The History of WWII Podcast
A biweekly history podcast covering World War II in intimate detail. Host Ray Harris Jr, who has a degree in history from James Madison University, explores the events and people of the war. The podcast is produced and narrated by Harris, who has been obsessed with WWII since childhood.
Episodes
Episode 632-Battle of Savo Island
Adm. Fletcher, nervous about losing more carriers departs Guadalcanal. Not 24 hours later the Japanese attack.
Join Ray Harris Jr. (The History of WW2 Podcast), Tony Lupo, and Ryan Fairfield (The Warrior Next Door Podcast) for a live crossover event to share your personal stories of family or friends who served in WWII.
When: Thursday, July 9th | 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST
Moderator: Shaun Hall
Episode 631-Their First Banzai Charge
The fighting on Gavutu, Tanambogo and Tulagi is intense. The US Marines have air power and naval might to support them, the Japanese have the Banzai attack, which they unleash for the first time. Both sides will bleed to hold these islands.
Join Ray Harris Jr. (The History of WW2 Podcast), Tony Lupo, and Ryan Fairfield (The Warrior Next Door Podcast) for a live crossover event to share your perso
Episode 630-Steve Vesce Interview: Harry Hopkins: One Ordinary Man
Entrepreneur and author Steve Vesce comes on to talk about his book, One Ordinary Man: A Novel Based on the True Story of Harry Hopkins. Mr. Vesce follows Hopkins as he get intertwined in ever larger events, first the Great Depression and then helping to form The Big Three: FDR, Churchill and Stalin.
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Episode 629-Mop Up The Americans
With Marines on Guadalcanal, Adm. Yamamoto orders an overwhelming response. He wants the Americans chased away. Japanese air craft arrive first, but the Wildcat fighters of Enterprise and Saratoga are waiting for them.
Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for ju
Episode 628-Interview w/ Anthony Maras: Director of Pressure
Director, editor and co-writer of the D-Day film Pressure, Anthony Maras shares behind the scenes tidbits and little known gems of the final hours before D-Day was launched.
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Episode 627-Interview with Dave R. Holland
Dave Holland, author of Guadalcanal: The Pivotal Battles of the Matanikau Front, comes on to get us started on Operation Watchtower. Why was Guadalcanal chosen by the U.S. as a starting point to take on the Japanese.
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Episode 626-Operation Watchtower Begins
US Marines land in the Guadalcanal area. The plan is to march up the Solomon Islands. But first they have to survive the coming Japanese counter attack.
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Episode 625-Next Stop: Guadalcanal
With Midway over the U.S. has to decide how to proceed. But the Japanese make the decision for them, by landing on Guadalcanal. But who will get the command, Nimitz or MacArthur?
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Episode 624-The Battle of Midway Comes To An End
The main victory of Midway has been accomplished, but Spruance goes for more. Meanwhile, Japanese sub I 168 stalks the wounded Yorktown.
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Episode 623-And The Hiryu Makes Four
Through a stroke of luck, the Americans find the last enemy carrier. Despite a series of mistakes, the Enterprise and Hornet launch their final attack. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history comi
Episode 622-Yorktown: Abandon Ship
Though hit with 3 bombs the Yorktown seems to have survived. But then comes 10 Kate Torpedo Bombers. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. https://worldwariipodcast.net/members/
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Episode 621-Did Japan Start WWII?
Jake Clapham of Flashback History joins Ray to discuss Japan's 1931 invasion of China, setting off a chain of events that will lead to Pearl Harbor.
Listen on your usual podcast player or watch the video on YouTube
https://worldwariipodcast.net/
https://youtu.be/H0AXg4i_XlI?si=BIVrXCmcXMHO-caN
Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war w
Episode 620: The Hiryu Strikes Back
The Japanese, down 3 carriers, still seeks combat with the Americans. YouTube Live event: https://studio.youtube.com/video/Z1kmrD7qhnM/livestreaming.
