Key Battles of American History
War has played a key role in the history of the United States from the nation’s founding right down to the present. Wars made the U.S. independent, kept it together, increased its size, and established it as a global superpower. Understanding America’s wars is essential for understanding American history. In the Key Battles of American History, host James Early discusses American history through the lens of the most important battles of America’s wars. James is an Adjunct Professor of History at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, TX.
Episodes
Guadalcanal's Longest Fight with Dave Holland
In this episode, James welcomes back Dave Holland, a U. S. Marine veteran and independent scholar who has spent much of his life studying the Guadalcanal Campaign of the Second World War, including several years walking the battlefields themselves. In his new book Guadalcanal's Longest Fight, Dave provides in-depth accounts of the oft-forgotten but critical Battles of the Matanikau
Soldier of the South with Edward Hagerty
In this episode, James interviews historian Edward Hagerty about his new book Soldier of the South: Lieutenant General Richard H. Anderson at War and Peace. Richard Anderson was one of the highest-ranking generals in the Confederate Army, but he is little known today. Despite this relative anonymity, Anderson's life and career are fascinating and merit a retelling. In this interview, Hag
Japanese War Atrocities with Jenny Chan
In this episode of Key Battles of American History, James speaks with Jenny Chan, director of Pacific Atrocities Education, about the often-overlooked human dimension of the Pacific War. We explore how events like the Nanjing Massacre, the Bataan Death March, and atrocities in the Philippines and Okinawa complicate traditional narratives of American military victory by highlighting their humanitar
GW24: Epilogue to the Great War
In this episode, Sean and James tell about the postwar lives and careers of the major political and military leaders on all sides of the Great War.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GW23: The Legacy of the Great War
In this episode, Sean and James examine the far-reaching legacy of the First World War, from its devastating human cost and psychological impact to the profound economic, political, and geographic changes it unleashed. They explore how the war reshaped nations and empires, altered the role of government and ideology, and set the conditions for continued violence, revolution, and instability across
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2022 film adaptation of the classic novel All Quiet on the Western Front. The film depicts the Great War through the experience of a young German soldier on the Western Front, charting his rapid disillusionment as patriotic fervor gives way to mechanized slaughter. The film juxtaposes brutal front-line combat with detached armistice negotiations, u
GW22: The Paris Peace Settlement
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the Paris Peace Settlement and the series of treaties that formally ended the First World War. They explore the goals and clashing priorities of the “Big Four” leaders, the key terms of the Treaty of Versailles, and the dramatic territorial, military, and economic consequences imposed on the defeated powers. The discussion also covers the lesser-
The Lost Battalion (ENCORE)
James and Sean discuss the 2001 made-for-television movie The Lost Battalion, in which an American battalion becomes isolated and surrounded by German forces during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of 1918.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GW21: The Hundred Days’ Offensives and the End of the War
In this episode, Sean and James return to the Western Front to examine the Hundred Days’ Offensives—the relentless Allied campaign that finally broke the German Army in 1918. From the stunning combined-arms victory at Amiens to the grinding battles against the Hindenburg Line and the massive American-led offensives at St. Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne, the episode traces how coordinated
Lawrence of Arabia (ENCORE)
James and Sean discuss the epic, multi award-winning 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia, based on British Colonel T. E. Lawrence’s autobiographical book The Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Lawrence assists a group of Arab tribesmen in their effort to break free of Ottoman rule.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GW20: The 1918 Middle Eastern Campaigns
In this episode, Sean and James examine the dramatic final campaigns of World War I in the Caucasus, the Balkans, and Italy before turning to the decisive 1918 Allied offensive in the Middle East. They focus on General Edmund Allenby’s brilliantly executed victory at the Battle of Megiddo, where British, Indian, Australian, and Arab forces shattered the Ottoman armies. The discussion explore
Journey’s End
