War Stories

From the two World Wars, to Korea, Vietnam and today’s conflicts, War Stories reveals the courage and sacrifice of the Americans who serve in our nation’s military.

Latest Episodes:

The New Face Of War In Iraq Jan 03, 2018

Show notes

The long war in Iraq may finally be coming to an end. Our War Stories team was there when it started, and has chronicled how it has been fought ever since. This compelling episode of War Stories was compiled during six lengthy embeds with U.S. forces in the land between the rivers. You are there with the Marines of the 3/2 in "Operation Matador" as they go hunting for terrorists along "rat lines" near the Syrian border. You'll meet Iraqi commandos and security forces and hear in their own words how they perceive the War on Terror. Go inside joint raids in the city of Ramadi where tips from local citizens contributed to the seizures of weapon caches and terrorist propaganda. And we pay tribute to those Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice in Operation Matador so that others may live free.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tet Offensive Jan 03, 2018

Show notes

In this War Stories podcast you are going to hear the story of a U.S. And allied tactical victory and a strategic defeat. It was 1968. Here in the U.S. there were anti-war riots, anti-draft riots, the assasination of Martin Luther King - and even more riots. In Vietnam 500,000 U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines were fighting a war that was broadcast into American living rooms every evening on the nightly news. On 17 January 1968, President Lyndon Baines Johnson delivered his State of the Union address - and reassured Congress and the American people that we were winning the war. Less than 2 weeks later - as the Tet new year celebrations began, the North Vietnamese army and the Vietcong launched a massive surprise assault on more than 100 cities and towns in South Vietnam. The "Tet Offensive" shifted the fighting from the jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam to the streets of Saigon and the imperial city of Hue. The terrible images of dead and wounded seen back home had the effect on America that the North Vietnamese had wanted - despite their own terrible losses. In this gripping War Stories podcast, you'll hear from the eyewitness participants in the bloody battle to re-take the U. S. Embassy; The Marines who weathered the pounding at Khesanh - and those helped pry the city of Hue out of enemy hands.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Real Story Of Hamburger Hill Dec 11, 2017

Show notes

It is one of the Vietnam War's most famous battles. The locals called it "Dong Ap Bia" or "Mountain of the Crouching Beast"; the Americans came to know it as Hamburger Hill. But what do you really know about the fight? Risking serious injury due to unexploded bombs and ordnance, "War Stories Investigates" journeyed to the top of Hamburger Hill. We traveled over 8,000 miles and, in doing so, "War Stories" became the first journalists or camera crew to visit Hamburger Hill since the Vietnam War. This unprecedented expedition will provide you an amazing understanding of what it is was like to do battle on this rain forest-covered mountain. In May of 1969 the famed 101st Airborne Division launched "Operation Apache Snow." The goal was simple: enter the A-Shau Valley, find the enemy and kill them. But, even a good plan never survives first contact with the enemy. From the beginning of the war, the A-Shau's steep, jungle covered slopes and valleys were an enemy stronghold. This American and South Vietnamese assault would be met with stunning force, but not where or how anyone expected. In this fascinating episode of "War Stories" you will meet a Vietnamese veteran who fought with the enemy. Hear him talk about the tactics that worked against America and our weapons he most feared. You will also learn what it was like from American veterans. "War Stories" sat down with over a dozen men who battled for the mountain. Men like Frank Boccia, John Snyder and Ray Walker, all members of Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Regiment of the famed "Screaming Eagles." On May 11, 1969, it was Bravo Company that first encountered the heavily armed and fortified positions of the North Vietnamese Army's 29th Regiment. The days that followed took hundreds of lives and wounded thousands. You need to hear this episode of "War Stories Investigates with Oliver North" if you truly want to understand the battle for Hamburger Hill.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Battle For The Frozen Chosin Dec 11, 2017