June 6, 2026. 7-9pm.
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Episode 619-Flight to Nowhere
While the various aircraft from Enterprise and Yorktown attack Nagumo’s Kido Butai, the majority of the Yorktown’s fly elsewhere, engaging no one. AND, join us on June 6th, from 7 to 9pm to share your family’s WWII Stories. YouTube Live event: https://studio.youtube.com/video/Z1kmrD7qhnM/livestreaming
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Episode 618-Midway: Nagumo's Dilemma
Adm. Nagumo, after his first raid on Midway, has 15 minutes to decide if he should launch another one. But the continuous attacks from Midway and the US carriers take his options away.
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Episode 617-Top 5 Technologies of WWII
The Hosts of The Warrior Next Door Podcast, Ryan Fairfield and Tony Lupo, join me as we discuss the Top 5 technological improvements or discoveries of WWII.
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Episode 616-Midway: First Blood
Adm. Fletcher will have the Yorktown with him as he battles Adm. Nagumo’s 1st Air Fleet. Both sides will make mistakes, but one will make less. Both will lose much.
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Episode 615-Battle of Midway: Prelude
Adm. Yamamoto makes his plans for Midway, but Adm. Nimitz sees the Cherub that sees them and plans accordingly. The Ghosts of the Battle of the Coral Sea will be felt.
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Episode 614-The Lexington is Lost
The Americans lose a carrier, Lady Lex, but the Japanese plan to take Port Moresby is also ruined. Meanwhile, the Japanese Striking Force is to follow and finish off the Yorktown.
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Episode 613-The First Carrier Battle
Both the American and Japanese carrier groups launch air strikes at the other. The outcome will affect the SW Pacific and Australia’s security.
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Episode 612-Death of a Carrier
Though faulty reports, the Americans will claim an impressive victory. Then comes a chance for something greater. Meanwhile the Japanese invasion force is waiting for their carriers to wipe out Fletcher’s Task Force 17.
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Episode 611-Battle of the Coral Sea: First Blood
With imperfect information, both sides strike at the other. Still, Adm. Fletcher’s potential to wreck havoc is greater than the Japanese.
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Episode 610-Fletcher's Tulagi Air Raid
The Japanese opening move at the Battle of the Coral Sea is dealt a blow by Adm. Fletcher and the pilots of the Yorktown.
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Episode 609-Prelude to The Battle of the Coral Sea
Returning to the Pacific Theater, after Pearl Harbor the Japanese run wild. But Adm. Nimitz seeks ways to sting the enemy until the U.S. is ready to bring the fight to the enemy.
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Episode 608-Patton's Slapping Spree
Gen. Patton is now a hero of the War Effort and the American people. But then his temper will limit his usefulness to the American cause.
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Episode 607-The Axis Escapes Sicily
Gen. Patton will order a third amphibious end run, but by now Gen. Truscott’s 3rd division is traveling faster than ever. Meanwhile, being bold the Germans and Italians manage to evacuate most of their men from Sicily.
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Episode 606-Patton's Second End Run
Patton orders a second end run and Bernard’s men end up trapped atop a height. Soon they are running out of ammunition and their phone lines are cut.
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Episode 605-Bruce Henderson Book Interview-Midnight Flyboys
Bruce Henderson comes on to discuss the Bomber Crews that dropped secret agents and supplied to the French Resistance.
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Episode 604-Patton's End Run
The Germans at San Fratello are holding out, so Gen. Patton wants an amphibious landing behind them to trap the enemy. But. Lt. Col. Bernard’s men land in the wrong place.
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Episode 603-One Bloody Advance After Another
American divisions are moving east, but soon the 45th and 1st need to be replaced. They are fatigued and some are committing act unbecoming a US Soldier. Meanwhile, Gen. Patton orders and amphibious end run to speed up the capture of Sicily.
