Tonight, on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, we discuss one of the longest and bloodiest battles fought by American forces in Europe during World War II.

Taking place from September 1944 to February 1945, this battle unfolded in the dense Hürtgen Forest, located near the German-Belgian border in western Germany. The battle was fought between the United States Army and German Wehrmacht forces, who defended the area with entrenched positions and heavily fortified defenses. The operation was initially intended to support the Allied advance into Germany but became one of the most grueling and costly campaigns for the American military.

The Hürtgen Forest spans about 50 square miles and consists of steep, rugged terrain and thick woods that severely restricted visibility and movement. This dense terrain provided a natural advantage to German defenders, who fortified the area with concrete bunkers, minefields, barbed wire, and hidden artillery emplacements. German forces also used booby traps and anti-personnel mines, making the forest an effective defensive zone. The weather added to the challenge; frequent rain and cold temperatures turned the area into a muddy, harsh environment, complicating the movement of troops and vehicles.

American forces entered the Hürtgen Forest in early September 1944, with the primary objective of securing the Roer River dams. These dams controlled the flow of water downstream, and German forces could release the water to flood the Roer River valley, which would prevent an Allied advance across the river. By capturing the dams, the Allies aimed to prevent such flooding and enable their continued push into Germany.

The legacy of the Battle of Hürtgen Forest remains a sobering reminder of the challenges of ground combat in difficult terrain and the heavy price of war. The battle demonstrated the importance of terrain and the difficulties of fighting in heavily fortified, natural environments. The long and costly battle, fought over harsh winter months, left a lasting impression on those who served there and became one of the most challenging and controversial campaigns for American forces in the European theater of World War II. The losses and hardships experienced by soldiers in the Hürtgen Forest highlighted the brutal realities of war and the often-overlooked complexities of military planning and decision-making during the war.

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In June 1944, the U.S. Army deployed an unusual and highly secretive unit to Normandy. Known as the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, this 1,100-man team went by a nickname: the Ghost Army. Their mission wasn’t to fight the enemy with traditional weapons but to deceive them using inflatable tanks, trucks, planes, and a range of sound effects. Historian Rick Beyer explores this unique chapter of World War II in his book and documentary film, The Ghost Army, and he will join us tonight to share this history.

The Ghost Army’s mission was to mislead German forces about the strength and location of American troops. To accomplish this, they staged a series of carefully planned deceptions across Europe, from Normandy to the Rhine. Using truckloads of inflatable vehicles and loudspeakers blasting recorded sounds of engines and marching troops, they created the illusion of large American units. Each day, the soldiers of the Ghost Army had to decide which military unit they would impersonate, often spending hours studying details to convincingly mimic the behavior, movements, and communication patterns of larger American forces.

The Ghost Army’s success relied heavily on creating an immersive deception that would fool German intelligence from multiple angles. Their visual deceptions featured rows of inflatable tanks, trucks, and artillery placed strategically to be visible but imperfectly camouflaged, encouraging enemy reconnaissance to spot them. Sound trucks with speakers were used to broadcast recordings of engines, infantry movements, and equipment clatter, creating an auditory illusion of battalion-sized forces on the move. Radio operators played their part by transmitting fake communication networks, further adding to the illusion. These decoys were so convincing that German intelligence frequently reported the “presence” of American units that existed only in the imagination of the Ghost Army.

Many Ghost Army soldiers were artists and designers recruited from art schools across the United States. This included future fashion icon Bill Blass, painter Ellsworth Kelly, and photographer Art Kane. Their creative backgrounds were essential to crafting believable illusions, and during downtime, they captured their experiences in sketches and paintings, leaving behind a unique and artistic record of the war. Some of these artists went on to successful careers after the war, but their wartime contributions remained classified for decades, a fact that Beyer’s documentary brings to light.