In this episode, Sean and James review the 2017 film Journey’s End, a claustrophobic World War I drama set in a British dugout on the Western Front in 1918. There a small group of officers await an expected German offensive. As the days drag on, mounting tension, exhaustion, and trauma—especially in the shell-shocked Captain Stanhope—expose the psychological toll of prolonged tre
GW19: The German Spring Offenses of 1918
This episode examines Germany’s final bid for victory in 1918: the massive Spring Offensives that aimed to break the Allied line before American manpower could tip the balance. Sean and James trace the dramatic sequence of operations—from the initial breakthrough of Operation Michael to the far-reaching assaults on the Lys, the Aisne, and finally the Marne—showing how early Germa
GW18: The Battle of Cambrai
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the final events of 1917 in Europe. They begin with the Eastern Front’s collapse before the Bolshevik Revolution, then turn to the Western Front to discuss the bold British offensive at Cambrai—the first large-scale test of tanks as a weapon of war. Your lovable hosts dive into Cambrai’s dramatic breakthroughs, German counterattacks, and th
Sergeant York (ENCORE)
James and Sean discuss the classic 1941 film Sergeant York, which tells the fascinating story of Alvin York, one of the most decorated American soldiers of the First World War.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GW17: America Enters the War
In this episode, Sean and James trace America’s complex journey from neutrality to full-fledged participation in World War I. They explore Woodrow Wilson’s background and early reluctance to enter the conflict, the diplomatic and military crises that shifted American public opinion, and the nation’s rapid mobilization once war was declared. The hosts also examine how propaganda,
Beneath Hill 60 (ENCORE)
James and Sean discuss the 2010 Australian film Beneath Hill 60, which tells the fascinating story of an Australian tunneling company trying to undermine the German position at the Ypres Salient in the Western Front.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GW16: The Third Ypres Campaign
In this episode, Sean and James examine the brutal 1917 campaign at Third Ypres, better known as Passchendaele, which was one of the most infamous battles of World War I. They trace the strategic aims behind Haig’s offensive, the early success at Messines, and the grinding advance that followed as rain, mud, and relentless German defenses turned Flanders into a nightmare landscape. The hosts
GW15: The Russian Revolutions of 1917
This episode explores the twin revolutions that upended Russia in 1917 and reshaped the course of World War I. Sean and James trace the collapse of the Romanov dynasty, the rise and failures of the Provisional Government, and the growing power of the soviets amid military disaster and social unrest. They then examine how Lenin and the Bolsheviks overthrew the government in November and imposed a h
War Horse (ENCORE)
James and Sean discuss the 2011 film War Horse, in which a young Englishman struggles to be reunited with his beloved horse, who has been sent to the Western Front and has experienced several trying experiences there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GW14: The Southern Fronts, 1916-17
In this episode, Sean and James turn south and east to explore the lesser-known fronts of World War I in 1916 and 1917. From the brutal mountain battles along the Isonzo River and the Italian disaster at Caporetto to Romania’s ill-fated entry into the war and the stagnant Allied front at Salonika, the hosts trace how the war’s southern theaters shaped the fate of nations. They also exa
Wings
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the oldest film they have reviewed to date. Wings (1927) is a silent epic that follows two young American men from a small town who become fighter pilots in the First World War, tracing their rivalry, friendship, and romantic entanglements as they are transformed by combat. Renowned for its groundbreaking aerial photography and large-scale battle sequences,
GW13: The Air War
In this episode, Sean and James take to the skies to explore the dramatic rise of air combat during World War I. We trace how fragile, open-cockpit reconnaissance planes evolved into deadly fighters and bombers. We also will see how the various combatants introduced aerial tactics, which gave rise to aces like the Red Baron. We will discuss the first large-scale strategic bombing campaigns. We exp
The Trench
In this episode, Sean and James review the 1999 film The Trench. The Trench follows a group of young British soldiers during the tense hours leading up to the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916, focusing on their fears, friendships, and fragile hopes as they wait in the trenches. Rather than depicting large-scale combat, the film emphasizes psychological strain, class divisions, and the
GW12: The Battle of the Somme
In this episode, Sean and James return to the Western Front to examine the Battle of the Somme—the bloodiest and most infamous clash of World War I. They explore the ambitious Allied plan, the disastrous first day that saw nearly 60,000 British casualties, and the grinding months of attrition that followed. Along the way, they discuss the debut of tanks, the shifting German command, and how
