Key Battles of American History

In this episode, Evan and James take a quick break from the military narrative to discuss the management of the war by President Harry Truman and his top advisors.  Your faithful cohosts also discuss the growing rift between Truman and MacArthur, a renewed Chinese military offensive, an Allied counteroffensive, and a couple of major changes in command.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another classic Korean War film directed by Samuel Fuller, Fixed Bayonets! (1951) takes place In the first winter of the Korean War, during the Chinese intervention. A 48-man platoon is left to defend a choke point while covering the withdrawal of their division over an exposed bridge. Join Sean and James as they review this gripping film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In late November, 1950, the Allied Eighth Army resumed their march northward to the Yalu River. To their great surprise, both units were ambushed by large Chinese forces who inflicted great casualties on the Allies and forced them to retreat southward. Join Evan and James as they discuss the epic battles of the Chongchon River and the Chosin Reservoir, plus the legendary march to the sea and evacuation of the Tenth Corps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1952 film Retreat, Hell!, which presents a sweeping overview of the legendary First Marine Division’s actions in the Korean War, from training camp, to the Inchon landing, to their battles with Chinese forces in North Korea, and finally to their eventual evacuation. Get ready to join in a rousing chorus of the Marine Corps Hymn with Sean and James as they review this fun flick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The successful Allied capture of Inchon and Seoul, together with the Eighth Army’s breakout from the Pusan Perimeter, forced the North Korean army to rapidly retreat northward and brought the Allied forces to the 38th Parallel. Now, General MacArthur was faced with a decision…should the Allies dig in and consolidate their gains, daring the North Koreans to attack them? Or should they advance further to the north and take control of all Korea? In this episode, Evan and James discuss MacArthur’s fateful decision to…well, listen, and you will find out! Retreat, Hell! In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1952 film Retreat, Hell!, which presents a sweeping overview of the legendary First Marine Division’s actions in the Korean War, from training camp, to the Inchon landing, to their battles with Chinese forces in North Korea, and finally to their eventual evacuation. Get ready to join in a rousing chorus of the Marine Corps Hymn with Sean and James as they review this fun flick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On September 14–15, 1950, a battalion of student volunteer soldiers led by Republic of Korea Army officers staged a small diversionary operation at Jangsari beach in Yeongdeok, on the east coast of Korea. The purpose of this raid was to distract the North Koreans’ attention from the imminent landing at Inchon, as well as to possibly disrupt North Korean supply lines. Join Sean and James as they discuss the 2019 South Korean film The Battle of Jangsari, which is based on the true story of the battle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soon after the North Korean invasion of the South, Allied Supreme Military Commander General Dougas MacArthur began planning a surprise amphibious assault on the key port city of Inchon, which was more than 100 miles behind North Korean lines. This attack was risky for many reasons, but if it succeeded, MacArthur believed, it would force the North Korean army to retreat back into the North and possibly result in the capture of much of the North Korean army.  Join Evan and James as they discuss the Inchon landing, a crucial battle of the Korean War.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2010 South Korean film 71: Into the Fire. This film is based on a true story of a group of 71 undertrained, underarmed, and outgunned student volunteer soldiers of South Korea during the Korean War, most of whom were killed on August 11, 1950, during the Battle of P'ohang-dong. For 11 hours, they defended the local P'ohang girls' middle school, a strategic point for safeguarding the struggling Nakdong River perimeter, from an attack by overwhelming North Korean forces, including the feared 766th Unit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On June 25, 1950, 150,000 soldiers of the North Korean People’s Army launched an attack across the 38th Parallel into South Korea. They quickly pushed the outnumbered, outgunned, and demoralized South Korean army southward and captured the southern capital Seoul and several other key cities. The United States rushed ground, air and sea forces to the region and set up a perimeter around the key port of Pusan, stopping the North Korean advance….for a while, at least. Join Evan and James as they narrate the exciting opening of the Korean War.