Rick Beyer’s The Ghost Army documentary reveals not only the intricacies of these deceptions but also the human element behind them. Through interviews with 19 Ghost Army veterans, the film shows how these men used their skills in art and performance to execute high-stakes missions with real consequences. In one of their final and most critical operations, the Ghost Army staged a major deception along the Rhine River. Thousands of Allied lives depended on this illusion, and the soldiers knew that if the Germans discovered the ruse, the consequences could be disastrous.

The Ghost Army’s accomplishments remained secret for nearly fifty years. Many veterans, bound by a gag order, never spoke about their experiences even to close family. It was only in recent years that the full extent of their contributions was revealed, and in March 2024, three of the unit’s surviving members were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. This long-overdue recognition marked an important acknowledgment of their bravery and ingenuity, highlighting their contributions to the Allied victory in a way traditional combat could not.

Beyer’s work on The Ghost Army brings this fascinating and largely unknown story to a wider audience, capturing the power of creativity and deception in warfare. The documentary, available on streaming platforms like Apple TV and Amazon, offers a vivid portrayal of the Ghost Army’s unconventional role in World War II. Through a blend of historical perspective, veteran interviews, and original wartime artwork, it celebrates a unique legacy of soldiers who, without firing a shot, played a critical role in securing victory for the Allies. The Ghost Army is a reminder that sometimes, imagination and deception are as powerful as firepower in the theater of war.

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In a world before GPS and predecessor technology, how in the world did fleets of Allied bombers make their way across vast distances, hit their targets, and return home? Tonight, we talk about how navigation worked in World War II from experts who’ve studied it and one who lived it.

John “Lucky” Luckadoo of 100th BG fame will share what he learned in navigation training, and host Glenn Flickinger will walk through WWII 100th BG navigator Harry Crosby’s book on the subject, A Wing and a Prayer, with Mike Faley, 100th BG Historian and Rebecca Hutchinson, Harry’s daughter. Our own Bob Von Bargen, a retired Air Force navigator, will also guide us through the discussion.

During World War II, with no digital technology to assist them, USAAF navigators relied on complex skills, advanced training, and specialized equipment to complete their missions accurately and under high pressure. Their methods included a mix of dead reckoning, celestial navigation, and radio navigation—each with its own strengths and limitations. Given the severe consequences of navigation errors in combat, navigators trained rigorously to master these techniques, learning to adapt on the fly to conditions that constantly shifted with the demands of war.

Dead reckoning was the most basic and fundamental method navigators used. It involved estimating the plane’s position by calculating the time spent flying at a particular speed and direction. Armed with a stopwatch and a map, navigators would start with a known location and calculate the aircraft’s position based on its heading and airspeed. Crosswinds could throw the aircraft off course so navigators would check their position against landmarks or other data whenever possible. Often, vast stretches of ocean made this cross checking impossible.

In such cases, navigators turned to celestial navigation. This complex process involved using a sextant to measure the angle between a celestial body—such as a star, the sun, or the moon—and the horizon. By comparing these measurements with special navigation tables, navigators could establish the plane’s position on the Earth. This technique required both clear skies and precise trigonometric calculations, making it challenging under combat conditions where visibility was often poor. Still, celestial navigation was one of the most accurate methods available at the time, and mastering it was essential for any navigator.

Radio navigation provided another layer of support. Using ground-based radio stations, navigators would tune into specific frequencies and use the Radio Direction Finder (RDF) to home in on the radio signals. By comparing the signals from multiple stations, they could triangulate their position relative to these points. Although valuable, radio navigation came with its own set of issues, including limited range and the risk of interference from enemy jamming.

Training to become a navigator was intensive and required a wide array of skills. Navigators learned the fundamentals of math, geography, meteorology, and mechanics. Celestial navigation, in particular, demanded precise handling of a sextant and fast calculations, as split-second decisions were often needed under pressure. Training missions would frequently simulate the intense conditions of combat, including flights at night or in adverse weather, to prepare navigators for what they would experience in the field. Familiarity with the aircraft itself was also important, as navigators occasionally needed to take over basic flight controls in an emergency.