GW11: The Brusilov Offensive
This episode presents an overview of the Brusilov Offensive of 1916, Russia’s most successful campaign of World War I. General Alexei Brusilov’s innovative tactics—focused artillery barrages, surprise attacks, and small, specialized assault units—devastated the Austro-Hungarian forces and captured vast territory. But although the offensive caused over a million Central Powe
GW10: The Naval War and the Battle of Jutland
In this episode, Sean and James explore the crucial naval dimension of World War I, where technological innovation and global strategy collided on the high seas. Your lovable hosts examine the early clashes between the Royal Navy and the German High Seas Fleet, the tightening British blockade that slowly strangled Germany’s economy, and the escalating submarine campaign that threatened Brita
Regeneration
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1997 film Regeneration, a powerful drama set in Craiglockhart War Hospital during World War I. We explore how the film portrays the psychological toll of combat through the stories of Siegfried Sassoon, Wilfred Owen, Billy Prior, and the conflicted psychiatrist W.H.R. Rivers. Our discussion examines the movie’s themes of trauma, duty, and the moral
GW9: Verdun
In this episode Sean and James examine the Battle of Verdun, the first of 1916’s colossal offensives and one of the longest and bloodiest battles in world history. They discuss German commander Erich von Falkenhayn’s plan to “bleed France white” by attacking the fortress city of Verdun, and how General Philippe Pétain’s leadership and innovations kept the Frenc
Gallipoli (ENCORE)
James and Sean discuss the 1981 Australian film Gallipoli, which tells the story of a group of Australian young men who are introduced to the horrors of war at the 1915 Battle of Gallipoli.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GW8: Turkey and the Gallipoli Campaign
In this episode, Sean and James turn to the Eastern Mediterranean to examine the Ottoman Empire’s entry into the Great War and the tragic Allied attempt to seize the Dardanelles. We trace how Turkey joined the Central Powers, setting the stage for the Gallipoli Campaign—an ambitious plan to knock the Ottomans out of the war that instead ended in disaster and immense loss of life. The c
Paths of Glory (ENCORE)
James and Sean discuss the classic 1957 anti-war film Paths of Glory, starring Kirk Douglas. In this film, a French colonel tries to save three of his men who are sentenced to be executed for cowardice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GW7: The War Expands (1915)
In this episode, Sean and James explore how World War I spread beyond the Western Front into a truly global conflict. They trace massive campaigns across Eastern Europe, where Germany and Austria-Hungary drove deep into Russian territory, and in the West, where repeated Allied offensives in Artois, Champagne, and Ypres failed to break the stalemate. The episode also covers the fall of Serbia, the
1917 (ENCORE)
James and Sean discuss the award-winning 2019 film 1917, in which two British soldiers are sent on a dangerous mission to save another unit from disaster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GW6: Life in the Trenches
In this episode, Sean and James dive deep into the gritty realities of trench warfare on the Western Front. They explore the evolution of trench design, the brutal conditions soldiers endured — from mud, vermin, and disease to constant shellfire and psychological trauma — and the routines that defined daily life. The episode also highlights the technological shifts that favored defense
They Shall Not Grow Old (ENCORE)
James and Sean discuss the outstanding 2018 Peter Jackson documentary They Shall Not Grow Old, which combines interviews with British World War I veterans with colorized and slowed-down footage from the war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GW5: The Common Soldier
In this episode, Sean and James step away from battles and politics to focus on the daily lives of the ordinary men who fought in World War I. They explore what soldiers from the major powers wore, ate, and carried into battle, as well as the terrifying wounds and diseases that claimed millions of lives. The episode traces dramatic advances in medical care, from battlefield triage and antiseptic s
GW4: The Eastern Front in 1914
While the Western Front quickly descended into trench warfare, the fighting in the East remained highly mobile, spanning vast distances across Eastern Europe. In this episode, Sean and James discuss Austria-Hungary’s failed invasions of Serbia, Russia’s disastrous defeats at Tannenberg and the Masurian Lakes, and the massive but costly Russian victory over Austria at Galicia. Listeners
The Grand Illusion
In this episode, Sean and James explore Jean Renoir’s The Grand Illusion (1937), a World War I masterpiece that examines class, nationalism, and the bonds that form even among enemies. They discuss the film’s unforgettable characters—from working-class Maréchal and aristocratic Boeldieu to the dignified German officer Rauffenstein—and the ways their relationships rev
