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Veterans Chronicles

Veterans Chronicles

By: Radio America
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About this listen

 Hear firsthand stories from America’s military heroes on Veterans Chronicles. From D-Day, Iwo Jima, and Khe Sanh to Baghdad, Fallujah, and Afghanistan, this podcast features exclusive interviews with eyewitnesses to history’s greatest battles. Rare archival recordings and segments like “Heroes of the Air” and “World War II Chronicles” bring their courage to life. Subscribe for gripping tales of bravery and sacrifice.

For more information, visit radioamerica.com/veterans-chronicles/Copyright Radio America Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • CPL Harold Terens, U.S. Army Air Corps, World War II

    CPL Harold Terens, U.S. Army Air Corps, World War II
    Jun 4 2025
    Harold Terens was just 18 years old and playing basketball with his friends when he heard the news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Like many Americans, he had no idea where Pearl Harbor was but he definitely wanted to serve. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 with dreams of becoming a pilot. A vision test dashed those dreams but he quickly proved proficient at receiving and sending Morse Code.

    Terens left for Europe on his 20th birthday in 1943. He was assigned to the 350th Fighter Squadron in the Eighth Air Force. His job was to make sure radios on P-47 Thunderbolts were in good working order. He was also stationed there on June 6, 1944, when many of the planes in his squadron were part of the D-Day invasion. Many did not return to base.

    In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Terens describes D-Day in vivid, painful detail and why he went to Normandy a short time later. We'll also hear about Terens narrowly escaping with his life after a German V-1 rocket, or "buzz bomb" landed next to his building in London.

    A few weeks after D-Day, Terens was transferred out of England. He tells us about serving in North Africa, the Middle East, and Russia. And he shares two more instances in which he was forunate to emerge alive.

    Finally, Terens tells us all about his wedding in Normandy on the 80th anniversary of D-Day and how he and his new bride were treated like royalty in France.
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    34 mins
  • Captain Charles Plumb, U.S. Navy, Vietnam, POW

    Captain Charles Plumb, U.S. Navy, Vietnam, POW
    May 28 2025
    Charlie Plumb ended up in the U.S. Navy because money was tight for his family and it was a big economic relief when he was recommended and accepted at the U.S. Naval Academy. Upon commissioning from Annapolis and competion of flight school, Plumb would soon be flying an F-4. Little did he know what awaited him just a few years later in Vietnam.

    Plumb was deployed to the war zone in November 1966. He routinely flew missions over North Vietnam, including Hanoi, which he says was the most heavily protected city in the world at that time. On each mission, he came under fire in a variety of forms.

    In May 1967, Plumb was shot down by a surface-to-air missile (SAM) and taken prisoner. He was soon held prisoner at the infamous "Hanoi Hilton."

    In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Captain Plumb recounts his memories of being shot down, his remarkable prayer and other actions while parachuting into enemy territory, the brutal torture and deprivation he suffered in the prison, and how the U.S. POW's kept each other going. Finally, he shares what it was like to breathe as a free man after nearly six years of captivity.
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    37 mins
  • Kathleen Faircloth, Gold Star Mother of USMC LCpl. Bradley Faircloth

    Kathleen Faircloth, Gold Star Mother of USMC LCpl. Bradley Faircloth
    May 21 2025
    Kathleen Faircloth received the news that no parent wants to get. In late November 2004, she learned that her son, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Bradley Faircloth, was killed during the Second Battle of Fallujah in Iraq. What followed was the anguish over losing her only child, slowly emerging from the immense grief that followed, and the unexpected joy of finding a family she never expected.

    In this Memorial Day edition of Veterans Chronicles, Kathleen Faircloth tells us how the 9/11 attacks sparked Bradley's interest in joining the military and how he joined the Marines impulsively while home from college.

    She then explains how Marine Corps boot camp produced significant, positive changes in her son, how much he loved being a Marine, and how she stayed in touch with Bradley while he was deployed to Iraq.

    We'll also hear Kathleen's detailed recollection of the day she found out Bradley was killed, receiving his body as it returned to the U.S., and the incredible bond she formed with the surviving members of Alpha Company, 1/8 Marines. It was forged at Bradley's memorial service and has strengthened exponentially over the past 20 years.

    Kathleen speaks very openly about her struggles following Bradley's death, the powerful moments that proved she was healing, and her desire to help the men of Alpha Company heal as well.

    As we honor those who gave their lives for our nation on Memorial Day and every day, Kathleen Faircloth's candor, humor, and tears will give you a powerful glimpse into those who put their ilves on the line for our nation and the powerful legacy they leave behind.
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    36 mins
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amazing that you do this thank you sir!
incredible to listen to all of the stories from all of these amazing people!

Preserving the memory

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