The navigators relied on a variety of specialized equipment to perform their duties. A standard kit included the sextant for celestial navigation, a drift meter to measure crosswind angles, and a Radio Direction Finder for picking up radio beacons. Maps, rulers, compasses, and protractors also occupied the navigator’s station.

Only after World War II did Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), and, later, the Global Positioning System (GPS) come online. INS used internal sensors to calculate position changes, eliminating the need for constant external references. GPS revolutionized the field entirely, providing precise, real-time global positioning and essentially removing the need for manual calculation. These technologies have streamlined aerial navigation, making it safer and vastly more efficient than the methods WWII navigators had to master.

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Renowned historian Sir Richard Evans talks about his new book, Hitler’s People: The Faces of the Third Reich, which delves into the complex factors that led to the widespread support for Hitler’s regime in Germany.

Evans argues that a combination of political opportunism, ideological manipulation, and a deep-seated sense of national humiliation and inferiority paved the way for the rise of Nazism.

Evans meticulously examines the roles of Hitler’s inner circle, including Göring, Goebbels, and Himmler, as well as lesser-known figures who played significant roles in enabling the Nazi ideology.

Evans also analyzes the motivations of ordinary Germans who became complicit in the Nazi regime. He argues that many were conservative nationalists who felt betrayed by the defeat of 1918 and the disintegration of the Kaiser’s Germany. Hitler’s promises of national renewal and a sense of superiority appealed to their shattered sense of stability.

Hitler was a singular figure, an opportunist and ideologue who benefited from the suffering caused by World War I and the Treaty of Versailles. However, Evans emphasizes that Hitler was not a political or military genius, but rather a demagogue who arrived at the right place and time to seize power.

Sir Richard J. Evans is a famous scholar of German history, who has authored a comprehensive three-volume history of the Third Reich, spanning the years 2003 to 2008. This monumental work, drawing upon Evans’ extensive research and expertise, has garnered widespread acclaim from fellow historians.

The first volume, “The Coming of the Third Reich,” delves into the tumultuous period leading up to the Nazi seizure of power in Germany. It meticulously examines the impact of World War I, the Treaty of Versailles, and the economic turmoil that paved the way for the rise of authoritarianism.

The second volume, “The Third Reich in Power,” explores the Nazi regime’s consolidation of power and its efforts to win over the German populace. Evans utilizes personal narratives to illustrate the social, economic, and cultural transformations that occurred during this period.

The third and final volume, “The Third Reich at War,” chronicles the major events of World War II from the Nazi perspective. It provides a detailed account of key battles, the Holocaust, and Hitler’s downfall. This volume has been hailed as a masterpiece of historical scholarship, offering a comprehensive synthesis of the extensive research conducted on the subject.

Overall, Evans’ Third Reich trilogy stands as a definitive and authoritative account of the rise, reign, and fall of the Nazi regime. Its meticulous research, balanced narrative, and insightful analysis have earned it widespread recognition as a seminal work in the field of German history.

#wwiihistory #usmilitary #veterans #history #trivia #ww2 #veteranshistory #usveterans #marines #usairforce #militaryhistory #usnavy

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Greatest Generation Live and Glenn Flickinger mark the anniversary of The Battle Off (or of) Samar in World War II with Admiral Sam Cox, Curator for the Navy, Director Naval History and Heritage Command.

Also joining us is Scott Reneau, the grandson of of Admiral Clifton “Ziggy” Sprague who commanded the Task Unit that fought the battle.

The Battle of Samar, fought on October 25, 1944, was a critical engagement during World War II, forming part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf. This battle is often remembered as one of the most dramatic naval actions in history, where a small and lightly armed American task force faced overwhelming odds against a powerful Japanese fleet. The battle is noted for the courage and determination of the American sailors who, despite their inferior firepower, managed to inflict significant damage on the Japanese forces and prevent a potential disaster. The Battle of Samar occurred during the broader campaign to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation. The American invasion of Leyte Island was supported by several naval task forces, including Task Unit 77.4.3, known as “Taffy 3.” This group, commanded by Rear Admiral Clifton “Ziggy” Sprague, consisted of six escort carriers, three destroyers, and four destroyer escorts. These ships were designed for anti-submarine warfare and air support, not for engaging battleships and cruisers.