GW3: The German Onslaught and the Miracle at the Marne
In August 1914, the German army launched an invasion of Belgium as a first step to their planned march through France and capture of Paris. As the Germans swept through Belgium and advanced on the French capital, the Allies made a desperate stand along the Marne River. The resulting “Miracle on the Marne” halted the German advance and ended hopes of a quick war. What followed was the g
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930 - ENCORE)
In this episode, James and special guest Sean McIver discuss the classic 1930 anti-war film All Quiet on the Western Front. Based on the novel of the same name, All Quiet on the Western Front set the standard for all future war movies, especially those which present war in a negative light.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GW2: Descent into War
In this episode, Sean and James explore how Europe’s fragile balance of power unraveled in 1914 — from rival alliances and Balkan tensions to the assassination in Sarajevo that sparked a global catastrophe. Join us as we discuss how in just six weeks, the Great Powers turned a regional crisis into the First World War.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GW1: Europe in 1914
In this kickoff to our new series on The Great War, James and Sean take a sweeping look at the state of Europe in 1914—just before the world changed forever. They explore the continent’s dominant empires, their military might, political tensions, and the fragile balance of power that had kept peace for nearly a century. From rising nationalism and colonial rivalries to the tangled web
The Top Axis WW2 Fighters
In this episode, Sean and James rank the top World War II fighter planes used by the Axis powers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
World War II Chaplains
In this episode, suggested by Early’s Raiders member Mark Porter, James discusses American military chaplains in the Second World War and the many important roles that they fulfilled.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The American Revolution and the Fate of the World with Richard Bell
In this episode, James interviews historian Richard Bell about his book The American Revolution and the Fate of the World. Bell argues that the American Revolution was much more than a fight between Great Britain and 13 of its North American colonies. Instead, Bell asserts, the Revolution was part of a worldwide struggle, influencing the histories of many nations.See omnystudio.com/liste
The Rise of the Kwantung Army with Quin Cho
Ten Years before Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor, a powerful and increasingly autonomous military force had already pushed Japan down the path to war. That force was the Kwantung Army. In this episode, James interviews author Quin Cho about his new book The Rise of the Kwantung Army: Japan's Empire in Manchuria to 1932. In this excellent work, Cho provides in-depth insights i
The Philippines Under American Domination
In this topical episode, written by Sean McIver and commissioned by Early's Raiders Major Alisha-Smith Arthur, James tells the story of the American presence in the Philippines from 1898 to the granting of Philippine independence in 1946.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
VW20: Epilogue to the Vietnam War
In this episode, the last of the Vietnam War series, Sean and James discuss the postwar lives and careers of top American and Vietnamese leaders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Born on the Fourth of July
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1989 film Born on the Fourth of July, directed by Oliver Stone and based on the autobiography of Vietnam War veteran Ron Kovic. Tom Cruise stars as Kovic, a patriotic young man who enlists in the U.S. Marine Corps, only to be paralyzed in combat and deeply disillusioned by the war and its aftermath. The film follows Kovic’s journey from idealistic
VW19: The Legacy of the Vietnam War
In this episode, Sean and James reflect on the long-term consequences of the war for the Vietnamese people, the United States, and the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
90 with Bruce Wasser
In this episode, James interviews author Bruce Jay Wasser about his book 90: A Conscientious Objector’s Journey of Quiet Resistance. In this book, Wasser tells the story of his struggle to gain Conscientious Objector status during the Vietnam War.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Trial of the Chicago Seven
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2020 film The Trial of the Chicago Seven, a historical legal drama written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. Based on true events, the film dramatizes the trial of seven anti–Vietnam War activists charged with conspiracy and inciting riots during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
VW18: The Antiwar Movement
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the complex and multifaceted anti-Vietnam War movement in the United States and around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Hanoi Hilton
