recorded on September 21, 2022, in Atlanta Georgia.
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Claude Hillenbrand (Technical Sergeant, Army Air Corps) | S1E17
In this gripping episode, we hear from Claude Hillenbrand, a dedicated flight engineer and gunner on B-17 "Flying Fortresses." His compelling tale of resilience takes us through 35 perilous missions, including D-Day, navigating the war-torn skies of WWII Europe and the Pacific in iconic B-17s like "Vini Viti Vici" and "Smokey Liz." From field rations to oxygen masks, Hillenbrand's detailed account offers a vivid glimpse into the life of an Army Air Corps serviceman. This interview was recorded on September 1, 2020, in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
Customer Reviews
Great Job!
I love the interviews, the only small criticism I would have is the playing of musics in the background. It’s already hard to hear the Veteran, then to play music along with them, makes it harder to hear them
What an amazing thing this podcast is doing.
This is a beautiful way to support those who risked their lives for this country. I can’t wait for more of their stories.