Unbeknownst to the Americans, the Japanese had devised a complex plan to counter the Leyte invasion, involving several naval forces converging on the area. The most formidable of these was the Center Force under Vice Admiral Takeo Kurita, which included four battleships, six heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, and eleven destroyers. After surviving attacks from American submarines and aircraft, Kurita’s force managed to approach Samar largely unopposed, aiming to destroy the American invasion fleet off Leyte.

On the morning of October 25, 1944, Taffy 3 was conducting routine operations when it unexpectedly encountered Kurita’s powerful fleet. The Americans were caught off guard, as they had believed that Kurita’s force had been neutralized by previous air strikes. Rear Admiral Sprague immediately ordered his carriers to launch all available aircraft and turn to the east to escape while laying down a smoke screen.

The battle that ensued was one of the most unequal in naval history. The escort carriers of Taffy 3 were slow and lightly armed, designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, and equipped with small aircraft like Wildcats and Avengers. In contrast, the Japanese force included some of the most powerful ships of the Imperial Navy, such as the battleship Yamato, the largest battleship ever built, armed with 18-inch guns.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Sprague’s forces fought back with everything they had. The destroyers and destroyer escorts charged at the Japanese fleet, launching torpedoes and firing their 5-inch guns in a desperate attempt to protect the carriers. The American airmen, flying from the carriers, attacked with whatever weapons were available, including bombs, torpedoes, and even strafing runs after their munitions were exhausted.

Sprague’s leadership during this crisis was crucial. He managed to keep his ships coordinated under intense pressure, directing evasive maneuvers and organizing the defense. His decision to charge the enemy with his destroyers and destroyer escorts, despite the overwhelming odds, played a key role in disrupting the Japanese attack.

The Japanese fleet, surprised by the ferocity and audacity of the American defense, became disorganized. Kurita, fearing an imminent air strike from more powerful American carriers, eventually ordered a retreat, believing he was facing a much larger force. This decision spared Taffy 3 from complete destruction and saved the invasion force at Leyte from potential disaster.

The Battle of Samar was a strategic victory for the United States, despite the loss of several ships, including the escort carriers Gambier Bay and the destroyers Johnston and Hoel. The bravery of the men aboard Taffy 3, who fought against overwhelming odds, earned them a place of honor in naval history. The battle demonstrated the importance of leadership, courage, and the ability to adapt under fire.

Rear Admiral Clifton “Ziggy” Sprague was widely praised for his actions during the battle. His leadership was instrumental in the survival of Taffy 3 and the success of the Leyte Gulf campaign. Sprague’s decision-making under extreme pressure, his tactical acumen, and his ability to inspire his men were key factors in the American victory. After the war, Sprague continued to serve in the Navy, eventually retiring as a Vice Admiral. His legacy is closely tied to the heroics of Samar, where he and his men turned what seemed like certain defeat into a remarkable victory.

Greatest Generation Live and Glenn Flickinger mark the anniversary of “Black Week” in World War II with a panel of Eighth Air Force and 100th Bomb Group experts, Nancy Putnam, Rebecca Hutchinson, Mike Faley, and Jim Blakely.

“Black Week” refers to a devastating series of missions flown by the 100th Bomb Group of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II in October 1943. The 100th Bomb Group, part of the 8th Air Force, was based at Thorpe Abbotts, England, and was known for its heavy losses and high casualty rates, particularly during this fateful week.

The 100th Bomb Group, known as the “Bloody Hundredth” due to its high losses, was involved in strategic bombing campaigns aimed at crippling Nazi Germany’s industrial and military capabilities. By October 1943, the group had already endured significant losses, but the intensity of the air war was increasing as the Allies pushed deeper into enemy territory.

Black Week spanned from October 8 to October 14, 1943, during which the 100th Bomb Group flew several critical missions over Germany. The targets included heavily defended industrial cities and aircraft production facilities, such as Bremen, Munster, and Schweinfurt, which were essential to the German war effort.