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Episode 602-Victory at Mt. Etna
While the Big Red One pushing east just above the Canadians, the 45th Infantry Division moves east along the north coast road. Italian units are pushed aside, but then comes a line manned by Germans. Four US Army machine gunners were sacrifice themselves.
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Episode 601-Operation Hardgate
The Germans have a plan to stop the Allies from reaching Messina. Problem is, their plans end up in the hands of the Allies.
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Episode 600-First Quebec Conference
With Sicily about to fall, the Germans prepare to evacuate their troops, not so much the Italians. Meanwhile, the Allies discuss what comes next at the First Quebec Conference where someone leaves behind notes to Operation Overlord.
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Episode 599-Mussolini Leaves the Stage, For now
Monty’s plan to swing left has failed. Now he wants Patton’s help who still does not trust the British. During this a slight British officer pulls off a miracle. Meanwhile the fighting on Sicily is felt in Rome as Mussolini is voted out of power.
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Episode 598-Monty Can't Keep His Promise
Monty’s 8th Army can’t push on north to Catania, so he has other forces swing to the left. But this 3 prong attack fails as well. Ordering his men to go on the defensive, Monty calls in more troops from North Africa. Meanwhile, Patton is planning his drive east, to Messina.
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Episode 597-Blood on Primosole Bridge
The Durham Light Infantry will lose hundreds of men so the Primosole Bridge can be held. This after the heavy losses of the 1st Parachute Brigade.
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Episode 596-The First Bridge Too Far
One bridge down, one to go for Monty’s 8th Army. But friendly fire will disrupt Operation Fustian before it starts, leaving the British paratroopers trapped by Axis forces.
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Episode 595-3 Commando Bridge: The Fallen
With Palermo taken by the Americans, we turn to Monty’s rush up north. But first bridges had to be secured. One bridge would cost many Allied lives.
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Episode 594-The Truscott Trot
Gen. Patton is free to go after Palermo, but only after telling his superior half truths. Meanwhile, Gen. Omar Bradley has to head north alone, taking on the Germans trying to retreat to Mt. Etna.
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Episode 593-Patton Plans His Revenge
The invasion of Sicily goes well for the Allies. But soon Monty gets greedy, which slows down the offensive and upsets the Americans. Patton doesn’t scream unfair. Instead, he makes plans.
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Episode 592-Friendly Fire Massacre
The imperfect amphibious landings by the Allies is matched by the imperfect defense of the Axis forces on Sicily. With the Allies firmly onshore, the Axis change their defensive plans. But the American’s success is marred by a horrendous friendly fire accident.
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Episode 591-Jack El-Hai Interview: The Nazi and the Psychiatrist
Writer Jack El-Hai's book is now a major motion picture staring Russel Crowe and Rami Malek. Hermann Goring is captured and questioned by Dr. Douglas M Kelley who discovers that what happened in 1930's Germany can happen anywhere.
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Episode 590-The American Landings on Sicily
The Americans come ashore at three locations. Suffering relatively few deaths from Axis hands, the weather and waves were a different story. Either way, elements of Gen. Patton’s 7th Army are on Sicily. Producer Credit-Kath Hach.
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Episode 589:The Return of Paddy Mayne
In between the Allied air attacks and the invasion forces of Operation Husky, special forces come ashore. And one group is the SRS, formerly, David Sterling’s SAS, the Special Air Service. But now in charge is Maj. Paddy Mayne, The Irish Lion.
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Episode 588-Operation Ladbroke
Before the main assault of Operation Husky, airborne troops need to take key positions. But the first night time glider operations will not go well. Hundreds die before the fighting can start.
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Episode 587: Operation Husky Could Have Been Huskier
The planning for Operation Husky was anything but smooth and comprehensive. Everyone had a dog in this fight, but in the end, Monty won. Meanwhile, Mussolini is tempted to pull out of the war.
