Portraits of Honor

Velocity Studios
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Portraits of Honor

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.

  1. Carl Cooper (Colonel, Marine Corps)

    11/02/2023

    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.

    14 min
  2. Jerome Wilner (Second Lieutenant, Army) - Part 2

    09/26/2023

    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.

    29 min
  3. Jerome Wilner (Second Lieutenant, Army) - Part 1

    09/21/2023

    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.

    35 min
  4. Morton Waitzman (Technical Sergeant, Army) - Part 2 | S1E19

    09/19/2023

    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.

    31 min
  5. Morton Waitzman (Technical Sergeant, Army) - Part 1 | S1E18

    09/14/2023

    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.

    25 min
  6. Claude Hillenbrand (Technical Sergeant, Army Air Corps) | S1E17

    09/12/2023

    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.

    40 min
  7. Bud Anderson (Brigadier General, Air Force) | S1E16

    09/07/2023

    Bud Anderson (Brigadier General, Air Force) | S1E16

    Get ready for a thrilling journey as we chat with Clarence Emil "Bud" Anderson, the highest scoring living American fighter ace and WWII triple ace. From his first combat tours to innovative flight test programs, Bud's extraordinary aviation career spans over 130 different aircraft types and 7,500 flying hours. We delve into his action-packed dogfights, his survival strategies, and the accolades he earned. Now at 101, Bud continues to inspire and captivate with his remarkable stories of skill, technique, and patience in the skies. His rank above was his last rank of service. He received an honorary promotion to Brigadier General in the past year. This interview was recorded on March 25, 2023, in Auburn California.

    43 min
  8. Peter Orlando (Staff Sergeant, Army) | S1E15

    09/05/2023

    Peter Orlando (Staff Sergeant, Army) | S1E15

    Today we dive deep with Peter Orlando, a Navy veteran from South Boston who played a pivotal role in World War II. From constructing artificial harbors for the Normandy landings to rescuing stranded ships, and even surviving a shipwreck himself. Discover how his French language skills bridged a critical gap between American troops and French command in occupied Austria. Join us as we unfold his heroic deeds and post-war life back in Boston. This interview was recorded on May 22, 2021, in Concord, Massachusetts.

    23 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Velocity Studios
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 Velocity Studios
  • Show Website
    Portraits of Honor

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