October 8, 1943 (Bremen): The week began with a mission to Bremen, a major port and industrial center. The 100th Bomb Group faced intense flak and fighter opposition. Out of 21 B-17 Flying Fortresses dispatched, 7 were lost. The mission highlighted the vulnerability of bombers flying deep into Germany without sufficient fighter escort.

October 10, 1943 (Munster): The mission to Munster was particularly costly. The 100th Bomb Group lost 12 out of 13 bombers, an unprecedented loss rate of over 90%. This mission became one of the most tragic days in the group’s history, with many crews killed, wounded, or taken prisoner.

October 14, 1943 (Schweinfurt): The final mission of Black Week was the infamous second raid on Schweinfurt, known as “Black Thursday.” Schweinfurt was a key target due to its ball bearing factories, which were vital to the German war machine. The 100th Bomb Group lost another 5 bombers, and the overall losses for the 8th Air Force that day were staggering, with 60 bombers lost out of 291. The raid demonstrated the high cost of daylight bombing without adequate fighter support.

By the end of Black Week, the 100th Bomb Group had suffered catastrophic losses, losing 26 bombers and hundreds of airmen killed, wounded, or captured. The severe losses during these missions led to a temporary halt in deep penetration raids over Germany until the Allies could improve their tactics and fighter escort capabilities. The week underscored the need for long-range fighter escorts, which were eventually provided by the P-51 Mustang, significantly reducing bomber losses in subsequent missions.

Rebecca Hutchinson’s father, Harry Crosby, was a lead navigator in the 100th Bomb Group and played a crucial role in many of the group’s missions, including those during Black Week. After the war, Crosby authored the memoir A Wing and a Prayer: The “Bloody 100th” Bomb Group of the U.S. Eighth Air Force in Action over Europe in World War II, a detailed and personal account of his experiences during the war.

In A Wing and a Prayer, Crosby vividly describes the intense pressure and fear experienced by the bomber crews, the camaraderie among the men, and the heavy toll that the war took on those who served. He also reflects on the psychological impact of the missions, including the constant threat of death and the loss of close friends and comrades.

A Wing and a Prayer provides a window into the experiences of the airmen who endured some of the most dangerous missions of the war, offering readers a personal and unvarnished view of the air war over Europe.

#wwiihistory #airwarfare #veterans

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US Army Colonel Arthur Lee Shreve survived the Bataan Death March and years as a POW of the Japanese at Cabanatuan prison camp in the Philippines, aboard a Japanese “Hell Ship” and hard labor at Camp Fukuoka, Japan. Arthur’s granddaughter, Heather Shreve, shares his story and book, The Colonel’s Way: The Secret Diaries of a P.O.W., Philippines 1941-1945.

After his father’s untimely demise in 1913, Arthur Shreve assumed the responsibility of supporting his family. He dropped out of high school just weeks before graduation and enlisted in the Maryland National Guard in 1917. Driven by a desire to fly, he transferred to the Signal Corps and Aviation Section, eventually graduating from flight school in 1918.

Shreve’s first assignment was with the Second Aero Squadron in France, where he flew combat missions during World War I. Despite the perilous nature of aerial warfare, he survived and returned to Baltimore in 1919.

In 1920, Shreve rejoined the US Army as a second lieutenant. His first assignment was in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he met his future wife. He also gained valuable knowledge about Japanese war tactics and culture, which would prove invaluable in the years to come.

Over the next two decades, Shreve served in various capacities, including as a member of the US-German Army Jumping and Polo Team, an instructor at the University of Oklahoma, and a graduate of the Command and General Staff School. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1940 but was recalled to service in 1941.

Assigned to the South Luzon Force in the Philippines, Shreve arrived in November 1941. He recognized the vulnerability of the island to Japanese attack and advocated for strengthening its defenses. However, his warnings were not heeded.

On December 24, 1941, Shreve witnessed the arrival of Japanese forces at Antipolo, confirming his fears. He played a crucial role in the defense of the Philippines, but was eventually captured and forced to endure the infamous Bataan Death March.