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Episode 586-Operation Corkscrew
After the Allies decide that Sicily is the next target, first the smaller islands nearby have to be taken. Thus Operation Corkscrew begins. Meanwhile, there are those in Italy who are thinking, perhaps the time has come to talk to the Allies. And thanks to WWII Podcast Producer- Adam Dach.
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Episode 585-Kasserine Pass: Humiliating Defeat or Strategic Victory?
The Battle at Kasserine Pass is remembered as an American failure. Perhaps, but not a defeat. The Allies still held the ground and had learned much about modern warfare. Which was the point of fighting in North Africa first.
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Episode 584-The Tunisian Thermopylae
Bizerte and Tunis have surrendered, but several German and Italian armies are still hiding in Tunisia. The British make sure the enemy does not retreat within the Cap Bon Peninsula, while the Americans start to rebuild Bizerte.
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Episode 583-We Are The Masters Of The North African Shore
With the Americans and French in the north and the British in the south, the last holdouts of Axis forces in Tunisia are pushed against the wall of Tunisia. Yet American mistakes and British caution will cause a few more casualties before the fighting is over.
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Episode 582-Who Shall Have The Honor?
The last battle of North Africa approaches. Problem is, everyone wants to command this battle. But the Germans aren't finished yet. Just 48 hours before Operation Strike starts, a shipment of ammunition and fuel reaches the various panzer divisions.
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Episode 581-WWII Veteran Interviews from The Warrior Next Door Podcast
Hosts Tony Lupo and Ryan Fairfield join me as share interview clips from two veterans. A young man who saw the atrocities first hand and a pilot who flew with Chuck Yeager.
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Episode 580-Battle of Hill 609
The 2nd US Corps had its own large assignment, to drive east just under the northern coast. But Hill 609 dominates the area and German guns at its summit are targeting everything in reach, including Gen. Allen’s Big Red One. Alternate title, American Honor Is Restored.
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Episode 579-Battle of Longstop Hill
Before the last two port cities can be taken from the Axis, Longstop Hill has to be recovered. And here, the Germans are ready with heavy mortar teams and machine gun nests.
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Episode 578-Operation Oration
The final battle is coming, but first Monty and Von Arnim will try for spoiling attacks. Neither get far, thus it comes down to Operation Vulcan.
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Episode 577-Operation Flax & the Palm Sunday Massacre
Before finishing off the Axis forces in North Eastern Tunisia, Gen. Alexander wants them starved of ammunition and petrol. Thus Operation Flax is created. The land/air bridge between Sicily and Tunisia is to be severed.
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Episode 576-The Axis Africa Corps Is Bottled Up
The Axis forces in southern Tunisia retreat, the Allies follow. But miscommunication and American failures threaten Anglo-American relations, again.
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Episode 575-Operation Supercharge
The Allied attack through the Tebaga Pass gets underway. It starts well until the sand storms come. Meanwhile, Patton’s attack starts out well, until the American tanks run into a minefield. All this causes arguments amongst the Allied High Command.
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Episode 574-The First British Blitzkrieg
With the Mareth Line battle still uncertain and Freyberg’s left flank attack still pending, Gen. Patton is called on again to attack. But the 10th Panzer Division comes at Patton’s 1st US Infantry Division. The Americans are about to be tested again.
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Episode 573-Cursed By The Rains Of Tunisia
The Battle of the Mareth Line begins. It starts out well, but then rain and a bad decision by the British give the Axis enough time to react. Meanwhile, Patton’s tanks push closer towards the coast, hoping to relieve Monty.
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Episode 572-David Nasaw Interview: The Wounded Generation
Prof. David Nasaw comes on to discuss his book, The Wounded Generation: Coming Home After WWII. The GI Bill was the least Washington could do for the returning GIs, not that they were all treated equally. Mr. Nasaw brings stories and lessons that should not be forgotten. Book release-10/14/25.