Show notes

It's been called The Forgotten War. Many in this country remember Korea as the setting for the film and television comedy series M.A.S.H. But for the 18 million who fought there, there was nothing funny about it. In this podcast, we bring you the story of the battle of the Chosin Reservoir - The Frozen Chosin - one of the coldest battles since Napoleon set foot in Russia. This is a story of exceptional bravery and courage above and beyond the call of duty. An epic tale of endurance and perseverance, not just by a small handful of troops, but by the thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, including some British commandos. These are the people who made up the X Corps in Korea during that terrible winter of 1950. Join us for the unforgettable story of true heroism as War Stories brings you The Battle for the Frozen Chosin.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A War Stories Salute To The USO Dec 11, 2017

Show notes

In this special edition of "War Stories with Oliver North," come along for an insider's tour of the historic USO (United Service Organizations). Oliver North travels from Hollywood to Washington D.C. to the battle zones inside Iraq to bring you the USO in action. Up close and in person, you'll hear stories from entertainers of all eras who have traveled to these dangerous areas for more than 60 years to give service and smiles to our troops. North talks with Hollywood icons and musical legends such as Mickey Rooney, Johnny Grant, Connie Stevens, Ann-Margret, Wayne Newton, Bo Derek and Bob Hope's son, Tony. They share their recollections of performing from steamy islands in the South Pacific to the jungles of Vietnam, to bases all over the world. Plus, acclaimed actor Gary Sinese sits down with North to share his pride in working with the USO since being inspired by the events of September 11, 2001. Then, hear how rocker Joan Jett tells of her dedication to performing for the troops in places that "aren't cushy." The USO was formed in 1941 at the request of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to support the rapidly growing number of troops. A private, non-profit organization, the USO would provide many services, from organizing dances to building the USO centers that have become the soldier's "home away from home." Finally, you'll find out how the USO has survived some lean times, including being temporarily disbanded in the late 1940s. In the years that followed, the need for the USO never again waned. The services the USO provides have brought much needed support to our military men and women for over six decades.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Desert War Nov 15, 2017

Show notes

The North African desert... Its mysteries have made it a land of intrigue and espionage and armies have fought over it almost since time began. In November 1942 American and British troops landed on its shores to begin the first offensive against the axis powers. Three months later, in February 1943, American troops first encountered Hitler's Panzer divisions in a bloody battle at Kasserine Pass. These were battles fought in the barren trackless terrain of North Africa, where inexperienced leaders and raw American soldiers, some just weeks out of recruit training saw the horror of war for the first time. In this exciting episode of "War Stories with Oliver North," you'll hear the stories of five army soldiers who survived their first time under fire against a combat-hardened German army, led by Erwin Rommel -- "the desert fox." From this bloody first offensive against Hitler emerged a battle-tested American army. The skills they honed in 1942 and 1943 in the north African desert are still used today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fighting ISIS in the Battle for Mosul Nov 10, 2017

Show notes

After two years of Operation Inherent Resolve, ISIS still holds Mosul, Iraq's second largest city--terrorizing, murdering and enslaving its 1.5 million citizens into the hell of the Islamic State. Lt. Col. Oliver North and the "War Stories" team travel to the frontlines inside Iraq to see how the battle is being fought against a barbaric enemy. "War Stories" embeds with the Peshmerga--the Kurdish fierce fighting forces--who have had the most success fighting ISIS in Iraq. Cameras are rolling when we take you inside a gun battle with ISIS that rages on the outskirts of Mosul as citizens flee the city. And see the humanitarian efforts as NGOs or non-governmental organizations hand out much needed food and water to the refugees under siege. We take you to the trenches in the Iraqi independent province of Kurdistan where they have literally dug into the ground to keep ISIS fighters from moving in. You'll also hear the stories from the victims of ISIS rescued from Mosul. In addition, this FOX News special explores the challenges facing the new administration after President Elect Donald J. Trump is sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. Is the Battle for Mosul and liberating Iraq from this ISIS stronghold also setting the stage for new borders---perhaps a new country---Kurdistan? This "War Stories" special marks the 102nd episode of this acclaimed FOX News series.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Remarkable Life And Mysterious Death of General Patton Nov 10, 2017