Upon arriving at Cabanatuan prison camp in June 1942, Shreve continued his humanitarian efforts. He meticulously documented the camp’s conditions, including the alarming death rate, and established an underground network to smuggle in food and supplies.

Shreve’s ingenuity extended to creating a crystal radio receiver from an Army canteen, allowing him to eavesdrop on Japanese communications. This intelligence was relayed to Filipino operatives in Manila, providing valuable information to the Allied forces.

In 1944, he was among the 12,000 POWs transported on the Japanese ship Arai Maru. Overcrowding and inhumane conditions led to the deaths of 100 men from suffocation.

During a bombing attack, Shreve was shot in the back but survived. He witnessed the Japanese pushing POWs overboard and abandoning ship. Shreve jumped into the water and swam to shore, then returned to rescue four others.

Shreve and his fellow POWs were held in a tennis court for five days with minimal food and water. They were then transported to Manila and forced onto train cars with 190 men per car. The only ventilation came from bullet holes in the roof.

On the Anora Maru, another Japanese transport ship, Shreve witnessed the deaths of two fellow officers when a torpedo hit the vessel. He helped Colonel North to safety but was unable to save Babcock, who had a severe chest wound.

On the Brazil Maru, Shreve and his companions faced freezing temperatures and illness.

Shreve was eventually imprisoned in Camp Fukuoka, Japan, where he performed hard labor. He collected the belongings of his deceased comrades in a Red Cross box.

In September 1945, Shreve was rescued and evacuated to Korea. Of the original 12,000 POWs, only 270 survived the ordeal.

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This World War II Open Conversation led by historians Todd DePastino and Glenn Flickinger starts with a discussion of the connections between World War I and World War II. Should they be considered one continuous conflict, a "Thirty Years' War"?

Both wars are deeply interconnected in their causes and consequences and viewing them as a single, prolonged conflict highlights the deep-rooted tensions and unresolved issues that persisted between 1914 and 1945.

World War I, which began in 1914, was triggered by a complex web of alliances, militarism, nationalism, and imperial competition. The war ended in 1918 with the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh penalties on Germany and redrew the map of Europe. However, the treaty failed to address the underlying issues that had led to the war. Instead, it sowed the seeds for future conflict. Germany was left humiliated and economically devastated, creating a fertile ground for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. The Treaty of Versailles, rather than ensuring peace, contributed to the instability and resentment that would lead to World War II.

World War II, which erupted in 1939, can be seen as a direct consequence of the unresolved tensions from World War I. The aggressive expansionism of Nazi Germany, driven by the desire to overturn the post-World War I order and reclaim lost territory, was a primary cause of the conflict. The failure of the League of Nations and the policy of appeasement further enabled Hitler's ambitions. The alliances, rivalries, and grievances that had existed during World War I were revived and intensified, leading to another catastrophic global conflict.

The period between the two wars, often referred to as the "interwar period," was marked by economic turmoil, political instability, and the rise of totalitarian regimes. The Great Depression of the 1930s exacerbated these issues, contributing to the collapse of democratic governments and the rise of fascism in Europe. This period was not a time of genuine peace but rather a prolonged ceasefire, where the underlying causes of World War I remained unresolved. The eventual outbreak of World War II can thus be seen as the resumption of a conflict that had never truly ended.

However, as expert Greg Yoest reminds us, it's important to recognize the differences between the two conflicts. World War I was largely a war of attrition fought between empires, while World War II was characterized by ideological battles between fascism, communism, and democracy, as well as widespread atrocities, including the Holocaust. The global scale and impact of World War II also far surpassed that of World War I.

We also discuss the 79th anniversary of the V-J Day, the Japanese surrender in 1945, especially what factors contributed to Emperor Hirohito's extraordinary--and unprecedented--decision to make a major policy decision regarding the war. We'll talk about the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Soviet declaration of war on Japan on August 8, 1945, and also about other events going on in the war and the world at the time.

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