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Episode 571-Patton Is Now In Command
The Allied forces in Tunisia, now designated the 18th Army gets a new leader, Harold Alexander. He wants training and new leadership. So on his way from Casablanca is Gen. Patton. Meanwhile, Rommel is out as the North African Axis Commander.
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Episode 570-Rommel's Last Offensive
Rommel needs a spoiling attack against Monty. His attack plan is not great, but Monty’s defense plan is.
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Episode 569-The Germans Take Kasserine Pass
Rome orders a new attack plan. Rommel tries to carry it out, but the Allied forces stop him. Still, the Axis take control of the Kasserine Pass.
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Episode 568-American Mistakes, American Blood
After some infighting, the Germans launch their attack. The Americans are completely unprepared and the 2nd US Corps is whittled down to size. Now, the Kasserine Pass is open.
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Episode 567-The Axis Top 5 Mistakes
Ryan Fairfield and Tony Lupo from The Warrior Next Door Podcast returns to the show as we each give our Top 5 reasons why the Axis lost the war.
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Episode 566-Thou Shalt Not Pass
Now that the fighting in Northern Tunisia is on hold, the mountain passes in the southern half are the focus of both sides. And whoever controls the mountain passes has the advantages. Meanwhile, Rommel now retreats into Tunisian territory.
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Episode 565-The French Save The Allies
The Germans attack before the Allies can start up again. Then the rains come in earnest. Tunis is safe for now, but Rommel in the south is losing against Monty and his own Allies.
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Episode 564-Round Two Goes To The Germans
The German 10th Panzer Division attacks the Allied forces threatening Tunis. Falling for an old trick, the Allies are carved up and pushed back, thus Tunis is safe. Meanwhile, the Axis forces in Tunisia are getting reinforcements and a new commander.
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Episode 563- Round One Goes To The Germans
The Allies come at the Tunisian ports in 3 columns. Two of them are stopped cold and that’s enough to bring the entire offensive to a halt. The Western Allies need more of everything before they can continue.
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Episode 562-The Race For Tunis
Vichy France has joined the Allies, but the Germans are moving more men into Tunisia by the day. Battle is coming as both sides need the port city of Tunis.
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Episode 561-French Honor/German Betrayal
Casablanca finally falls to Gen. Patton’s forces. In reaction, the Germans send reinforcements to Tunisia and occupy the rest of France.
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Episode 560-Rock the Kasbah!
The GI's comes ashore, but not where they’re supposed to. Still, order is formed and the attack commences. As for reaching the vital airport 5 miles in, the Americans have a French Ace up their sleeve.
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Episode 559-The French Navy Fights Back
Casablanca’s French vessels focus on destroying U.S. landing craft. Meanwhile, Gen. Patton’s tanks come ashore at Safi.
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Episode 558-Of All the Gin Joints In the World
The Americans come at Casablanca. But waiting for them are impressive batteries, submarines and the battleship Jean Bart. And for all the work the US State Department had done, Vichy will not submit quietly.
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Episode 557-French Pride vs American Resolve
The Allied Center Task Force has its work cut out in trying to take Oran and the surrounding airfields. Surprise French attacks from the south and east wreck Allied plans and the timetable.
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Episode 556-The Americans Have Landed
Though far from perfect, the Western Allies make landfall with their Eastern and Central Task Forces in North Africa. Shots are exchanged, planes are downed, ships sunk and men fall.
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Episode 555-Allied Blood on French Soil
The Western Allies had landed in North Africa, but two diversionary attacks go horribly wrong. The Americas have their first significant casualties of the war. Operation Torch has a rough start.
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Episode 554-Operation Torch: At Last We Are On Our Way
Operation Torch, though a rushed affair, carried the hopes of Washington and London and all of Europe. After much wrangling, the details come together and the date is set, November 8, 1942.
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Episode 553-The Western Desert Campaign Comes to an End
Though suffering heavy losses, Monty continues to attack Rommel. Both sides were bled, but this was something Rommel could not afford. The great race back west was on.
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