Show notes

Gen. George S. Patton was one of the most fascinating military figures to dominate the last century. Quite simply, he was a genius for war. But at 11:45 on the morning of December 9, 1945, Gen. Patton was en route to a pheasant hunt near Mannheim, Germany, when his Cadillac staff car suddenly collided with a two-and-a-half ton U.S. Army truck. Twelve days later, the four-star general -- who had triumphed against Hitler's best from North Africa to Europe -- was dead. The Army concluded it was merely a traffic accident, but others believe it was an assassination attempt. On VE Day May 8, 1945, American GIs were ready to return home. But George Patton wanted to keep fighting. The always-outspoken general was vocal about who his new enemy was: the Russians. Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower disagreed, and so did many others in Washington. In this episode of "War Stories Investigates with Oliver North," we'll explore the rumors, myths and conspiracy theories surrounding Patton's mysterious accident and death. We will also explore the highlights of his military career with members of his family. Patton had planned to leave Germany and return home and retire. Strangely, he was the only one injured in the crash. The official Army accident report is still missing. You'll hear a firsthand account from Patton's driver that day, PFC Horace Woodring. You'll also hear from military author Robert Wilcox, who claims that the accident was staged by American and Russian intelligence and says he knows who killed Patton. And meet nurse Lt. Bertha Hole who cared for him during his final days. Finally, Patton's grandchildren speak out and share intimate details about their grandfather's life and death.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Confrontation In Cuba Oct 10, 2017

Show notes

The beautiful island of Cuba, once a hotspot for American tourists in the 1940's and 1950's, is now an oppressed nation of 11 million people governed by a ruthless communist dictator. In this gripping episode of "War Stories with Oliver North," you'll see how Fidel Castro brought a country together with promises and hope, and then tore it apart in one swift grab for power. You'll witness how Castro committed this ultimate betrayal through a campaign of murder, mayhem and lies to his fellow countrymen. Learn how as a Catholic schoolboy, who once wrote letters to President Roosevelt, Castro rose to command an army of idealistic revolutionaries to overthrow Fulgencio Batista. You'll bear witness to Castro's 1959 victorious entrance into the city of Havana from the man who rode alongside him. In a rare firsthand account, Oliver North interviews Huber Matos, one of Castro's most trusted commanders. Matos was betrayed, tortured and jailed by Castro for 20 years. You will meet the brave men who fought for the freedom of Cuba only to be abandoned at the last minute by President John F. Kennedy in the debacle known as the Bay of Pigs. You'll go inside the ensuing Cuban Missile crisis and see how a nuclear holocaust was narrowly avoided between America and the Soviet Union. From the pilot himself, you will hear him retrace the mission of a U-2 spy plane that provided the proof the world needed that ballistic missiles were aimed at the United States. And you'll hear from the ordinary Cuban citizens who fled from their beloved homeland in search of freedom. This is the story of a people who have struggled, fought, and continues to hope for the inevitable day when Cuba will be free again.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Life And Times Of Lyndon Baines Johnson Oct 10, 2017

Show notes

When Vice president Lyndon Baines Johnson accompanied President John F. Kennedy to Dallas in November of 1963, Johnson's long political career seemed to be over. With rumors abounding that Kennedy was going to drop him from the ticket in the upcoming 1964 election, Johnson had resigned himself to returning to a quiet life on his Texas ranch. Then an assassin's bullet forever changed Lyndon Johnson's political fortune. In this special biography episode of "War Stories with Oliver North," you'll see how a former Texas school teacher made a rapid ascent through the ranks in Washington to become a political powerhouse. Lady Bird Johnson's home movies will give you a behind-the-scenes look at three decades of her husband's life. Former speech writer Harry Mcpherson reflects on how Johnson pushed sweeping civil rights reforms and dramatically expanded federal social programs through a reluctant congress. And you'll hear how LBJ got what he wanted by using the legendary "Johnson treatment." Johnson's gradual escalation of the war in Vietnam divided the country, overshadowed his domestic policies and forever tainted his administration's accomplishments. Racial violence, political assassinations and growing opposition to the war made the 1960's one of the most tumultuous decades in our nation's history. Former secretary of health, education and welfare Joseph Califano recalls how the weight of trying to lead our country through the chaos took a terrible toll on the man who envisioned America as the "great society," and gives you the inside story on the night LBJ went on national television and shocked the nation.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

War Stories

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected