In this veterans oral history, Marine Corps General James Livingston tells the story of his two tours in Vietnam, which included his earning the Medal of Honor. To watch our full interview with Genenal Livingston, go to our website at https://www.americansinwartime.org/explore/voices-of-freedom/john-livingston.
Karl Kabza served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1967 – 68’. He was with VMCJ-1, VMCJ-2 and VMCJ-3 as a flight and intercept officer on EA-6A’s and RF-4B’s.The EA-6A was equipped with advanced electronic countermeasures (ECM) systems, including radar jammers, chaff dispensers, and communication jammers. These systems were used to disrupt enemy radar and communication networks, reducing the effectiveness of North Vietnamese surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and anti-aircraft artillery (AAA).To watch our full interview with Karl, go to our website at https://www.americansinwartime.org/explore/voices-of-freedom/karl-kabza
In today's episode of the Voices of Freedom Podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with Francis Gary Powers Jr. While you might not know him, I'm sure you have heard of his famous father, Francis Gary Powers, the U2 pilot who was shot down while conducting an overflight of the Soviet Union in 1960.Gary Powers Sr. was vilified for many years after the incident with some calling him a traitor. But that could not be further from the truth. His son has dedicated his life to educating others about what really happened on the fateful day in May 1960 as well as bringing attention to those who served during the Cold War, a war that in many respects has been forgotten.To watch our interview with Gary, go to our website at https://www.americansinwartime.org/explore/voices-of-freedom/francis-gary-powers-jr.To find out more about Gary, go to his website at https://garypowers.com/
In this episode of the Voices of Freedom Podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with Rosie the Riveter Mae Krier. Mae worked on B-17 and B-29 bombers during World War II and her story should serve as an inspiration to others to answer the call of their country to serve when needed. For more information about the Americans in Wartime Experience and the Voices of Freedom, go to our website at https://www.americansinwartime.org/
In this episode of the Voices of Freedom Podcast, we have the pleasure of interviewing B-17 co-pilot, John "Lucky" Luckadoo. John served with the famed 100th Bomb Group, also known as the Bloody Hundreth. It's the very same unit featured in the Apple TV mini-series, "Masters of the Air." John's memory is amazing and so is his story. If you ask him how he made it home when so many didn't, he will tell you that he was just damn lucky.
On this episode of the Voices of Freedom Podcast, we talk with Desert Storm Veteran Rebecca Mihalovich. Becky served in the United States Air Force with the Security Police. To watch our interview with Rebecca, or to learn more about the Voices of Freedom, go to our website at https://www.americansinwartime.org/explore/voices-of-freedom/rebecca-mihalovich.
On today's episode of the Voices of Freedom Podcast, we interview Kenneth Schiro. Ken served in the United States Army and participated in Operation Restore Hope, the peacekeeping and humanitarian mission in Somalia in late 1992 and 1993.
On this episode of the Voices of Freedom Podcast, we showcase our interview with Vietnam War Veteran, D R Butler. D R served in the United States Army and flew helicopters as a members of the 229th Aviation Battalion, 1rst Calvary Division. The unit was made famous in the movie, "We Were Soldiers." D R shares the story about telling his father at age 5 that he wanted to be a pilot and his fathers reation to his time serving in Vietnam alongside Col. Hal Moore who was played by Mel Gibson in the movie.
Allan Cors is the founding member of the American in Wartime Experience and currently sits on the board of directors. He is an avid collector of small arms and numerous military vehicle. Everything from Jeeps to Sherman Tanks. Allan talks with us about how he got into collecting small arms and eventually tanks. He gives us the history of the Tank Farm, the origins of the Open House and why he decided to build a museum.
Jim Bourke served during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Navy as a Corpsman. He served 3 tours and received 7 Purple Hearts. He has a tremendous story to include being attached by the enemy at night in a foxhole. He fought with the enemy soldier and eventually killed him with a knife. To watch our interview with Jim, go to our website at https://www.americansinwartime.org/war/jim-bourke/The Voices of Freedom® is a registered trademark of the Americans in Wartime Experience.
In his episode of the Voices of Freedom® Podcast, we interview Army Combat Medic Joseph Saitta. Joe was drafted into the Army and served one tour in Vietnam in 1967. He was assigned to the 502nd Division, 101st Airborne, B Company. He earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart for actions he took under fire near Fire Base Currahee, in the A Shau Valley in Vietnam.
In this interview, we speak with Dorthy Moser. Dorthy was a child living in the United States during World War II and offers her perspectives on what it was like to live during the great war. From Pearl Harbor to Victory Gardens, Dorthy has a keen memory of the events that most of us only read about.
Bryan Clark served during World War II in the United States Army Air Force in the Pacific. During this interview Bryan talks about his memories on hearing about the attack on Pearl Harbor and his time at an air base in the Philippines and on being flown over Hiroshima after the war.
In this episode of the Voices of Freedom Podcast, we talk with World War II veteran Michael Hubiack. Michael served in the United States Army and was part of the first wave to hit the beach as part of the D-Day invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944. He was assigned as an assistant gunner on a 60mm mortar. He was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained on the beach. For more information on the Voices of Freedom or to watch our interview with Michael, visit our website at www.AmericansinWartime.org.
On 14 February 1979, militant Iranian students stormed into the United States embassy in Tehran and took 63 Americans hostage with an additional 3 Americans being seized at the Foreign Ministry. Although 10 of the hostages were freed by the militants, the rest remained for over a year. On 16 April 1980, President Jimmy Carter, after all diplomatic means had failed, approved a military rescue mission. The mission would be code named Operation Eagle Claw.As a member of the United States Navy, John Diacsuk piloted RH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters. On 24 April 1980, he was at the helm of helicopter # 5, call sign Hotel 27 during Operation Eagle Claw.If you'd like to find out more about our project, or to watch our interview with John, check out our website at www.AmericansinWartime.org.
Elibeth Lewis served her country as a member of the United States Army during World War II. She was a surgical nurse and served aboard the hospital ship Emily Weder in both the Atlantic and the Pacific. The ship was named after the first army nurse killed. After the war, Ms. Lewis continued her career as a nurse. She said during this interview that she saw more during the couple of years serving as an army nurse than in the rest of her time as a civilian nurse.Ms. Lewis wants everyone to be grateful to be an American, to be thankful for what we have and to always fight to keep it.To learn more about the Voices of Freedom, or to watch the interview with Elizabeth Lewis, visit our website at https://www.americansinwartime.org/veterans-my-service/voices-of-freedom/
Henry "Rocky" Colavita served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Rocky did 2 tours in Vietnam. His story is very compelling and detailed as he recounts the circumstances surrounding being wounded and being evacuated via helicopter. Rocky was awarded 3 Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart for his service.
Philip Adair is a WWII fighter Ace as well as the recipient of the Silver Star, Legion of Merit and Distinguished Flying Cross. He took on 64 Japaneses aircraft by himself in his P-40 Warhawk on 13 December 1943 as a member of the Burma Banshees.
Chelsea Porterfield served in the United States Army as an MP during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. She would eventually become a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. She became the first female Sergeant of the Guard. In September of 2021, she, along with 2 other female Sentinels, would stand watch over the Tomb as the first ever all female guards on duty. Her accomplishments are impressive and her story is fascinating.
Alfred Big Al" Smith is a veteran of the United States Army and served in Korea. He was a platoon leader, carried a BAR and earned the Silver Star with Valor, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.