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1987 film The Hanoi Hilton, which portrays the harrowing experiences of American prisoners of war held in North Vietnam’s infamous Hoa Lo Prison—nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton"—during the 1960s and 1970s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
VW17: Casualties, POWs and MIAs
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the horrific human costs of the Vietnam War, including the nature and number of casualties on each side, the specific number of people that each side had killed and wounded, and the experience of those who were captured and made prisoners of war. Take back your personal data with Incogni! Use code battles at the link below and get 60% off annual pl
VW16: The Vietnamese Combat Soldier
In this episode, a companion to the previous one, Sean and James discuss the experience of Vietnamese front-line combat troops in the Vietnam War, including members of the North Vietnamese Army, the Viet Cong, and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Good Morning Vietnam
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1987 film Good Morning Vietnam, a war-comedy film starring Robin Williams as Airman First Class Adrian Cronauer, a charismatic and irreverent DJ assigned to the Armed Forces Radio Service in Saigon during the Vietnam War. Set in 1965, the film follows Cronauer as he energizes the troops with his unfiltered humor, rock music, and offbeat broadcasts—
VW15: The American Combat Soldier
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the experience of American front-line combat troops in the Vietnam War, focusing on their background, training, equipment, combat roles, and coping mechanisms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BAT-21
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1988 film BAT-21, which is based on the true story of U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Iceal “Ham” Hambleton, portrayed by Gene Hackman. After his aircraft is shot down behind enemy lines, Hambleton—an expert in electronic warfare with top-secret knowledge—must evade capture by North Vietnamese forces. The film centers on the intense rescu
VW14: The Air War
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the air war over Vietnam and Laos from 1964-1973, including an overview of the major US aircraft used in the war, the major bombing campaigns over North Vietnam, Close Air Support over South Vietnam, Search and Rescue missions, and the key role of helicopters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
VW13: The Naval War in Vietnam
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the crucial but often overlooked role that the U.S. and Allied navies and the U.S. Coast Guard played in the Vietnam War. Your lovable hosts show how naval power shaped strategy, logistics, and combat operations throughout the conflict.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Return to the War with Fred Apgar
In this episode, James interviews Fred Apgar, who served as a pilot during the Vietnam War and participated in several missions over Laos. Fred discusses his book Return to the War, in which he narrates his war service and his decision to return to Laos decades later.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Deer Hunter
This week, Sean and James review the classic 1978 film The Deer Hunter, a powerful war drama that explores the impact of the Vietnam War on a group of working-class friends from a small steel town in Pennsylvania. The story follows three friends—Michael, Nick, and Steven—who are sent to fight in Vietnam, where they endure horrific experiences, including being captured and forced to pla
VW12: The End of the War
In the 1972 presidential election, Richard Nixon defeated antiwar Democrat George McGovern in a landslide, aided by the announcement of a tentative peace deal. However, South Vietnamese President Thieu rejected the agreement, fearing it would lead to Communist domination. Talks broke down, prompting Nixon to launch the intense “Christmas Bombings” (Operation Linebacker II) in December
Apocalypse Now
In this episode Sean and James review the classic 1979 film Apocalypse Now, a surreal and haunting war film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, inspired by Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness. Set during the Vietnam War, the story follows U.S. Army Captain Benjamin Willard, who is sent on a secret mission to travel up the Nung River into Cambodia and assassinate Colonel Walter Kurtz, a o
VW11: The US Tries Again; North Vietnam Pulls Back
In 1971 and 1972, American troop withdrawals accelerated under President Nixon’s Vietnamization policy. The South Vietnamese Army faced its first major test during Operation Lam Son 719 in Laos, which ended in a costly failure and revealed the ARVN’s limitations. Domestically, antiwar sentiment intensified, fueled by the Winter Soldier Investigation, rising drug use and fragging within
Gardens of Stone
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1987 film Gardens of Stone, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Gardens of Stone is a Vietnam War-era drama set far from the battlefield, focusing on the ceremonial soldiers of the U.S. Army’s Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. Rather than depicting combat, Gardens of Stone offers a somber, character-driven meditation on the cost of war and th
VW10: The Race Against Time
In this episode, Sean and James explore President Nixon’s escalating struggle to achieve “peace with honor” through further Vietnamization, secret diplomacy, and expanded military operations. Key topics include the exposure of the My Lai Massacre, the improving yet strained condition of South Vietnam’s military, Henry Kissinger’s failed secret talks, and the controver
Nimitz at War with Craig Symonds
In this episode, James interviews Dr. Craig Symonds, one of the world's leading naval historians and a Professor Emeritus of History at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Symonds has also taught at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, England and the U. S. Naval War College. He is the author of 17 books, including The Battle of Midway, World War II at Sea, and Nimit
Hamburger Hill
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1987 film Hamburger Hill, a war drama based on the real-life Battle of Hamburger Hill during the Vietnam War in May 1969. The film follows a platoon of young American soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division as they endure brutal combat, physical exhaustion, and emotional trauma while attempting to seize a heavily fortified hill (Hill 937) from entrench
VW9: Nixon and Vietnamization
In this episode, Sean and James discuss President Richard Nixon’s early approach to the Vietnam War, highlighting his policy of Vietnamization—gradually shifting combat responsibility to South Vietnamese forces while withdrawing U.S. troops. It examines the fractured 1968 presidential election, Nixon’s political maneuvering, and key military developments like the failed Communist
Full Metal Jacket
In this episode, James and Sean review the classic 1987 Vietnam War film Full Metal Jacket, directed by Stanley Kubrick, and featuring an iconic performance by the late, great, R. Lee Ermey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
VW8: The Tet Offensive
In late January 1968, the NVA and the Viet Cong launched a massive campaign of well-planned and coordinated attacks, hitting targets all up and down South Vietnam. Although the Allied forces fought off the attacks and inflicted thousands of casualties on the attackers, the offensive showed the American public that the war was far from over, and it ultimately led to the end of the Johnson presidenc
Platoon
In this episode, James and Sean review the classic, multiple Oscar-winning 1986 film Platoon, directed by Oliver Stone and based on Stone’s own experience as a soldier in the Vietnam War.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
VW7: Failing Strategies and False Optimism
In 1966 and 1967, the U. S. forces in Vietnam increased their activity, launching many search and destroy missions, including Operation Masher/Whitewing and Operation Junction City. But as the US casualty count and the economic cost of the war rapidly increased, opposition to the war within the U. S. also grew. Meanwhile, in late 1967, the North Vietnamese Army began planning a major offensive tha
We Were Soldiers
In this episode, James, Sean and special guest Steve Guerra review the 2002 film We Were Soldiers, written and directed by Randall Wallace and starring Mel Gibson. Based on the book We Were Soldiers Once… and Young (1992) by Lieutenant General Hal Moore and reporter Joseph L. Galloway, We Were Soldiers dramatizes the Battle of Ia Drang on November 14, 1965.See omnystudio.com/listener for pr
VW6: The Americanization of the War
In 1965, the ground war in South Vietnam intensified. In June, the ARVN suffered a disaster at the hands of the Viet Cong in the Battle of Dong Xoai. That same year, U. S. President Lyndon Johnson made the fateful decision to greatly expand American involvement in the war, ordering 150,000 new soldiers and Marines to Vietnam right away and another 150,000 to follow them soon afterward.See omnystud
Rescue Dawn
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2006 film Rescue Dawn, based on the true story of American pilot Dieter Dengler, who was shot down over Laos in 1966 and spent several months in a prison camp before escaping and returning to his unit. As always, your lovable hosts will tell you what the filmmakers got right and what they got wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
VW5: The Gulf of Tonkin Incident and the Entry of American Ground Forces
In August, 1964, three North Vietnamese gunboats attacked an American destroyer. This incident was followed by a perceived (but imaginary) second attack. These attacks, although one was not real, led to the US Congress passing the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which authorized the president to take “all necessary measures to repel armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prev
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