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, James brings back his friend and long-time collaborator Sean McIver to kick off a nine-part series on Korean War films. In this first film episode, Sean and James discuss a mostly-forgotten classic: 1951’s The Steel Helmet, directed by Samuel Fuller.  Filmed in just ten days on a shoestring budget only four months after the war began, The Steel Helmet portrays the Korean War in a grim, hard hitting tale that is excellently told and that deals with uncomfortable topics, including racism and the senselessness of war. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, James and new cohost Evan Muxen (an army veteran and military historian) begin a new series on the Korean War. Evan and James give a brief overview of Korean history through the end of the Second World War and then slow down to focus on developments between 1945 and 1950. You will hear how the splitting of Korea into two halves, one occupied by the Soviet Union and the other by the United States, led to the formation of two rival Korean republics, neither of which was satisfied with controlling only half of Korea.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was President Harry Truman’s decision to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary and justified? In this episode, James is joined by Richard Lim, host of the This American President podcast. James and Richard break down the various factors that figured into Truman’s decision in an attempt to answer this important question.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, James interviews Elizabeth Varon, the Langbourne M. Williams Professor of American History and Associate Director of the John L. Nau III Center for Civil War History at the University of Virginia, about her new book Longstreet: The Confederate General Who Defied the South. One of the Confederate Army’s most talented commanders, Longstreet was called “my old war horse” by Robert E. Lee. But within a few years of the end of the war, Longstreet had become a Republican and fought against many of his former Confederates, thus becoming persona non grata in the South. You’ll find this discussion of what Dr. Varon calls “the most remarkable political about-face in American history” fascinating. Join us!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the Japanese surrender, the Marines return home. Leckie resumes working at the newspaper he worked for before the war. He also starts a relationship with Vera, revealing that he never sent the letters he wrote because he believed he was not going to survive the war. Sledge, Shelton, and Burgin arrive home in the spring of 1946. Sledge is still haunted by the horrors of war, he struggles to adjust despite reassurance from his father and Phillips. Basilone's widow, Lena, visits his parents and gives them his Medal of Honor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, James tells the fascinating history of America’s first Special Forces unit: the Marine Raiders. Formed in 1942, the Raiders played a key role in several Pacific Theater battles, including Guadalcanal, New Georgia, and Bougainville. In 1944, the Raider battalions were disbanded, and their members were reassigned to regular Marine units. Why, you ask? Listen and find out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sledge and the 1st Marine Division land at Okinawa. Cynical and exhausted, Sledge and "Snafu" Shelton show no compassion for the Japanese troops and struggle to lead new replacement Marines fresh out of boot camp. The Marines are horrified to discover Okinawan civilians, including women and children, are being forced to act as human shields. As the battle concludes, the Marines hear of a "new bomb" that "vaporized an entire [Japanese] city in the blink of an eye".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this final episode of our series on the Barbary Wars, we look at the fates of the Barbary States. After 1815, the Barbary States lost their independence, with Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli, and Morocco succumbing to European powers through military defeats and colonization, culminating in French and Spanish protectorates by the 19th century. We also look at how the Barbary Wars placed the United States on a pathway to global naval hegemony.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tired of selling war bonds, Basilone requests a combat assignment and is transferred to the 5th Marine Division where he trains Marines for combat as a gunnery sergeant. He meets and marries Lena Riggi. Basilone lands at Iwo Jima, but is killed in action on the first day. Join Sean and James as they discuss this gut-wrenching episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conclusion of the War of 1812 elevated America's naval reputation and marked the start of the "Era of Good Feelings," a period of national pride. With peace restored, President Madison redirected attention to the Barbary pirates, who had exploited American merchant ships during the war. Furious at the enslavement of American sailors, Madison secured Congressional approval to wage war against Algiers in early 1815. Naval leaders like Stephen Decatur achieved swift victories, leveraging military strength to negotiate treaties that ended tribute payments and secured favorable terms for the U.S. Decatur's diplomacy extended to Tunis and Tripoli, compelling restitution for captured ships and releasing enslaved Europeans, bolstering America’s global standing. The Second Barbary War showcased the growing might of the U.S. Navy, earning respect from European powers and silencing earlier British doubts about American resilience. Celebrations of naval triumphs at home solidified national identity, while the treaties reflected America's emergence as a formidable maritime force.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James continue their discussion and review of The Pacific. In this episode, Sledge and the 5th Marines move into Peleliu's Bloody Nose Ridge to face the Japanese. In the ensuing battle, both Lieutenant "Hillbilly" Jones and Captain Andrew "Ack-Ack" Haldane are killed in the fighting about Hill 140. K company grieves while trying to finish securing the island.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 1807 Treaty with Tripoli ended the First Barbary War, allowing American ships to sail freely in the Mediterranean without tribute payments. This victory spurred national pride, with many Americans viewing the war as a continuation of their revolutionary ideals. However, new challenges emerged in the Atlantic as the Napoleonic Wars intensified, pressuring U.S. trade. Jefferson's attempt to protect American neutrality through an embargo on Britain and France faced domestic resistance and ultimately proved ineffective. Tensions boiled over with the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair, where a British warship attacked the U.S. Chesapeake, pushing the nations closer to conflict. In the Mediterranean, American withdrawals left U.S. ships vulnerable, leading to renewed pirate attacks that forced the U.S. to resume tribute payments. Jefferson's preference for a small, defensive fleet backfired, and America soon found itself unable to protect its Mediterranean interests. By 1812, escalating disputes with Britain led the U.S. to declare war, hoping British preoccupation with France would offer an advantage. American victories, particularly the USS Constitution's successes and the Battle of New Orleans, bolstered U.S. morale. The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812 without territorial gains, but American resilience was solidified, and the British eventually ceased impressing American sailors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sustaining heavy losses and fighting in exceedingly hot conditions with little drinkable water, the Marines move to capture Peleliu's vital airfield. Leckie is wounded by a blast concussion while trying to find a corpsman and a radio. With a face full of shrapnel and limited mobility, he is evacuated and sent to recuperate on a hospital ship. Meanwhile, Sledge and K Company of the 5th Marines prepare to attack the toughest Japanese defensive position on the island. Join Sean and James as they discuss this incredibly intense sixth episode of The Pacific.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 6, we dive into two pivotal battles in the First Barbary War: Tripoli and Derne. It starts with Stephen Decatur's dramatic assault on Tripoli Harbor in August 1804, where he led American gunboats against a larger Tripolitanian fleet, avenging his brother's death in single combat and shelling the city. Commodore Preble's daring attempts to destroy Tripoli's defenses are followed by the tragic loss of the USS Intrepid crew. We then move to William Eaton’s ambitious overland march with a small band of Marines and mercenaries across the Libyan desert to Derne. Facing hunger, mutiny, and harsh terrain, Eaton's force managed to surprise Derne’s defenders, capturing the city in America’s first coordinated land-sea assault. Despite Eaton’s victory, peace talks led by Tobias Lear overshadowed Eaton’s campaign, forcing a strategic withdrawal that left Hamet Karamanli, Eaton’s ally, without power. Eaton returned home as a hero, but haunted by the treaty’s outcome. This episode captures the challenges of America’s first overseas conflict and the complicated peace that followed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss Part 5 of The Pacific, in which Eugene Sledge goes into combat for the first time. Sledge is briefly reunited with Phillips on Pavuvu before Phillips departs to return home to Mobile. Sledge meets Merriell "Snafu" Shelton, R.V. Burgin, Bill Leyden, Gunny Haney, and his company commander Andy Haldane, all of whom will be his companions in the fighting come. Later, the 1st Marine Division lands at Peleliu, where they encounter stiff resistance from the Japanese defenders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The USS Philadelphia, launched in 1799, played a crucial role in early American naval history but was captured by Tripolitan forces in 1803 after running aground near Tripoli during the Barbary Wars. Captain William Bainbridge attempted to prevent its capture by lightening the ship and destroying key materials but was ultimately forced to surrender, leading to his crew’s captivity and increased ransom demands. Commodore Preble responded by planning to destroy the Philadelphia to prevent it from strengthening Tripoli's forces, selecting Lieutenant Stephen Decatur for a daring raid to set the frigate ablaze. Decatur and his crew succeeded in a swift, covert operation that won admiration back in the U.S. and internationally, shifting the balance of the war in America’s favor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Previously limited by a heart murmur, Eugene Sledge enlists in the Marines and trains for combat, while Leckie and the 1st Marine Division are put into action at Cape Gloucester. The relentless rain and jungle environment takes its toll on the Marines. Leckie is treated for nocturnal enuresis caused by combat stress and is hospitalized for a number of weeks. The Marines (including both Sledge and Leckie) arrive on Pavuvu, which serves as a temporary base for the 1st Marine Division. Meanwhile, Basilone continues to promote war bonds in the U. S. but becomes increasingly disenchanted and longs to return to combat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The First Barbary War began in response to decades of harassment of American traders by North African pirates. Before becoming president, Thomas Jefferson faced renewed Barbary pirate attacks, with the Pasha of Tripoli threatening war unless more tribute was paid. Despite being known for his frugality and opposition to a naval buildup, Jefferson deployed a naval squadron, believing military force was cheaper and more effective than paying tribute. In 1801, after the U.S. failed to meet the Pasha’s demands, Tripoli declared war, leading to naval skirmishes, including a decisive early victory by the USS Enterprise. Jefferson's efforts to blockade Tripoli faced setbacks, including the capture of the American frigate Philadelphia and its crew. This loss raised the stakes, with the Pasha demanding an even larger ransom, complicating efforts to resolve the conflict.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 1st Marine Division on Guadalcanal is relieved and arrives in Melbourne, Australia. Battle weary, many Marines go AWOL, engaging in drunken escapades. Leckie falls in love with an Australian girl of Greek descent, who invites him to stay at her parents' home. Not wanting to go through the pain of losing him, Stella breaks up with Leckie and tells him not to return. As a result, Leckie becomes belligerently drunk; when his friend Lew Juergens asks Leckie to relieve him on guard duty so he can urinate, an officer catches him, culminating in Leckie pulling a sidearm and both he and Juergens are punished and demoted. Basilone receives the Medal of Honor for his actions on Guadalcanal and is sent home to sell war bonds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Barbary States (Morocco, Tripoli, Algiers, Tunis) were the greatest thorn in the side of the young American republic after it won independence, preying on trade ships, enslaving American crews, and demanding levels of ransom that consumed much of the federal budget. But why did the Barbary states rely on piracy for economic survival and why couldn't they engage in typical commerce? In the 16th century, the Barbary States transitioned from Mediterranean trade to piracy after Spain's conquests and Ottoman expansion disrupted their economy. Algiers and other North African ports became notorious bases for corsairs, launching raids on European shipping under the protection of the Ottoman Empire. By the early 17th century, piracy became central to their economy, with hundreds of corsair vessels operating from Algerine ports, capturing ships and enslaving crews. However, by the late 1800s, the Barbary States' power had waned due to European naval interventions, reducing their fleets and influence significantly. But they were still a major threat, as the newborn United States was soon to find out. In this episode, James and Scott look at the origins of the Barbary States and understand their perspective in the Barbary Wars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dave and James discuss the second episode of HBO’s The Pacific. This episode deals primarily with the Battle of Henderson Field, especially Sgt. John Basilone’s role in the battle. Basilone and the Seventh Marines land on Guadalcanal to bolster the defenses around Henderson Field. During the Japanese attack on the Marine perimeter, Basilone, attempting to relocate his machine gun to a better position, bare-handedly cradles the hot barrel and severely burns his arms. Despite this, he continues fighting and kills scores of Japanese troops. Later, Basilone is awarded the Medal of Honor for his conduct during the battle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The American Navy was birthed in the Barbary Wars. Sure, there was a token navy in the Revolutionary War, but battles were mostly won in that war by American privateers (or, if you were British, pirates). To understand where the U.S. Navy came from, we need to take a step back and look at the stake of naval warfare in the 18th century. The early American Navy resembled the British Navy in its use of British ship designs, naval tactics, and organizational structures, largely inherited from the colonial period when the colonies relied on British maritime power. Many American naval officers had British training or were influenced by British traditions, such as ship discipline, officer ranks, and the use of frigates for protecting trade routes. However, the U.S. Navy was different in its focus and scale. While the British Navy was a vast global force designed for empire-building and large-scale warfare, the early American Navy was smaller and more focused on defending American merchant ships, often relying on nimble frigates rather than large ships-of-the-line. Additionally, the U.S. Navy operated with a more democratic ethos, as naval officers in America were often more accountable to elected officials, reflecting the values of the new republic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dave and James discuss and review Part 1 of the epic 2010 HBO miniseries The Pacific, which follows the lives and wartime actions of three well-known Marines who served in the Pacific Theater: John Basilone, Robert Leckie, and Eugene Sledge. In Episode 1 of The Pacific, we are introduced to the three main characters and we witness the initial Marine landing on Guadalcanal, the Battle of Alligator Creek, and the Battle of Savo Island.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this new mini-series, Scott Rank is rejoined by James Early (his co-host on many other military history mini-series, covering the Civil War, World War One, and the Revolutionary War) to look at a little-known war that pitted the infant United States against the Barbary States of North Africa. The Barbary Wars were a series of conflicts between the United States and the Barbary States of North Africa (modern-day Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya) from 1801 to 1815, fought over the piracy and tribute demands imposed on American ships. These wars marked the U.S. Navy's first significant overseas military engagements and helped establish American maritime power. We also see the birth of of the U.S. Marines and how they literally fought on the shore of Tripoli.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On August 1 1943, a force of 177 American heavy bombers conducted a strategic bombing mission over the oil fields near Ploesti, Romania to deny petroleum-based fuel to the Axis powers. The operation was one of the costliest for the USAAF in the European Theater, with 53 aircraft and 500 aircrewmen lost. It was proportionally the most costly major Allied air raid of the war, and its date was later referred to as "Black Sunday." Join James as he tells the gripping story of "Operation Tidal Wave" in this special topical episode written by Sean McIver.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this final episode of the series, Jacob and James discuss the legacy of the French and Indian War and the post-war lives and careers of the main leaders on both sides.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the French surrender of Canada, General Jeffrey Amherst began working on consolidating British control of North America. Meanwhile, British naval and ground forces captured Martinique. Spain joined the war, and Britain promptly attacked and captured the key city of Havana, Cuba. Finally, France and Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, bringing peace and many territorial changes in North America. Join Jacob and James as they discuss the final stages of the French and Indian War.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having lost Quebec in 1759, the French tried to retake it in 1760 but failed. Soon afterward, three separate British armies converged on the last major French possession in Canada: Montreal. Meanwhile, in late 1758, conflict between Cherokee warriors and British colonists broke out in the southern colonies. The fighting would last for three years before a long-term peace was established. Join Jacob and James as they discuss the final major campaigns of the war on the North American continent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While British General Prideaux was busy laying siege to Fort Niagara and General Amherst was marching on Fort Carillon, the ambitious and aggressive 32-year-old James Wolfe was preparing an assault on the French fortress town of Quebec. This massive campaign would last three months and would involve nearly 9000 British soldiers and 162 ships attacking an incredibly strong fortress on a bluff nearly 300 feet above the St. Lawrence River. Join Jacob and James as they tell the fascinating story of the British campaign to take the capital city of New France.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1759, the British had launched a highly successful campaign to push the French out of the Ohio Country and into Canada. Influenced by British sugar magnates, William Pitt decided to order a British attack on the major French sugar-producing islands in the Caribbean. The attack on Martinique failed, but the subsequent invasion of Guadeloupe was a huge success. Back in North America, General Jeffrey Amherst attempted to rack up more British victories against the tenacious French forces. Would he succeed? You already know the answer to the question...listen, and you shall find out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By the summer of 1758, the French position in North America was growing increasingly tenuous. The flow of food and other supplies was drying up due to the British naval blockade of North America. There were simply too many British soldiers and not enough French to fight off the various British attacks. Meanwhile, the ambitious British campaign of 1758 continued with a bold strike on the key French supply hub of Fort Frontenac and with a slow but sure attack on that old thorn in the British side, Fort Duquesne.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beginning in 1758, the British war effort would be run by the brilliant and aggressive Member of Parliament William Pitt. Pitt opened up the government’s purse to properly fund the war effort and sent a cadre of new, younger, and more aggressive generals to try and turn the tide in North America. They kicked off the 1758 campaigning season with bold assaults on the key French positions of Louisbourg and Fort Carillon. Would these efforts succeed? Join Jacob and James as they tell you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Jacob and James conclude their discussion of the 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans, concluding the review (as always!) by rating the film on a scale of 0 to 5.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jacob and James discuss the epic 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans, which provides a fictionalized account of the 1757 French siege of Fort William Henry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the French defeat of British forces led by George Washington in 1754 and Edward Braddock in 1755, things did not improve for the British. In 1756 and 1757, French forces captured the British forts Bull, Ontario, Oswego, and WIlliam Henry, while the French navy blocked a British attempt to capture Louisbourg. Meanwhile, in London, the King searched for a leader who could turn the tide in North America. Join Jacob and James as they tell how Britain was driven to the brink of collapse in the New World.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the French refused the young George Washington’s request that they leave the Ohio Country, Washington took a greater force and tried again. It did not go well. The next year, the British sent a still larger force under General Edward Braddock to expel the French by force. Did Braddock succeed? Listen, and Jacob and James will let you know!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By 1754, Great Britain and France had been fighting each other off and on for centuries. In the early seventeenth century, both empires began establishing colonies in North America, and both empires’ presence in the region grew over the next 150 years. As the British colonies looked to expand west and the French pushed south and east, conflict became inevitable. Join Jacob and James as they explore the roots of the French and Indian War.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, James and new cohost Jacob Herr kick off a new series on the French and Indian War. You’ll want to catch every action-packed episode of this narrative of a little-known but crucial war for control of the region that later became the United States of America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James conclude their discussion of the epic 2023 biopic Oppenheimer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, James and Sean discuss the first half of the epic 2023 biopic Oppenheimer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In February 1945, Major Rosenthal's plane is shot down over Berlin; he parachutes into no man's land and is rescued by the Red Army. The Germans evacuate Stalag Luft III, forcing the prisoners to march in freezing conditions; they are taken via train to Nuremberg before being interned at Stalag XIII. Cleven and two other officers escape, and Cleven makes it to Allied lines. Egan and the other prisoners are taken to Stalag VII and are liberated soon after. In Poznań, Major Rosenthal enters Żabikowo prison camp (which replaced Fort VII) where he sees the bodies of prisoners, as well as signs of the earlier Jewish inmates. Majors Cleven, Egan, Rosenthal and Crosby reunite at Thorpe Abbotts; they participate in Operations Manna and Chowhound to supply food to the Dutch population stricken by Hongerwinter. After the German surrender, the 100th departs for home. The series ends with a montage explaining the future lives of its central characters. Join Sean and James as they discuss this epic and heart-warming episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.